Content creator Maryam Raja tied the knot with Hamza Khan, also known as Yakuza Bhai, with wedding visuals shot across the streets of Androon Pindi, the same area she linked to the start of their relationship.
Sharing glimpses from the shoot on Instagram, Maryam captioned one of the posts: “From where it all started to where we became one- Androon Pindi.”
The photos, set against a street grocery shop and narrow lanes, triggered mixed reactions online, with users debating whether the visuals were a personal choice or an example of “romanticising poverty”.
Several users pushed back against the criticism, arguing that the setting reflected everyday life rather than an aesthetic decision.
One user wrote, “I do have a problem with romanticising poverty for aesthetics but that’s not what’s happening here. A street grocery shop and a Quetta hotel in the background — a normal gali in Androon Pindi looks like this. Also, they said their relationship started here, hence the photoshoot.”
Another pointed out that her content has long highlighted the area, stating, “Most of her content has celebrated Androon Rawalpindi from a lens never shown before. Most of us have a chai hotel or a karyana store that is dear to us.” The user added, “Just because you hate where you came from doesn’t mean everyone does.”
Some users dismissed the criticism altogether. “It’s her choice whether she does a photoshoot in a bazaar or in a submarine. People have a problem with everything. It’s her wedding, her choice,” a comment read.
Others linked the shoot to her content style. “A photoshoot in a local bazaar instead of some garden doesn’t glamorise poverty. Her content was about street food and that’s why she did her bridal photoshoot in the bazaar. Stop making everything controversial,” one person remarked.
Supporters also praised the visuals, with one post reading: “I’m obsessed with Maryam Raja and Hamza’s wedding shoot.” Another added, “Maryam Raja’s wedding content is a complete hit.” A separate comment stated, “Her wedding reels are top tier.”
However, not all responses were supportive. Some users said the setting made them uncomfortable. One comment stated, “It’s not about the money these stores make but the aesthetic, which is weird. Some architecture shots look fine, but the shop-based shots feel uncomfortable.” Another wrote, “These poverty-themed shoots always make me uncomfortable.”
Amid the criticism, some netizens defended her background and work, stating, “People calling this cringe should know who she is. Maryam Raja creates historical and cultural content about such areas. And these Quetta hotels and karyana stores actually make a lot of money.”
