It is often said that you are what you watch, read, and listen to. In this respect, pop culture is an important medium that influences people’s behavior. Hence, when the film Kabir Singh showed the protagonist slapping his girlfriend without any repercussion, it was widely criticised.
However, a Pakistani serial called Laapata recently showed a woman slapping a man after he hit her. According to News18, the male character, Daniyal, is abusive, aggressive, and has anger issues which he tends to project on Falak, his wife. In one scene, he accused Falak of having intimate relations with another man and then slaps her.
Falak then slaps him back and warns him never to dare hit her again. Have a look:
Best scene 🔥🔥#Laapata pic.twitter.com/X02M7iZO4A
— Shahryar Fareed Khan (@FareedShahryar) September 10, 2021
This scene has become quite popular and many people lauded desi TV serials for showing strong women standing up to their abuser.
omg pakistani television showing women who take no sheet from men and know how to take a stand for themselves. this is such a queen behaviour.😭
#Laapata pic.twitter.com/8LSsUTjhnF— s⁷ (@shizaahahaa) September 9, 2021
Not really a fan of dramas but this clip just made my day. Yes Girl, never shut up for any kinda violence. Slap that mf back whoever trynna touch ya. 🙏🏻 https://t.co/VW4Zn7uGru
— 𝕰𝖚𝖕𝖍𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖆 ₇ 💗 (@Bitchwhat2do) September 10, 2021
That's slap from falak proved that a women can do everything for her self respect 👏
Finally see a strong women character onscreen who stands up for herself and she knows her rights.#sarahkhan #Laapata pic.twitter.com/H0MxH6mfLn— 𝐹𝑖𝑧𝑧𝑎♡︎ (@ayezasangel) September 10, 2021
Very coragious act by the lady. Thanks to the Director for this in a Islamic country.
— Paul Naresh (@PaulNaresh1) September 12, 2021
Wonderful act. Every woman needs to learn about taking bold steps for her.
— Huma Siddiqui (@Humasiddiqui555) September 11, 2021
Pakistan drama's has some class 🔥❤️
The way they show up every single aspect of society is commendable 👏❤️
No industry comes near them when it comes to story line up ❤️🔥This is the best episode of this drama ❤️#Laapata https://t.co/lCofSzovrE
— Anaaya khan ❤️ (@Anaayakhan90) September 10, 2021
Loved how Falak slapped back her husband in #Laapata
"Khabardaar, main tumhare haath torr doongi"
Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do..!!— Naima (@blahbleh_) September 10, 2021
Even Mirza Gohar Rasheed, the actor who plays the character of Daniyal, expressed how men hitting women on TV serials has been shown so widely that it has normalized. He urged women to fight back as Falak did in the serial.
I hate the display of physical abuse on television. This is why I have always refrained from doing it in at least my own characters. It’s unfortunate but it has been done so frequently on our television that it’s almost become a subconscious reality for us (1/4) #Daniyal pic.twitter.com/Fd9k9c89GP
— Mirza Gohar (@GoharRsd) September 10, 2021
Apparently, Physically abusing women is “fine” and any misogynistic, spineless man can get away it, just like #Daniyal thought in yesterday’s episode of #Laapata. It may sound strange but The #Thappad scene was the only reason as to why I took up the character of #Daniyal (2/4)
— Mirza Gohar (@GoharRsd) September 10, 2021
To prove that oppression is a choice If any insecure man with his fragile ego tries his “so called” muscles on you,Make the choice that #Falak did, Without any fear! One tight slap back from a brave woman to such weak man in our society would be a giant leap for women kind (3/4)
— Mirza Gohar (@GoharRsd) September 10, 2021
We NEED such examples to be made by such women of strength.. to empower women for their own safety, their well being, self respect. A scene that is so powerful, I hope that it’s effect is even more impactful on our women
Girls like #Falak rock
Men like #Daniyal shock#Laapata— Mirza Gohar (@GoharRsd) September 10, 2021
On the other hand, a few others debated how it is dangerous for not just women, but for anyone to engage in an altercation with a “psychopath” like Daniyal.
I appreciate how they dared to show falak slap Daniyal back but the fact is that this guy could have easily beaten her up in rage. If physically women were able to take on men in a fight, DV would have a entirely different outlook. Sentiment appreciable, msg not so much #Laapata
— Zoha (@Zoha_is_here) September 10, 2021
Some even questioned, “Do two wrongs make a right?”
But is it really exemplary to show a husband & wife slapping each other onscreen? Do two wrongs make a right? Just a question. Open to debate! #Laapata #women #womenempowerment #Pakistan https://t.co/llU5cATso4
— shazia saqib habib (@Shaz004) September 10, 2021
Sorry I beg to https://t.co/Ocoh5Oj8wp the above scenario it’s not applicable as you have shown a psychotic https://t.co/SJlu7RXEa1 matter what happens please never EVER engage in any altercations otherwise the consequences could be severe.🙏
— DRAMATAKES.Official (@dramatake) September 10, 2021
Violence coming from any gender is a big NO ❌ Coming from a channel which claims to be the most popular and trend setting in the Drama culture – highly regressive 👎🏻
— Javeria Jannat (@JaveriaJannat) September 11, 2021
While women do need to have the courage to stand up to domestic abuse, there are numerous real-life instances of them getting dangerously punished for their retaliation. What do you think should be done instead? Tell us.