Renowned playwright Rida Bilal has publicly distanced herself from the drama serial Behroopia, saying that the final version shown on TV is completely different from what she originally wrote.

 

According to a media report, Rida raised serious concerns about how her script was changed without her approval.

 

“Nothing in the drama Behroopia is portrayed how I wrote it, from the characters to their tones and dressing,” the report quoted her as saying.

 

Rida explained that the changes were so major that the drama no longer feels like her work. “There is an entire sequence in the drama which replicates the Noor Mukaddam incident, which was not written by me,” she added.

 

“They’ve even removed my name from the project’s credits, which I'm relieved about,” she said.

 

This scene reminded viewers of a real-life tragedy that shocked Pakistan in 2021. 

 

Noor Mukaddam, a 27-year-old daughter of a former Pakistani diplomat, was brutally murdered in a mansion located in Islamabad’s upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20, 2021.

 

According to police investigations, Noor was held hostage for two days, tortured with a knuckleduster, raped, and then beheaded with a knife. The accused, Zahir Jaffer, 27, was arrested from the crime scene and later confessed that he had planned to kill Noor if she rejected his marriage proposal.

 

The case became more disturbing as investigations revealed that Zahir’s household staff and parents were complicit. Noor had reportedly tried to escape multiple times, but the staff did not let her leave. Jaffer's parents and employees were arrested for attempting to hide evidence and prevent her escape.

 

In February 2022, an Islamabad court sentenced Zahir Jaffer to death for Noor’s murder, along with 25 years in prison for kidnapping and other charges. His appeals were rejected by the Islamabad High Court in 2024, and till now his death sentence stands upheld by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, pending final execution. The case has since become a symbol of the fight for justice for women in Pakistan.

 

Her statement has gone viral on social media, and many people have expressed support for her.

 

One user commented, “The topic was great, but dragging tarnished the plot.” 

 

A viewer remarked, “How difficult must it be for her to watch her creation altered beyond recognition to a level that she had to come out and say that she doesn't want any recognition for it… didn't expect this from a Green project.”

 

Others blamed production houses and TV channels for not respecting writers. “So that’s why PTV scripts are so bad these days. The production houses and directors have taken over and changed everything to fit their own style.”

 

Another viewer said they had already stopped watching the drama. “It didn’t make sense and felt like a total khichri of random events.”

 

Fans of Rida Bilal praised her past work and demanded more respect for writers. “She deserves to work with better directors and producers next time. The industry needs to stop treating writers like disposable tools.”

 

Rida Bilal is known for popular dramas like Khudgarz and Aik Jhooti Love Story, with a reputation for strong female characters and meaningful stories.