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I was so tired of watching sass-bahu soaps, when I found these Pakistani dramas! I must say, watching them has been refreshing for me. They make me think positively!
I love to scroll through interesting videos on my Facebook page. Be it film, web series, or craft, I first watch the teeny versions. If I like them, I try to see the full version on the respective apps.
Call it a fluke or Solentine gift, I stumble upon two power packed 5–6 minutes short clippings. And, truly, I am exhilarated.
Image source: IMDb
Sar-e-Rah is about a young, less-educated woman taking up her father’s job after he gets ill. Although her parents disapprove, they are too helpless to stop her. Her brother does nothing and screams at her for being a taxi driver. Her beau is appalled seeing her in the driver’s seat.
However, she is headstrong to fund herself and her family.
Image source: nextepisode.com
In Mere Humsafar, Hala is abused by her Tai Jan, later her mother-in-law. But her husband and her father-in-law are supporting her, and standing up against the scheming saas, is something to watch for.
Two male writers have brilliantly sketched women in a refreshing light. No doubt, these Pakistani series are getting popular in neighbouring countries.
And, sitting in Kolkata, helplessly staring at the female-written and female-led Bengali soaps, I am tearing my hair!
Well-educated woman writers are penning down stale stories, rather than reframing the earlier ones, in opulent boxes. All the heroines are superwomen, mostly coming from the lower middle class, and married off to rich men.
Marriage remains the priority.
Extra-marital affairs, fulsome makeup, jewellery and sarees, and a platter of trash – that’s all. The heroine, however, can never love anyone else except her husband. And, when everything fails, they bring in supernatural and festivities. There’s no genuine laughter or a single thread of reality.
Image source: ZEE5
I wonder, where do modernity and feminism vanish when these writers hold their pens?
A village woman is still portrayed in a plain-Jane saree-clad look. She can easily adjust to the lavish and modern lifestyle of her new home. A married woman is always in a saree. She can swiftly handle everything – be it her husband’s anger or the vamp.
These days, she even manages outside work. When and how – hardly anyone can decipher! How the writer points to audience that this is a strong woman; who offers only moral lectures, but it is always her Prince Charming husband who should rescue her.
The typical ‘woman is a woman’s biggest enemy’ syndrome remains intact. And it is not okay! Look, who are delivering such repugnant tales? Women are, for other women, written by women.
What puzzles me is all the heroines are in the 18-24 years bracket. How can they accept such characters and perform such stale roles? Is it just for instant fame and money? Why don’t even the experienced lot complain about the awful storylines?
What also baffles me is the glaring difference between a web series and a daily soap. When the women are free, casual and real in the web series or films, those in soaps are mere caricatures. Often the same woman, but in such appalling roles!
Going by the clips of national serials, I can say, they remain the same. Epiphanies post-marriage, and in sarees and silence, have become too commonplace.
From Shanti, Dekh Bhai Dekh, Sarabhai or Khichdi, to Anupama (Hindi) or Guddi (Bengali) the television scenario has certainly progressed, I mean regressed!
Why can’t the writers scribble something innovative and exciting to watch, just like our neighbours?
Image source: Hotstar
There’s no need to drag the story endlessly, but a short and gripping one will work. Learning and applying ideas from such excellent pieces won’t be a bad thing, rather would be appreciated.
Most importantly, the rising mental issues, suicide rates, and harassment cases, demand a fun-filled and relaxing entertainment. It can be made educative and informative by keeping it grounded and realistic.
I must say, watching these Pakistani dramas has been refreshing for me. They make me think positively.
Image source: IMDb, ZEE5, nextepisode.net, and Hotstar, edited on CanvaPro
I have been a school teacher and a content writer. I am now a full time mother to a hyper active toddler. I try to relax myself by writing, reading, singing or listening to music. read more...
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