From women’s empowerment to gender ties to social trends, a bouquet of Pakistani TV shows have hit the Indian small screen and are being appreciated by discerning Indian audiences. The progressive plots are not only creative and entertaining but are also successfully shattering many myths and misconceptions.
Beamed on Entertainment channel Zindagi-Jodey Dilon Ko, a new offering from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), is an eye-opener.
The channel went live June 23 with four shows, including Zindagi Gulzar Hai — a romantic drama that focuses on women and shows how equality of girls and the need for women to have a career are important in Pakistani society as well. The show highlights that if women from well-off families have freedom to make choices, the middle-class is not being shackled by conservatism either.
Another well-known director Haissam Hussain’s Aunn-Zara revolves around a couple — pampered Aunn and headstrong Zara. The writer has woven cultural roots of rituals and family ties in the narrative, which has several strong female characters, without being regressive.
All this is a revelation for the audience in India, especially because media mostly highlights disturbing news on terrorism.
“We have the same reservations as people anywhere in the world, we’re as positive, the mothers here are as caring and loving as anywhere else and we live a normal life,” said famous actress Samina Pirzada.
“We have normal human beings here just like any other part of the world…we have all kinds of people. I am very proud and humbled that people are getting to see a side of Pakistan that has not been seen so far,” she added.
Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti touches upon trials and tribulations of underprivileged class and their struggle for survival.
Kitni Girahein Baki Hain is a fascinating and captivating line-up of telefilms focusing on women from various walks of life.
The shows are garnering positive response in India and showing a side of Pakistan that had never been seen before.