Nameer Khan Says ‘Zamil’ Reflects a Mindset That Objectifies Women

KARACHI: Actor Nameer Khan, who plays Zamil in the drama Dar-e-Nijaat, has said his controversial character represents a mindset that exists in real life, highlighting how peer pressure, misogyny and a lack of empathy can lead to harmful behaviour towards women.

Speaking to content creator Bilal Hassan, popularly known as Mystapaki, Khan explained that he had encountered similar attitudes among boys and men while growing up. He said he often questioned how men who had mothers and sisters could objectify women and speak about them disrespectfully.

The discussion comes amid strong public criticism of Zamil’s treatment of Zaryab, played by Durefishan Saleem, in the drama.

Khan said the character was not simply an individual but reflected a broader social attitude. He also agreed with Hassan that men who remain silent when their friends make misogynistic remarks contribute to the problem.

The two discussed how some young men compete with one another by sharing increasingly exaggerated stories about women, seeking approval from their peers without considering the consequences.

Khan warned that such behaviour could cause lasting harm to the women targeted by these actions.

Zamil’s Identity Crisis and Misuse of Faith

Discussing the character’s development, Khan said Zamil’s problems stemmed partly from an identity crisis. According to the actor, getting what he wanted easily left Zamil struggling to understand himself when he faced setbacks.

His difficulties intensified when he failed academically and began viewing Abu Bakar, played by Sheheryar Munawar, as a rival.

Hassan also pointed out that Zamil appeared to treat faith as a competition and used it to blame Zaryab for his own moral failings.

Khan agreed, describing the character’s exploitation of religion in his treatment of Zaryab as deeply troubling. He added that he had encountered people with similar attitudes in real life.

The actor’s comments highlighted the distinction between genuine faith and using religion to justify harmful behaviour or avoid personal responsibility.

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Parenting and Education Can Help Prevent Misogyny

When asked how society could prevent more people from developing a Zamil-like mindset, Khan said the problem often begins during childhood.

He pointed to peer groups where boys objectify women and engage in disrespectful conversations to fit in. Such environments, he suggested, can normalise misogyny unless adults challenge the behaviour.

Khan stressed the importance of responsible parenting and stronger efforts in schools to discourage disrespectful attitudes towards women.

Hassan added that boys should be raised to understand their emotions while also recognising that they must be held accountable for their actions. He said families should address misconduct towards girls and women, including within their own households.

Both speakers emphasised empathy as an essential part of preventing harmful behaviour.

Khan explained that considering how one would feel if a similar incident affected a mother or sister could encourage someone to reconsider a harmful action before carrying it out.

‘Better to Be Boring Than Become Zamil’

The discussion also addressed the social pressure placed on men who refuse to participate in misogynistic conversations.

Khan and Hassan agreed that men who challenge such behaviour may sometimes be labelled boring or excluded by their peers. However, they argued that maintaining personal values and respecting others was more important than gaining social approval.

Their conversation called for greater accountability, emotional awareness and empathy among boys and men, alongside efforts by parents, schools and communities to challenge attitudes that encourage the objectification of women.

Through Zamil, Dar-e-Nijaat has prompted a wider discussion about toxic masculinity, the misuse of faith and the social responsibility to prevent harmful behaviour towards women.