Pakistani actress Durefishan Saleem has addressed the debate surrounding her character Zaryab in the drama Dar-e-Nijaat, particularly questions about whether the character’s emotional recovery suggests that women need a man to heal or move forward.
Taking to Instagram, Durefishan shared a detailed reflection on Zaryab’s journey and explained that she does not believe the drama should be interpreted as a message that women need men to complete them.
The actress said she strongly believes women should understand their worth and be able to find themselves independently. However, she also encouraged viewers to consider the story from different perspectives rather than assuming there is only one correct interpretation.
According to Durefishan, the central issue explored through Zaryab’s story is less about dependence and more about mistakes, forgiveness and redemption.
She pointed out the different expectations often placed on men and women when they make mistakes, suggesting that the drama explores how men may sometimes be given opportunities to seek forgiveness and start again, while women can face longer-lasting judgment for their decisions.
Durefishan also asked viewers to approach fictional characters as complicated human beings rather than judging every decision solely according to conventional ideas of right and wrong.
She explained that audiences do not necessarily have to agree with a character’s choices in order to understand their emotions or empathize with what they experience.
The actress emphasized that human beings are complicated and argued that stories should have room to explore that complexity without every character or decision having to fit into a clearly defined moral framework.
Durefishan Shares Message About Healing
In a separate Instagram Story, Durefishan further highlighted the importance of self-discovery and healing.
She encouraged people to focus on finding themselves again while also suggesting that finding love is not the only measure of emotional fulfillment.
Her comments came after viewers began questioning the direction of Zaryab’s storyline and her relationship with Abu Bakar.
Some viewers interpreted the character’s transition as moving from one man to another, while others viewed Abu Bakar’s presence as part of Zaryab’s broader emotional journey following betrayal and heartbreak.
What Happens to Zaryab in Dar-e-Nijaat?
In Dar-e-Nijaat, Durefishan plays Zaryab, a modern young woman deeply attached to her childhood love, Zamil, portrayed by Nameer Nawaz Khan.
Zaryab’s life changes dramatically after heartbreak and betrayal, forcing her to deal with emotional pain, guilt and the consequences of her past experiences.
She eventually marries Abu Bakar, played by Sheheryar Munawar. His character is portrayed as a grounded engineer who provides stability and emotional support as Zaryab attempts to rebuild her life.
The storyline has led to different interpretations among viewers, particularly regarding whether Abu Bakar represents emotional dependence or becomes part of Zaryab’s journey toward a new phase of her life.
Durefishan’s latest explanation suggests that she wants audiences to look beyond that simplified interpretation.
For the actress, Zaryab’s story also raises broader questions about forgiveness, personal choices, redemption and the different standards applied to men and women.
Rather than presenting the character’s journey as a straightforward lesson about relationships, Durefishan has encouraged viewers to understand the emotional complexity behind Zaryab’s decisions.
Her comments have added another perspective to the ongoing discussion surrounding Dar-e-Nijaat, giving viewers more context about how she understands Zaryab and the themes explored through the character.