Salahuddin from Mann Mayal was a character of strength and chivalry, with the utmost didactic moral compass about him. Portrayed by Hamza Ali Abbasi, Salahuddin was at times criticized for his dogged tendency to sacrifice his own happiness for his love interest, Mannu; and while the drama was condemned for its somewhat mediocre storyline, the characters grew roots deep and sturdy in Pakistani hearts, in particular, Salahuddin’s selfless and warm demeanor.
He will always care about you
Mannu’s dwindling marriage only spurred Salahuddin to become all the more involved with trying to clean up the mess he felt responsible for.
And he’ll always be by your side
Always
Her perpetual abuse from her drunkard husband urges Salahuddin to take matters into his own hands and pursues a disheartened Mannu, forcing her to live with him with her children.
He’s got a heart of gold
He takes Mannu’s children as his own, often referring to them as his ‘bachay.’ He isn’t remotely fazed by the sturdy conventions pillared by a belittling society such as Pakistan.
And he will always do the right thing
Even if it means sacrificing his own happiness
He let Mannu go because he felt his social background didn’t suffice, nor did he think Mannu deserved someone with little to offer him – something Mannu didn’t care for; all she longed for was him.
He’s very stubborn and adamant on having his way
His dogged determination to marry Mannu is at times frustrating for his mother, but he remains the least bit disconcerted.
He’s strong, but some days will take a toll
His father denying his proposal to Mannu internally breaks him in all entirety; he’s left brittle to the bone.
He’ll always bottle up how he truly feels
His collected demeanor is only a facade for his inner emotional self, and he will spend time in solitude, dwelling over the past, and more specifically – a rather lifeless life without Mannu.
But is assertive when he needs to be
An all too overbearing Jeena confronts Salahuddin after he tells her Mannu will be moving into their home, to which Salahuddin (who is almost always calm) let’s rip that he can do whatever he pleases.
He has quite the sense of humor
Mannu has been asked by Salahuddin’s mother to persuade Salahuddin to pluck out a wife-to-be from a handful of rishtas. Nonetheless, Salahuddin isn’t at all interested; he’s already gotten what he’s wanted – Mannu and her children by his side.
He prefers being on his own and introspects
He’s a lone wolf and wishes to spend time introspecting about his rather bumpy past and undeniably frivolous decisions that haunt him.
And he’ll be his true self with very few
This is the first instance we see Salahuddin let out a real beam, and we see his delight pouring through as he jokes with Mannu. It’s the first time in a long time he didn’t feel so alone.
He will protect you the best way he knows how
His perception of what’s right and wrong can often come across as rigid and simple as either black or white, yet Salahuddin always puts others before.
And he’ll always love you with an unfleeting love
Do you know a Salahuddin?