Pakistani dramas

Pakistani dramas (Urdu: پاکستانی ڈرامہ‬‎) refers to televised serials produced in Pakistan, with distinctive features that set it apart from regular Western television series or soap operas. Pakistani dramas can be set in contemporary times or in historical settings. Different genres apply to these two types, from romantic comedies and action series to fusion science fiction dramas. A majority of Pakistani dramas are produced in Urdu; however, over the past 10 years an increasing number of them are being produced in other Pakistani languages such as Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, Kashmiri and Pashto. The shorter-form serial format has been a trademark of Pakistani dramas since they began broadcasting on television in the 1960s. Pakistani dramas are popular worldwide, mainly in countries with a large Pakistani diaspora and also in the Middle East and India.

Format

Pakistani dramas are known for being relatively short, and usually end after a run of less than one year. This makes them shorter than soap operas, but still much longer than serials. Most Pakistani dramas are based on Urdu novels, however, sometimes the story line tends to deviate from the novel's plot in order to be television compatible. They have also been used repeatedly to transmit sociocultural messages, by incorporating them into story lines. Traditionally, Pakistani dramas have been more appealing to women rather than men; however, the newer action dramas have slowly attracted younger male audiences in recent years. Overall they have helped to attract a wider audience across the country.[1] Recently, Pakistani drama plots have evolved and the themes they address widened. For instance, women are now seen having more non-traditional roles. Moreover, previously taboo themes such as divorce, sexual abuse, and racism are now beginning to appear. However, kissing on screen is still considered unacceptable for Pakistani TV.[2]

Genres

Pakistani dramas tend to fall within these six categories:

  • Middle-class melodrama, which typically features a poor woman or man who falls in love with a rich man or woman.
  • Rural romance, which is usually set in rural Pakistan with some aspects of romance and typical village issues - this genre is usually noted for its simplicity and strong dialogues.
  • Comedy drama
  • Historical drama, which usually portrays the life of a famous Pakistani or set during the Mughul Empire.
  • Teen drama, a new genre which portrays the lives of college teenagers and the typical coming-of-age related issues.
  • Mystery/Thriller, a new genre which portrays a major problem (death, disappearance, stolen money, kidnappings), usually ripping families apart.

Music

Original soundtracks (OSTs) are made specifically for each series and play an important role in Pakistani dramas. They are generally recorded by professional playback singers and tend to enhance the reputation and popularity of dramas. OSTs help to heighten a situation, accentuate a mood, provide relief, or serve as background to an interior monologue.

Actors and actresses

Producers

List of Pakistani dramas

A number of Pakistani dramas over the past few years have become immensely popular, including but not limited to Diyar-e-Dil (IMDB 9), Zindagi Gulzar Hai (IMDB 9), Humsafar (IMDB 9), Khuda Aur Muhabbat (IMDB 8.7), Mera Naam Yousuf Hai (IMDB 8.6), Mann Mayal (IMDB 8.5), Udaari (IMDB 9), Pyarey Afzal (IMDB 9.3), Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan (IMDB 8.9), Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu (IMDB 7.2), Shehr-e-Zaat (IMDB 8), Durr-e-Shahwar, Maat and Sang-e-Mar Mar, Tum Kon Piya, Alvidaa, Khaani, Aisi hai tanhai ( IMBD 9.4)

Popularity outside Pakistan

Middle East

In 2013the Pakistani drama Humsafar was dubbed into Arabic and broadcast by MBC in the Middle East under the title Rafeeq-Al-Rooh.[3][4] The show was an immediate, popular, success and, after the broadcast of its first few episodes, became the most watched drama on the channel. Prior to this, Pakistani dramas were not broadcast in the Middle East. Following Humasafar, other shows such as Malaal (aired as Hob-Wa-Nadam) and Zindagi Gulzar Hai (aired as Asrar Al Hob), Mera Naam Yousuf Hai were also dubbed into Arabic and broadcast by MBC.[4]

