Parwarish is a drama airing on ARY Digital. Amongst scripts about a girl and boy falling in love, problems of in-laws and love triangles, this drama was a breath of fresh air. The show is basically about parenting and the challenges our younger generation is facing in their lives and careers.
Parwarish has shown problems of different strata of society. Parents, daughters, sons and even grandparents have been given proper representation in the show. This has been a great effort by Fahad Mustafa’s Big Bang Productions, as the show’s concept came directly from the main man himself. Here are 10 things that Parwarish is getting right, and it was high time we showed this on our television screens:
Abroad Woes
Parwarish, at its core, is a story about a family that returns to Pakistan from abroad. The starting scenes of the show, with Wali having a superiority complex, made us all remember someone close to us who has behaved like that. With this plot, Parwarish spoke about the identity crises that many Pakistanis face when they move back home after living abroad a few years. Life is different, customs are different, and in many instances, people are not ready to give you space. Parwarish also showed how positively JB’s family reacted and helped him and his children settle.
Toxic Control Of Parents
Parenting and specifically Pakistani parenting, is beautifully represented in Parwarish. South Asia has a beautiful culture of obedience and respect. Parents take care of their children, giving them their all. Children then grow up and repeat the cycle and take care of their parents till the end. However, toxicity disguised as obedience sometimes takes over this relationship. Parents start thinking that their child owes them and start controlling every aspect and decision of their lives. Wali’s father wants to control his life. Maya’s father wants to make the biggest decision of her life for her. And even grandmother would not allow a roti-maker in the house as it defies her control over the kitchen.
Eldest Daughter Pressure
The eldest daughter in a desi household can easily be compared to a hot pressure cooker. She has the weight of the entire family’s respect and honour; she has to be the best student, the best sister, the best wife and the best daughter-in-law. Amal has been the perfect representation of the eldest daughters of our society. She will take care of everybody till she breaks down. Similarly, Maya is also carrying the weight of her father’s cruelty and wants to save her younger sister from the same fate.
Realistic Siblings Bond
After decades of sibling rivalry, Parwarish has brought back a real sibling bond. Anya and Wali, for example, are each other’s support systems. Wali is always there for Anya while he is going through the biggest transitions of his life. Sameer and Amal are also ideal siblings. The way Sameer is taking care of Amal’s feelings and understanding he is what we need to show more of on our screens rather than honour-killing laddened, toxic brothers. Even JB and Suleman, despite all their differences, always support each other.
Mental Health Issues
Parwarish is also talking about the mental health challenges of the new generation. Amal was shown having a complete anxiety attack. Maya’s mother’s reaction to narcissistic abuse was also real. Anya is also shown considering self-harm, which many youngsters do. Mental health issues are shown as real problems and not like props to move the story forward.
Society’s Reaction To A Girl Child
Maya’s father is simply a reflection of our society. His daughter is studious and obedient but he only cares to marry her off. He is shown as a father of two daughters. He has no male child and he feels his family will not be secure after him. He was ready to bring a man like Waleed in his family just so his daughters will have a “sahara” if something happened to him. He has been conditioned by society that his daughters will not be able to care for themselves if he is not there.
Non-acceptance For Different Professions
Wali loves music. This is a plot point that has been expressed since the very start. Music is what is going to finally get him out of his current quagmire. His father, on the other hand, got him a seat in a medical college through shady means. Only a doctor, an engineer or a lawyer is acceptable in Pakistan, and all other professions are looked down upon. This is another topic Parwarish is shedding light on.
Love At A Younger Age
Parwarish showed infatuation in youth. Amal likes Wali, but she did not get toxic about it. Maya and Wali also like each other, and they want to see a future together. If not for Maya’s father, they would not have tried to get married. The love and infatuation are treated like they exist in reality. There is heartbreak, there is love but not too dramatic.
Importance Of A Parents’ Reaction
A parent’s reaction can make or break their child. Children go through a lot of challenges and transitions in their lives. A parent’s job is to be the adult and not overreact or break their child’s confidence. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, we generally see the second condition. Parents are always angry, they never listen to their child’s point of view. JB and Shaheer are two fathers who represent such parents. JB made Wali leave his house while Shaheer made Maya miserable and insecure. On the other hand, we have Suleman and Panna, two parents who always listen to their kids and give them time to process stuff on their own. Consequently, their children are way more sorted in life.
Gen Z Lingo
Parwarish is very Gen Z coded. This is why many youngsters are watching it. Yes, there are some over-the-top disasters like “Woh Sigma Sigma Sa Hai”, but mostly the language used by all characters is relevant, fresh, and what we see nowadays.
What did you connect with in Parwarish and why? Share in comments!
