![]() ![]() The obsession with a villain-ish saas, a nosy nand, a supportive husband, and a victim bahu needs to end. Tragically, our entertainment industry in general and the drama industry in particular has fallen for clichéd themes, overarching toxic masculinity and patriarchal culture. An indefinite number of episodes would risk leaving the audience bored. ![]() The story was brought to a close through a structured form, addressing the plot and the issues it raised. The dramas used to be short and sweet, no more than 20 episodes as the story progressed substantially, instead of dragging on. They emphasised storytelling rather than gaudy makeup, endless twists, grand mansions and ostentatious looks. They gave a true picture of the social (dis)order drawn from everyday lives. They were not some ordinary amalgam of fictional experiences strung together. Pakistani dramas have been known for relaying some epic depictions of reality. We also need to raise awareness by educating the masses through story telling.” Our responsibility is not limited to entertaining the audiences. The media plays a crucial role in addressing stigmas and reshaping the society. ![]() It always has an impact, and a powerful one at that. Every stakeholder, needs to realise the power of visual content. We see men and women cheating in relationships. Talking to The News on Sunday, Rasikh Ismail Khan, actor and entrepreneur says, “there were times during the PTV era when scripts were not allowed to incorporate vulgar scenes. It seems that increased commercialisation has badly affected the industry norms, as writers are trying to write something that could make “good business” instead of cultivating positive ideas. Why is it, then, that we see so much of the saas-bahu played out with mostly mediocre performances? Why is it that the writers are so fixated with run-of-the-mill scripts? Pakistan’s drama industry has always been creative, and forward-thinking with meaningful scripts, heart-rending performances, strong dialogues and unbeatable OSTs. Most of it falls in the broad genres of romance, drama, comedy, dramedy or love triangles.īut then it is the same Pakistani audience that had admired the works mentioned above. What we see today in terms of stories, scripts and dialogues is said to be the “demand” of the audiences. One is forced to wonder if economics dictates most of what is being produced nowadays. What happened to our industry? What happened to the talent? What happened to the music? Works of such extraordinary calibre are rare nowadays. The writer and director always got to the heart of the story. ![]() Performances like those in Aansoo, Thori Khushi Thora Gham, Khamoshiyan, Mehndi, Dhun Hamari Tumharay Naam Hui, Loose Talk, Tanhaiyan, Aangan Terha, Fifty-Fifty, and Dhoop Kinarey continue to enthrall audiences. I wonder if we will ever be able to experience again an era of great works flowing from great minds, as we did in our childhoods. We don’t see those powerhouses of presentation in action now. Why do they not make those dramas any longer? Solid performances by the likes of Bushra Ansari, Behroz Sabzwari, Marina Khan, Shehnaz Sheikh, Sania Saeed, Nauman Ijaz and Moin Akhtar and many more, brought to life the works of Haseena Moin and Anwar Maqsood. Despite simple costumes, plain outlook and understated makeup, the stories had a strong message. Pakistan’s drama industry was always creative and forward-thinking with meaningful scripts, heart-rending performances, strong dialogues and unbeatable original soundtracks (OSTs). The popularity and creative streak allowed us to export these offerings to more than 160 countries worldwide, in more than 45 languages. The crème de la crème of the industry brought out the best for the audiences. It seemed to set ever higher standards with each new play and great role models for fresh talent. All the stakeholders, from actors, directors and writers to the audience, saw an elevated performance and viewership in every realm, as the industry raised the bar with every breakthrough. Aving grown up in the ’90s, I have gone through the long history of ground-breaking drama, theatre and music. ![]()
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