2023 has been a great year for the Pakistani drama industry with our dramas breaking global records and trending on all social media platforms.
While dramas like ‘Tere Bin’ and ‘Kuch Ankahi’ had us hooked due to their star-studded cast and intriguing plots, here are the dramas that broke stereotypes and delved into societal issues, leaving a long-term impact.
Mein
True to its name, ‘Mein’ delves into the journey of self-exploration within oneself. The story revolves around Mubashira Jaffar and Zaid, portrayed by Ayeza Khan and Wahaj Ali respectively. Both belong to the elite class and take immense pride in their personalities. However, their shared misfortune in love leads them to cross paths due to familial pressures.
The narrative explores the complex relationship between these strong yet vulnerable individuals as they navigate their personal struggles. The drama beautifully highlights the societal stigma attached to divorce that forces women from all walks of life, even the elite class to stay in empty marriages, highlighting the need to prioritize one’s mental health and happiness above what people think.
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Mai Re
Mayi Re dared to break free from conventional storytelling, focusing on the urgent issue of child marriage. This provocative story, directed by Maysam Naqvi, is centered on the life of 14-year-old Aina Asif, who is forced into marriage, shattering her childhood. The drama illustrates Aina’s development from a carefree young girl to a young adult burdened by the obligations of marriage, showing the challenges she must overcome in her new situation, aiming to inspire tangible change and raise awareness of this pressing issue.
Razia
Razia, marking Mahira Khan’s much-awaited return to our TV screens is the story of a woman, Razia, and her life experiences starting from her birth. Razia’s character serves as a powerful voice for women, providing a platform for their stories and feelings to be expressed and understood. Through its narrative, it sheds light on the various trials and tribulations that women often encounter, addressing issues such as gender discrimination, societal pressures, personal aspirations, and most importantly the pursuit of happiness.
Razia’s unconventional style and content set it apart from the crowd. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable truths and systemic inequalities that still plague our society even in this day and age.
What truly enhances the impact of the narrative is the hard-hitting, unapologetic, and thought-provoking dialogues that punctuate the storyline, and act as powerful weapons that drive home the message of the story with incredible force.
Jaisay Apki Marzi
“Jaise Aapki Marzi” has garnered attention not just for its engaging plot but also for its bold exploration of a subject often left unspoken – toxic love, and narcissism in marriage. The show serves as a mirror to the viewers, reflecting how relationships can turn sour when one partner becomes excessively self-absorbed, often at the expense of their spouse’s emotional well-being. The show highlights the story of a couple in love – played by Mikaal Zulfiqar and Durr-e-Fishan, who cannot live without each other, but eventually, toxicity and narcissism come into play to reveal the ugly truth and depict emotions commonly felt in our society.
“Jaise Aapki Marzi” not only captivates its audience with a gripping storyline but also serves as a mirror to real-life relationships. Narcissism in marriage is a topic that deserves attention, as it can silently erode the foundation of even the strongest unions. The drama is a must-watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking dramas that tackle complex human emotions and relationships.
