Media Magick

There was a time when not only women but men also used to be an ardent audience of Pakistani dramas. Kashkol, Nijaat, Janjaal Pura, Red Card, Boota From Toobatekh Singh, Landa Bazaar, Chaand Grahan, Waaris, Aakhri Chataan, Amaawas, Seerhiaan, Dhoop Kinaray, Parchhaiyaan and Tanhaiyaan are just a few names from different eras where Pakistani dramas shared equal number of viewership from adults, youngsters and kids. Slowly and gradually the subjects of dramas became ‘more’ women-centric and women became the larger portion of the drama-viewing audience. A few dramas came under discussions for their highly creative and aesthetically appealing writing and subject which attracted almost everyone but in the last few years, there are a few dramas that brought audience back to Pakistani dramas. Here are 8 Pakistani dramas that received critical and mass-level appreciation from drama fans.

1. Meray Paas Tum Ho (January 2020 – ARY Digital)

Although Meray Paas Tum Ho received a lot of backlash on social media there is no denying that the drama hooked local and international audiences from the first episode till the last. Dialogue by Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar made many viewers uncomfortable but more than many loved the drama. Scenes from every episode became so popular that they became viral and were taken from TikTok videos to memes. Performances by lead actors are a treat to watch. Despite the negativity which the drama attracted, people still watch scenes from it which reminds me of “Dekhtay Sab Hain, Batata Koi Nahi”. Meray Paas Tum Ho will also be remembered as the first Pakistani drama whose last episode was shown in cinemas.

Written By: Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar
Direction: Nadeem Baig
Cast: Humayun Saeed, Ayeza Khan, Adnan Siddiqui, Hira Mani, Savera Nadeem

2. Alif (January 2020 – GEO TV)

Some dramas are library material; they offer great performances, excellent message, superb dialogue and relatable stories. Alif is among those dramas. The drama showcases the switch and transition of characters and beautifully talks about the fundamentals of anyone’s life. It’s a must for you to watch, if you crave quality dramas.

Written By Umera Ahmed
Direction: HAseeb Hassan
Cast: Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sajal Ali, Ahsan Khan, Kubra Khan, Manzar Sehbai

3. Raqeeb Se (January 2021 – Hum TV)

The moment the trailer of Raqeeb Se aired, it was a delight for quality-drama fans. Who could have overlooked Noman Aijaz, Sania Saeed and Iqra Aziz? Raqeeb Se was not a surprise for ardent Pakistani drama lovers. It gripped their attention from the first till the last episode because of great writing, amazing performances and repeat worthy scenes. Dialogues of the drama are so impactful and hold repeat value. The drama talked about injustice, romance, respect and relationships. Highly recommended!

Written by Bee Gul
Direction: Kashif Nisar

Cast: Noman Aijaz, Sania Saeed, Iqra Aziz, Hadiqa Kayani and Faryal Mehmood

4. Dobara (October 2021 – Hum TV)

The subject of Dobara is very interesting and from the very first episode it hooked the audience. The direction of Dobara is very good; fine detailing is taken in to consideration in every scene. The chemistry between Bilal Abbas Khan and Hadiqa Kayani is commendable. They both look natural and they both perform very well. The drama is all about breaking stereotypes and societal norms.

Written by Sarwat Nazir
Direction: Danish Nawaz
Cast: Hadiqa Kayani and Bilal Abbas Khan

5. Parizaad (July 2021 – Hum TV)

Parizaad is a drama that comes in ages. Parizaad talks about so many taboos in such a subliminal way that nothing looks or sounds vulgar and below the belt. The direction of the drama is brilliant. Every episode of Parizaad is filled with multiple thought provoking and meaningful dialogues. Performances by Ahmed Ali Akbar and Noman Aijaz offer repeat value. It is highly recommended for the ardent fans of old Pakistani dramas and literature who miss dramas from the 70s and 80s written by Munnu Bhai, Amjad Islam Amjad and Ashfaq Ahmed. It’s a new-age classic. A potpourri of philosophy, poetry, romance, empowerment and sacrifice. Another library material drama.

Written By Hashim Nadeem
Direction: Shahzad Kashmiri
Cast: Ahmed Ali Akbar, Ushna Shah, Saboor Aly, Noman Aijaz, Urwa Hocane, Mashal Khan, Yumna Zaidi

6. Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay (August 2021 – Hum TV)

Just like they say “Nazar Is Real” similarly, Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay makes you believe in “Toxicity is real”. The drama has its positives and negatives in abundance but one thing that it preaches is that kids should be nurtured in a positive environment and kept away from toxicity. The drama highlights that the lives of individuals change after experiencing harsh and crude realities in childhood. The drama has the potential to depress its audience, yet it’s a guilty pleasure most want to get indulge in.

Written By Umera Ahmad
Direction: Farooq Rind
Cast: Mahira Khan, Kubra Khan, Usman Mukhtar

7. Sinf-e-Aahan (November 2021 – ARY Digital)

The woman is the future, and it’s time to nurture the future – this statement defines the empowering concept and ideation behind the Pakistani drama Sinf-e-Aahan. The drama is loaded with a female star-studded cast playing different interesting leading characters. Sinf-e-Aahan is quite popular among females and showcases the stories of empowered and inspiring women. Young girls are very enthusiastic about this drama series. The production value of the drama is very impressive.

Written By Umera Ahmed
Direction: Nadeem Baig

8. Sang-e-Mah (January 2022 – Hum TV)

For youth, Sang-e-Mah garnered attraction because it’s the debut drama series of Atif Aslam and for classic drama lovers it attracted everyone’s attention because once again Noman Aijaz and Sania Saeed appeared in any drama. Dialogues are powerful, and the direction is crisp. Audiences are sharing mixed reviews about the drama but the buzz is quite high and this is the reason why, no matter what people way or think, Sang-e-Mah is getting traction and popularity after every episode.

Written by Mustafa Afridi
Direction: Saife Hassan
Cast: Noman Aijaz, Sania Saeed, Kubra Khan, Hana Aamir, Atif Aslam and Zaviyar Nauman