Goonj is a new drama on Hum TV that airs every Monday at 8:00 PM. It tells the story of women facing tough challenges at work, especially harassment. The show has a strong cast, including Komal Meer as Zarnab, Mirza Gohar Rasheed as Nabeel, Feroz Kadri, Ali Safina, and others. Written by Qarb e Abbas and directed by Wajahat Rauf, Goonj is produced by Showcase Productions and MD Productions. With five episodes aired, each gaining around one million views, the drama has grabbed a lot of attention.
Why Is Goonj Criticized for Irresponsible HR Character Afshan?
The drama has sparked a heated debate because of its portrayal of Afshan, the HR representative. In recent episodes, Zarnab, a hardworking woman, faces constant harassment from her colleague Nabeel. He makes rude comments and creates an uncomfortable environment for her. When Zarnab tries to report this to Afshan, the HR person dismisses her complaint. Afshan says, “It’s just Nabeel’s habit, he’s always like this, so bear with it.” This response has shocked viewers, as it shows an HR professional ignoring a serious issue.
How Does Afshan’s Behavior Affect Zarnab?
Zarnab, played by Komal Meer, is a strong and independent woman who wants to handle her problems on her own. However, Nabeel’s actions, like mocking her clothes or work, make her workday stressful. Afshan’s refusal to take Zarnab’s complaint seriously leaves her feeling helpless. This situation shows how workplace harassment can harm someone’s mental health and confidence. The drama highlights that harassment isn’t always physical—it can be verbal or emotional, which is just as damaging.
Viewer Reactions to Goonj’s HR Character Afshan
Fans of Goonj are not happy with Afshan’s character. Many have shared their anger online, calling her irresponsible. One viewer posted, “This HR representative needs to be fired as soon as possible, she isn’t doing her job properly.” Another fan said, “This drama has started giving me blood pressure.” Some even questioned the writer, saying, “Does the writer even know what’s happening here? HR department rules are always very strict; they never accept such behavior.” These reactions show that viewers expect HR to protect employees, not defend harassers.
Why Is Afshan’s Role Controversial?
Afshan’s character is controversial because she fails to do her job. HR professionals are supposed to ensure a safe workplace, especially for women facing harassment. By brushing off Zarnab’s complaints, Afshan sends a message that such behavior is okay. This has upset viewers who feel the drama is showing HR in a bad light. One fan commented, “So Zarnab should quietly bear everything and not complain, only because it’s a drama?” This criticism points to a larger issue: the drama might make people think it’s normal for HR to ignore harassment.
How Does Goonj Address Workplace Harassment?
Despite the criticism, Goonj does a good job of showing the reality of workplace harassment. It highlights how subtle actions, like sarcastic comments or uncomfortable stares, can create a toxic work environment. The drama also shows Zarnab’s strength as she tries to stay focused on her work despite Nabeel’s behavior. By including characters like Ahmed, played by Feroz Kadri, who notices Nabeel’s actions and wants to help, Goonj shows the importance of support in such situations.
Why Does This Matter to Viewers?
Goonj’s portrayal of workplace harassment is important because it reflects real-life issues many women face. The drama sheds light on how harassment can be hard to prove when it’s subtle. However, Afshan’s irresponsible behavior as an HR representative has disappointed viewers who want to see justice for Zarnab. Fans hope the show will show Zarnab fighting back and getting the support she deserves. This storyline could inspire women to speak up and demand better treatment at work.
What Can Goonj Do Better?
To address the criticism, Goonj could show Afshan learning from her mistakes or facing consequences for her actions. Viewers want to see HR characters who take complaints seriously and act fairly. The drama could also focus more on how Zarnab uses legal protections, as mentioned by Komal Meer in an interview. This would make the show more empowering and realistic, showing that women can fight harassment with the right support.
Final Thoughts on Goonj’s Controversy
Goonj is a powerful drama that tackles workplace harassment, but its portrayal of Afshan, the irresponsible HR character, has upset many viewers. While the show does well to highlight Zarnab’s struggles, Afshan’s dismissal of her complaints feels unrealistic and frustrating. Fans hope future episodes will show change and justice for Zarnab. With its strong cast and emotional story, Goonj has the chance to make a big impact if it handles this issue carefully.
