Ahsan Khan, Hira Mani to break gender norms with latest drama serial

Marred by oft-used tropes, monotonous plotlines, excessively long episodes, innumerable misogynistic protagonists, and stereotypical gender roles representation on the small screen, the drama industry of Pakistan and its loyal audience deserve a change. Fortunately, Lollywood actors Ahsan Khan and Hira Mani are here to save the day!

Khan and Mani's upcoming project, Hum Dono, is set to change the course of male representation onscreen.

The mini-series already has its first two teasers released showing a happy family, with Khan and Mani weathering all storms despite the challenges in their marriage. However, the third trailer is the real deal for all those wanting a much-need fresh start in the industry. Hum Dono's plotline is unique, and healthy in all aspects and dimensions.

The Dil Mera Dhadkan Teri actor made sure his character is on the opposite side of the spectrum from typical gender roles. Khan essays a man who is sensitive, soft, and emotional and deals with his relationship problems with love, care and thought. Reflecting how deep-rooted misogyny is an underlying issue for everyone whether onscreen or in real life, the Udaari actor asks, "What do men do? Try their best to dominate women, hurl abuses at them and get angry at them, what kind of relationship is that?"

The teaser then shows a man who seeks joy in making dinner, openly expresses his emotions, and cries while his partner comforts him. Although the character is admired by his family, society shuns him. "When I don't even think like a typical man, why should I act like one?" asks Umar to his wife Mahi, played by Khan and Mani, respectively.

The trailer ends with the question, "Having broken all stereotypes, would society be ready to accept this man?"

While Hum Dono may come off as a strong and overwhelming project, the Rehbra actor suggested otherwise. During a BTS interaction, the 41-year-old star revealed that the mini-series is a lighthearted comedy.

Talking about his role as Umar, the Meray Humnasheen star said, "My character is a decent and educated man, however, his circumstances are very different from an ordinary person. He has a unique relationship with his wife and children. I would say the series is a romantic story with a bit of satirical humor in it too. Overall, it's a really interesting package."

On the other hand, Hira also discussed her role suggesting, "Mahi, my character is an extremely scared person but never voices out her fears to anyone. She keeps all her insecurities and problems inside her heart and pretends in front of the world. In a sense, she is a realistic character that everyone can relate to, just a girl trying to make her life better. However, there is a twist, that at the end of the day, she reveals a secret to everyone which changes everything."

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Hum Dono is slated for a release this year. The project features Hira, Ahsan, Azra Mansoor, Bismah Babar, Faizan Chawla, Taqi Ahmed, Asfar Khan, and Feroza Muhammad.

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