Seffy Soomro Accuses Pakistani Drama “Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum” of Art Theft

Pakistani dramas, celebrated for their widespread appeal, are under scrutiny for theft allegations. The series “Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum” has attracted viewers with its compelling storyline and characters such as Mustafa, Shahrjina, Adeel, and Rabab.

The controversy began following a scene in the drama’s 17th episode, where characters discuss artwork in a gallery featuring a painting reportedly made by a child. This prompted artist Safi Somro to claim that the drama displayed his artwork without consent, leading to significant public and media backlash.

Seffy Soomro, a recognized artist, expressed his concerns in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). He recounted exhibiting his paintings at a 2017 exhibition at Freer Hall in Karachi, which were reported as lost. Unexpectedly, these artworks later surfaced in the drama, prompting him to accuse the show’s producers of deceit and unauthorized commercial use.

“I was deceived, and my paintings were sold for profit without giving me any credit,” Seffy Soomro asserted, disclosing that the artworks were part of his thesis at the University of Sindh’s Department of Fine Arts. He maintains evidence confirming his ownership and these pieces’ initial display.

In response to the escalating controversy, the administration at Freer Hall told the BBC that they still have the paintings and that any artist could reclaim them with a receipt. However, Somro countered that the receipt had been untraceable for seven years.

Seffy Soomro experienced mixed emotions when he saw his paintings on a major channel, feeling joy at the exposure but saddened by the misleading information about their loss. Social media has rallied in support of Somro, with users encouraging legal action against Freer Hall and sharing photographs from the 2017 exhibition, validating his claims.

Despite multiple attempts to contact ARY Channel, YouTube, and Freer Hall’s administration, Somro received no response. He turned to social media to amplify his plight, which sparked an outcry under the drama’s 17th episode on YouTube, with calls to return his paintings and rightful compensation.