Pakistani dramas are loved globally now. Within the last decade, our dramas have increased their international audience. The down-to-earth storytelling, sweet romantic tracks, and melodrama attract the audience towards them. Though scripts became stagnant for a while and we started seeing many formulaic stories to gain ratings, things are changing again as the audience increases. Among all the changes, the change in how romance is portrayed on-screen is a welcome one.
Pakistani dramas are known for their hit on-screen couples. There have been instances when these on-screen couples became off-screen couples too. If we speak about the kind of love stories that generally work on Pakistani television, then we can push them into several categories:
Shahmeer & Shibra From Ishq Murshid
Shahmeer and Shibra, played by Bilal Abbas Khan and Durefishan Saleem, is a type of fantasy romance that we can see on Pakistani television. The boy is rich, while the girl is from a middle-class family. They are at most in their mid-20s, and they fall in love. Love stories of this genre are loved by millions, and it is among the most loved romantic tropes of Pakistani dramas.
Mustafa & Sharjeena From Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum
Mustafa and Sharjeena are another beloved couple from Pakistani dramas who gained worldwide recognition. Their romance showcases a different dynamic that resonates with audiences. In this story, we have a poor young man and a beautiful middle-class woman, and we witness their gradual journey to falling in love. Both characters are in their mid to late 20s. Fahad Mustafa designed his character in a way that made him appear at least a decade younger than his actual age.
Nosherwan Ghaznavi & Dua From Jaan Nisar
In Pakistani dramas, another common type of romance features a man in his early 30s from an elite background who falls in love with a girl from a poor financial situation. Typically, the girl is a college student. This storyline consistently attracts high viewership on television. Although this trope has been used extensively, it continues to resonate with audiences.
Romance is often at the center of television storytelling. However, many dramas present a limited view of love. They suggest that love belongs only to the young. Once a person crosses the age of 35, love is no longer part of the narrative. This applies to both men and women. In most stories, love ends with a wedding. The focus is on celebrations—flowers, music, and bright lights. The emotion itself is not explored beyond that point. Real-life complexities and mature relationships are rarely shown. Some dramas, such as Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, make an effort to go deeper. But overall, love is treated more as a destination than a journey.
Fortunately, trends are changing, and we are finally seeing couples who are older. Some find love later in life, while others have kept their romance fresh and strengthened it after years of companionship. These heartwarming stories about everyday people resonate with many and are gaining attention. Here are a few examples of how romance is evolving on television, and this change is certainly welcome:
Iqbal & Zulfi In Yunhi
Yunhi was an underrated drama that conveyed many important messages and depicted real issues faced by families. The portrayal of Tazeen Hussain as Iqbal, who yearns for love for years and finally finds happiness in her 40s, was commendable. It was refreshing to see that life does not end at 35. The show emphasized that individuals in their 40s are just as deserving of love and companionship, and they have the right to marry. While there was a young couple, Maya Ali and Bilal Ashraf, featured in the show, audiences also appreciated the mature love story. It received positive feedback and acceptance, marking a welcome change from the typical narrative of 19-year-olds eager to get married.
Asim & Bisma From Qarz e Jaan
A recent mature love story we saw on our screens was Qarz e Jaan, featuring Bisma and Asim. This series showcased the talents of Tazeen Hussain, paired with romance king Faisal Rehman. The plot revolves around a woman with a daughter of marriageable age who decides to remarry. On her wedding day, she dresses as a beautiful bride, with her daughter standing behind her, hoping to find happiness once again. It was refreshing to see how the love story of the older couple, in their 40s and 50s, was received more positively than that of the younger cast.
Mehnaz and Ahsan From Tan Man Neelo Neel
Tan Man Neelo Neel was a drama that touched upon so many sensitive topics and it shook the audience with a strong finale. But one more track in the show that won everyone was how it focused on the relationship of an older couple. Mehnaz and Ahsan played by Nadia Afgan and Noman Masood had their own life, they had angst, they had romance and they still loved each other. Being older in age did not stop their hearts. People loved watching a woman still in love with her husband despite being mom to a grown up daughter and they loved how Ahsan had other character traits and he was not just a father asking for tea. A complex track which showcased love of an older married couple and it was not only appreciated but once again ACCEPTED by the audience.
Roshi’s Grandparents In Meem Se Mohabbat
Arshad Mehmood and Beo Zafar played the grandparents of Dananeer Mobeen in Meem Se Mohabbat. They were not just showpieces or cry babies in the show. They had mutual respect and they loved each other. They discussed life and had opinions. An older couple still looking bomb and having real personalities was refreshing for the audience.
Sameer’s Parents In Parwarish
Parwarish is a television drama that primarily explores the experiences of Generation Z. One prominent character, Sameer, is supported by his parents, portrayed by Saman Ansari and Saad Zameer. This couple is responsible for raising two teenagers while managing the common challenges associated with a joint family structure. Despite these difficulties, they prioritize their relationship, demonstrating a commitment to each other. The development of their characters is robust, engaging the audience and fostering a connection to their narrative. The series effectively depicts the distinct challenges encountered by both husbands and wives, contributing to its relatability and resonance with viewers.
Ibrahim And Aliyah From Mann Jogi
Ibrahim and Aliyah portray an unconventional romance in Pakistani dramas. The creators opted to cast Bilal Abbas Khan in a softer role that strays from the typical heroic character. Unlike traditional leads, he is uneducated and marries a divorcee who is likely older than him. In contrast, the female lead is fierce, highly educated, and excels in many ways compared to the male lead. Despite their differences, the romance unfolds through a compelling script that fans genuinely appreciate.
Haji Mushtaq & Barbeena In Kabli Pulao
Haji Mushtaq and Barbeena, played by Mohammad Ehteshamuddin and Sabeena Farooq, took the fans and the industry by storm. No one expected such a show to resonate so deeply with the audience. The hero was considerably older, while the heroine appeared without any makeup, sporting simple attire instead of glamorous outfits. Despite not speaking each other’s language, their romance was remarkably engaging. This unconventional pairing succeeded and encouraged other drama creators to take risks in their storytelling. The couple transformed how audiences perceive romance in Pakistani dramas, and a straightforward narrative ultimately sparked a subtle shift in the thinking of producers.
The growing acceptance of mature, well-developed romances marks a positive shift. Audiences are moving beyond the chaos of love at first sight. Viewers have shown their maturity. It is now up to creators to respond and deliver more thoughtful, sophisticated love stories on screen.