India

Even though the Indian government has imposed a ban on the airing of Pakistani television channels in India[5] for over twenty years. Many dramas such as: Deewarein, Alpha Bravo Charlie, Waris, and Jungle were popular in India.[5] In 2009, the Pakistan Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting appealed to the Indian Parliament to allow airing of Pakistani television channels in India. In 2012, India began debating whether it should reverse the ban on Pakistani government and private television channels, both news and non-news. India assured Pakistan that it will consider a proposal to lift the ban on Pakistani television channels. This was a consequence of a strong pitch by the Pakistani foreign secretary, Jalil Abbas Jilani, who proposed the same. However, as of yet, nothing has happened regarding the ban.[5] On 23 June 2014, Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) launched its new entertainment television channel, Zindagi. The channel airs syndicated television shows from Pakistan. The channel, and its content, has been very well received by Indians. But, at the same time, the channel as been criticized for showing dramas consisting of a shorter number of episodes. So to assuage viewers,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] the channel has aired many notable Pakistani television shows such as: Aunn Zara, Humsafar, Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain, Maat, Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, Mere Qatil Mere Dildar, Mirat-ul-Uroos, Ullu Baraaye Farokht Nahi, Akbari Asghari, Ashk, Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat, Kisey Apna Kahein, Bari Aapa, Behadd, Meray Dard Ko Jo Zuban Miley, Bilqees Kaur, Daagh, Daam, Jal Pari, Durr-e-Shehwar, Dil e Muztar, Do Qadam Door Thay, Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat, Ek Tamanna Lahasil Si, Gohar-e-Nayab, Nikhar Gaye Gulab Sare, Ishq Junoon Deewangi, Ishq Gumshuda, Ishq Mein Teray, Kaafir, Jab We Wed, Jackson Heights, Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti and Zindagi Gulzar Hai.[8][13][14][15][16][17] Zindagi Gulzar Hai became so popular, because of public demand, it was re-run just one month after it ended its premier run in India.[17][18] After the 2016 Uri terror attack, Zindagi dropped all Pakistani shows from their line up.[19][20] Shailja Kejriwal says that in India, Pakistani dramas have a reputation for "being slightly classier than the local fare".[1]

Other countries

Pakistani dramas also watched in Afghanistan,[21] Bangladesh,[22][23] Nepal[24][25] and among the Pakistani diaspora. Pakistani television shows are aired on certain cable television channels in various countries such as the United Kingdom (where it is very popular), Norway, United States, and Canada.[26]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Boone, Jon (23 June 2014). "Indians to get peek into daily lives of Pakistanis with new soap opera channel". the Guardian.
  2. ↑ "Pakistani soap to break stereotypes with Christian protagonist - The Express Tribune". 21 September 2016.
  3. ↑ "Pakistani drama Humsafar (Rafeeq Al Rooh) takes the Arab world by the storm".
  4. 1 2 "Pakistani Dramas take the Arab World by storm – ZGH to be dubbed in Arabic now!". 10 January 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 Parashar, Sachin (14 July 2012). "India looking to reverse ban on Pakistani TV channels". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Times of India. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  6. ↑ "5 reasons that make Zee's new channel 'Zindagi' a must-watch". dnaindia. 20 June 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  7. ↑ Srivastava, Priyanka (4 June 2014). "Pakistani TV shows to be back on Indian small screen". India Today. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
  8. 1 2 "Bye-bye unending television dramas, welcome Zindagi". Times of India. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  9. ↑ "New Hindi channel Zindagi". Zee News. 19 May 2014.
  10. ↑ "Zindagi Gulzar Hai: cross-border love on screen". Hindustan Times. 7 June 2014. Archived from the original on 3 July 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  11. ↑ "Imran Abbas glad 'Zindagi' will air Pakistan's best shows". indianexpress.com. 17 June 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  12. ↑ "You can soon watch famous Pakistani soaps on Zee Entertainment's new Zindagi channel". DNA Webdesk. Daily News and Analysis. 22 May 2014.
  13. 1 2 "Spotlight: A lifeline called Zindagi". DAWN.com. Asra Pasha. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  14. 1 2 Sharma, Nandini. "Gear Up For Two New Shows On Zindagi". businessinsider.in. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  15. 1 2 "Zindagi channel treats Indian viewers to the best Pakistani dramas on offer". dawn.com. Dawn. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014. |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
  16. 1 2 Nazakat, Syed (30 July 2014). "Why do Indians like Pakistani soap operas so much?". csmonitor.com. The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  17. 1 2 "Zindagi Gulzar Hai: Pakistani drama serials win hearts in India". dawn.com. Dawn. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014. |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
  18. ↑ "Zindagi Gulzar Hai is back on TV". Times of India. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014. |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
  19. ↑ "Zee channel Zindagi removes Pakistan shows, announces new line-up starting October 3!". India Today. September 29, 2016.
  20. ↑ "New Line Up On Zindagi has no Pakistani serials". Indian Express. September 29, 2016.
  21. ↑ "The Durand Debate – Beyond Boundaries". www.geo.tv.
  22. ↑ "On Pakistani dramas and the Bangladeshi mind - The Opinion Pages". 12 August 2014.
  23. ↑ "Bangladesh cable operators seek ban on Pakistani TV channels - The Express Tribune". 26 December 2013.
  24. ↑ Ansari, Noman (1 May 2015). "Once upon a time in Nepal".
  25. ↑ "Pakistanis are peaceful, hospitable: Nepalese envoy". www.thenews.com.pk.
  26. ↑ "Pakistani drama Humsafar (Rafeeq Al Rooh – رفيق الروح) takes the Arab world by storm!". 8 November 2013.
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