A Stand for Values
In a recent conversation, actor and novelist Mira Sethi opened up about her decision to turn down a major role in the drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon. The role of Miss Maria, which was eventually played by Sanam Saeed, was offered to her before it went to another actress. The project also features prominent actors like Humayun Saeed and Sajal Ali.
Sethi admitted that she was “very tempted” to join such a high-profile cast. However, after considering her personal values and her public advocacy for women’s rights, she ultimately declined the offer. She explained that the writer of the show, Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, holds views that she finds “regressive and troubling” regarding women.
“I just thought to myself, if I go on and do this role, despite speaking out so much about feminism – what’s the point?” she said. “The writer says very strange and troubling things about women. And I was very tempted to do the drama.”
Difficult Choices
Despite the visibility and prestige associated with the project, Sethi found her decision challenging. “It was difficult because the role was significant,” she acknowledged. “But principles mattered more than exposure.”
She shared that even some of her “very progressive friends” urged her to take the role quietly, suggesting that declining could limit her future opportunities. “Even some of my very progressive friends told me, ‘Just do it quietly.’ But I said no, I didn’t do it.”
Sethi added that refusing such offers can have professional consequences in a tightly-knit industry, where rejecting powerful figures often means being sidelined. However, she expressed no regrets and emphasized the importance of maintaining coherence between her art and her beliefs. “People understand my voice,” she said. “They know what I represent.”
New Projects and Continued Advocacy
Currently, Sethi is working on a new television project with acclaimed director Mehreen Jabbar, set for release in November 2025. Beyond acting, she has earned acclaim as an author for her book Are You Enjoying?, a short story collection exploring themes of identity, power, gender, and authenticity in contemporary Pakistan.
Her decision to walk away from Main Manto Nahi Hoon underscores her growing reputation not just as an artist but as a thoughtful public intellectual—one unafraid to challenge the entrenched misogyny of the industry she inhabits.
Impact and Influence
Sethi’s actions reflect a broader movement within the entertainment industry, where artists are increasingly using their platforms to advocate for social change. Her refusal to participate in a project led by a writer whose views conflict with her own highlights the importance of aligning one’s professional choices with personal values.
By standing firm in her convictions, Sethi sets an example for others in the industry who may be facing similar dilemmas. Her commitment to women’s rights and gender equality continues to resonate with audiences and fellow professionals alike.
Conclusion
Mira Sethi’s decision to decline the role in Main Manto Nahi Hoon is a testament to her integrity and dedication to her beliefs. It also serves as a reminder of the power that individuals in the entertainment industry hold to influence societal norms and promote positive change. As she moves forward with her new projects, her voice remains a strong and influential force in the ongoing conversation about gender equality and social justice.
