Pakistani actor Ayesha Omar is stepping into a new venture as the host of Lazawal Ishq, a new Urdu-language dating reality show that has quickly ignited conversation and controversy across social media.

 

Inspired by the hit Turkish reality series Aşk Adası, Lazawal Ishq brings the dating competition genre to Urdu-speaking audiences for the very first time.

 

Set against the scenic backdrop of Istanbul’s Bosphorus, the show promises drama, romance and rivalry as eight contestants, four men and four women, live together in a lavish villa, all in search of “eternal love”.

 

In a teaser shared on her Instagram, Omar teased fans with scenic shots from Turkey, including boat rides and glimpses inside the luxurious villa. “Lazawal Ishq shuroo ho raha hai. A reality show about finding eternal love, and the trials and lessons leading up to it,” she captioned the post.

 

The show, set to stream exclusively on YouTube, is expected to run for nearly 100 episodes. Contestants will face emotional and strategic challenges with a winning couple crowned by the finale.

 

The show's format is similar to Western series like Love Island and Too Hot to Handle, and has drawn mixed reactions online. While some fans and industry peers, including actor Azfar Rehman, expressed excitement and support, others criticised the premise and presentation.

 

“Looks gold,” Rehman commented on the teaser. In contrast, dissenting voices labeled it “beghairti [shamelessness]”, questioning its cultural relevance and criticising the contestants’ attire.

 

 

 

 

“Let’s boycott and raise our voice before this begharati starts,” one user wrote. Another remarked, “Who will watch such a show with family?”

 

 

 

Despite the backlash, many viewers see Lazawal Ishq as a bold step forward in diversifying Pakistani entertainment and exploring new formats.