Veteran Pakistani actress Atiqa Odho has openly declared her admiration for Zahid Ahmed’s character Dil Nawaz in the drama serial Mirza Ki Heer, saying that she would have chosen him over the hero without a second thought.
Odho made the remarks during an episode of the popular Hum TV review show Kya Drama Hai, which she co-hosts alongside Nadia Khan and Marina Khan.
Known for her candid takes on Pakistani dramas, she did not hold back this time either.
“If I were the heroine, I would have run away with Dil Nawaz, because he’s hot, powerful, rich, stylish, rides horses, has a stable, dresses beautifully, and has lovely eyes,” Odho said on the show.
She went on to question the protagonist’s logic. “Honestly, I don’t know what Heer was thinking. She wants to marry that poor guy instead. What is this? Seriously, what is this?”
Odho then tied her reaction to a broader observation about women and decision-making in love. “But actually, this is a big issue with women. You can clearly see it in Heer as well. When someone is deeply in love, they become blind to practicality. After a certain age, you realize that your choices should be more practical.”
The comments quickly made their way to social media, where most viewers appeared to agree with Odho that Zahid Ahmed is delivering a standout performance and is outshining the hero in terms of screen presence.
A smaller group pushed back, arguing that the discussion amounts to glorifying toxic male leads in Pakistani dramas.
Atiqa Odho is one of Pakistan’s most recognized senior actresses, with a career spanning decades and acclaimed roles in dramas such as Humsafar, Nijat, Sitara Aur Mehrunnisa, Besharam, Dasht, Dao, Pyar Kay Sadqay, Kaisi Teri Khudgharzi, and Neeli Kothi, among others.
