Pakistan, Oct. 5 -- Mira Sethi has revealed that she turned down a major role in Main Manto Nahi Hoon because of writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar's regressive views about women.

The actor and novelist explained that she had been offered the character of Miss Maria, eventually played by Sanam Saeed. Sethi said she was tempted by the opportunity to work alongside Humayun Saeed and Sajal Ali once again. However, she ultimately declined, arguing that appearing in Qamar's drama would contradict her outspoken stance on feminism in Pakistan.

Sethi said she could not align herself with someone whose comments about women had been consistently demeaning and offensive.

She admitted it was difficult to refuse because the role was significant, but prin...