Love the actor, hate the character? Nameer Khan's rise sparks tough conversation

Model-turned-actor Nameer Khan recently engaged in a conversation with Maliha Rehman on Gloss ETC’s One-on-One, which began as a lighthearted discussion but quickly gained viral attention. When Maliha asked him about the increasing number of his female fans, Nameer chuckled, “A lot, a lot. I enjoy it. Even the demographics of my Instagram have shifted.” He mentioned that while his audience was 80% male during his fashion career, it has transformed to 80 percent female since he transitioned to television. “What else can I expect from the 80 percent,” he humorously asked when questioned about receiving love letters or direct messages.

However, it wasn't just his playful demeanor that drew attention. The timing of the interview coincided with both the success and controversy surrounding his character in Qarz-e-Jaan, in which he portrays a deeply flawed man shaped by patriarchy, estranged from his father, and guilty of horrific actions, including sexual assault.

The contrast between Nameer’s character on-screen and his true self off-screen is intriguing for viewers. While his role represents toxic masculinity domineering, aggressive, and disturbingly possessiveness, Nameer himself appears soft-spoken, articulate, and self-aware in reality.

Fans have taken note of this disparity.

One Reddit user commented, “He is an exceptional performer certainly destined to be a versatile actor. Good-looking, humble, and well-articulated, I enjoyed his recent interview.” Others remarked that he is “well-spoken, unlike his character,” and began to advocate for him to take on leading roles.

Nonetheless, the admiration has also prompted a more serious discussion: are we, once again, idealizing a problematic male character simply because he is portrayed by an attractive actor?

Qarz-e-Jaan does not try to soften its message- it exposes the hypocrisy of a society that allows men to exploit women outside their homes while fiercely guarding their "own." Yet, when fans become enamored with Nameer’s appearance and charm, some fear that the character's brutality may be overlooked amidst the admiration.

Nameer Khan may have just made his mark on television, but he’s already triggering the kind of discussions most actors spend years chasing. And whether audiences are tuning in for his talent or his face, they’re definitely watching.