Payal's character had so much potential.
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I’ve been reading random comments about Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? recently, and one thing I realized is how much wasted potential Payal’s character had.
Honestly, I feel like Payal could’ve been one of the strongest characters in the show if the writers actually gave her proper development. In the beginning, she genuinely seemed like someone who would speak up when things were wrong. Like during the construction site track, when Khushi almost nearly died because of Arnav, Payal actually confronted Arnav and Anjali. That moment made me think she would always stand for herself and the people she loved.
But later, it felt like the show completely erased that side of her.
One thing that always bothered me is how much responsibility was put on Khushi alone. Especially during the Shyam truth track. Why was Khushi the one carrying everything emotionally? Payal also knew the truth. If not Anjali directly, she could’ve at least told Akash privately. She never hid things like her broken marriage from him before, so why this? It would’ve made so much sense for her character to trust Akash and let him help handle the situation.
And honestly, I don’t think Payal was ever truly a bad sister, but I also feel like she never fully understood Khushi. Khushi spent most of her life trying to protect Payal while constantly ignoring herself, and somehow nobody really noticed how much pressure she was carrying.
What frustrates me the most is how Payal and Akash’s marriage had SO much potential. In the beginning, Akash was caring and supportive, but later their relationship was just ignored. Mamiji constantly insulted Payal, Akash slowly stopped standing up for her properly, and Payal herself was never allowed to express her hurt openly. I kept waiting for her to finally say something, to finally stand up for herself, but the show never really gave her that moment.
Their story could’ve explored emotional neglect after marriage, family pressure, quiet suffering, and Payal finding her own voice. Instead, they just became background characters.
I genuinely think Payal could’ve been one of ITV’s strongest female characters if the writers had cared enough to develop her properly.