A number of artists ruled over
the Pakistani cinema for many years. If we go back in 1990s the content of
Dramas that was broadcasted on TV screens was way more appreciable and
comprehensive than it is now. And what could be the reason for it? I believe we
are running out of sensible Scriptwriters and Directors who are unaware what
would be the appropriate or societal-reflecting story or at least an awareness
bringing campaign. Nevertheless, we are not exactly empty handed because you
still would see just a few good content dramas. Back in 90s on the scale of 1-10
I would rate 9, now seeing the declination I would rate Pakistani Dramas around
4/10. Let me take you back in 1990s where the Pakistani dramas were highly
demanded and then you too will agree to my points.
Dhoop Kinaray was an extremely popular and most viewed drama of that time. The
gorgeous Marina Khan and Rahat Kazmi eventually became favorite on-screen couple
of the audience right after a few episodes were on aired. It was written and
directed by the two most talented personalities Haseena Moin and Sahira Kazmi.
With good content, it had comedy, romance and drama in it which tremendously
entertained everyone.
Another audience-favorite Tanhaiyaan which was aired in 1985 got really popular
because of its content. In this for the very first time they showed two young
hardworking sisters taking up the working-lady roles and running their own
business and making a living by their own right after the death of their Parents
when they were left in debt. This was again written by the genius Haseena Moin
when Marina Khan was in the cast yet again alongwith Behroze Sabzwari and
Yasmeen Ismail. What a beautiful combination!! Since people could not get over
it so Tanhaiyaan - Naye Silsilay was back in 2012.
While I talk about the old dramas it would be very unjust if I neglect my
favorite most Alpha Bravo Charlie!! Yes we all loved Shehnaz Sher (I secretly
still admire her). Can we a little obsess over Pak Army here? Wellllll...why
not. When we talk about Captain M.Kasim Khan (Gulsher Khan - the cutie), Captain
Abdullah Mehmood (Kashif Kirmani) and Faraz Inam (Faraz Ahmed), how can we
forget the sacrifice Gulsher made and all the melodramas happened in between.
Mera Kaam Batao Main Kya Karun Main Kisko Khaun!! Now comes the one that
entertained my childhood and gave me fantasies of Jinn being so nice and
handsome. YEP...you got me. Ladies and Gentlemen, Ainak Wala Jinn of course!! I
hated Bil Batori because she had a scary laugh and everytime she used to come on
screen I used to hide under our TV lounge sofa (I could fit in there back then
...i was just a kid). Zakoota and Hamoon Jadugar were still bearable.
These are just a very few that I have named specifically. There are many more
incredible dramas like Parchaiyaan, Alif Noon, Khuda Ki Basti, Ankahi, Aangan
Terha, Kaanch, Taleem-e-Baalighaan and many many more.
These dramas were informative in a true sense of entertainment and limited
episodes. However, I feel like it gets really boring if anything has been
dragged more to most from 14 to 100 episodes. That is not entertaining because
the writer loses content and focus, the story looks fake and you lose your
audience. Dramas are a basic source of entertainment for Housewives especially
and needs realistic content. A few dramas were a pain to watch and lost its
audience somewhere in between. Ye Zindagi Hai was so dragged that I doubt if
anyone watched it. Honestly, I believe dramas these days are repeatedly playing
the unrealistic content that is actually manipulating half of the population.
For example in xyz drama the girl runs away with her boyfriend and lives happily
ever after then comes back after years and everyone is rich because YOLO.
Similarly, rich husband and poor wife results in taunting sasuraal and zalim
saas. And, A likes B but B likes C since the parents do not agree so B marries A
but never liked A so runs away with C after getting married to A. Like I am
extremely sorry but that does not make any sense to me. We need to inject
sensible content in the minds of people because half of the people start
imitating their favorite characters so we should either create story that helps
is spreading awareness in the minds of people or make something entertaining.
My Parents were hooked to Bulbulay which has a lot of comedy in it. Moreover, I
personally liked Takay ki Ayegi Baraat and Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat series and
Saima Chaudry was very hilarious!
Now coming to the sensible content dramas. I have a list for that too!! (Aaj
puri tayari k saath aai hun)
A list of good dramas including Mosam, Dil-e-Muztar, Durr e Shehwaar, Mata-e-Jaan,
Pyaare Afzal, Chup Raho, Firaaq, Daam, Maat, Man Mayal, Doraha, Bashar Momin,
Khaan, Mera Saayen and a few in the following.
So, I am going to start when the heartthrob and eye-candy of Pakistan Fawad
Afzal Khan started making his mark. Daastan was dramatized by Samira Fazal based
on the novel Bano by Razia Butt. It tells the story of Indian Subcontinent
during the time of Partition and the struggles Muslim League went through, the
incidents and happenings took place in between that time period. A very
beautiful serial!
One of the basic reason why dramas with good content are ignored is because
nobody highlights them more often. An exclusive serial reflecting the negative
side of media and journalism directed by Shahid Shafaat having Ayesha Khan and
Humayon Saeed in the cast. Ayesha Khan played the role of a journalist who was
an illicit daughter of a politician. Humayon Saeed's acting skills should be
given a great round of applause, he played a negative role of the owner of a TV
channel who portrays to be a good person but in real he is a KAAFIR!
Let me shed some light on the beautiful serial with a beautiful cast! Fawad Khan
and Mahira Khan became yet another favorite on-screen couples and had a very
good chemistry. Humsafar was directed by Momina Duraid and Sarmad Khusat based
on a novel written by Farhat Ishtiaq. It sounds like a typical saas bahu saga
but it shows the reality of class differences and trails of a married couple
life. After this drama Farhat Ishtiaq's work got more recognition and the
on-screen couple became favorite not only in Pakistan but in India, Turkey and
USA!!
While we talk about entertainment not to forget the dramas that created
awareness about certain taboos that our society hold such as rape, child abuse
and rights of transgender people. Udaari and Khuda Mera Bhi Hai created a HUGE
impact in the minds of people which I believe is a victory itself! We should
have more dramas like these. The cast was incredible and Ahsan Khan recently
received LUX Style Award for his performance in Udaari. I believe lessons and
messages should be delivered through entertainment and dramas now that most of
the public follow.
Last but not the least, I just want to give a shout out to one more drama that
impacted my life and the way I see things now. Sheher-e-Zaat - journey to find
God and thyself. I absolutely LOVED the concept and story and why not? After all
it is based on the novel by very intelligent Farhat Ishtiaq directed by the
genius duo Sarmad Khusat and Momina Duraid. Mahira Khan played the role of a
girl who explores herself and God. Its a beautiful novel and drama and glad that
it was broadcasted.
So Ladies and Gentlemen, you may agree or disagree to my opinion in certain ways
but whatsoever this is what I think and your opinion is highly respected and
appreciated. The evolution of Pakistani Dramas has been bumpy in the midst but
that does not mean we do not have stories or bad writers. There are many, they
just need a little recognition and encouragement by the public.