Kaptaan is an upcoming Pakistani movie which is based on the life of Imran Khan and his journey as a devoted son, a capable captain and an honest politician. The news about the movie first emerged on screen in 2010 and since then Imran’s fans are waiting for the movie to be released.

Been written and directed by Faisal Aman Khan, the movie is produced by Farhat Faheem Bhatti, Asim Khan and Ali Raza Kabir. The music of ‘Kaptaan’, though still not very popular among the music lovers, is amazingly done. The music is directed by Farhan Zameer whereas cinematographed by AvidDuo (Farrukh & Yashal).

The cast of the movie is wisely chosen where Actor Abdul Mannan will be playing the lead role of Imran Khan, resembling him the best in every manner and Saeeda Imtiaz will be seen as Jamaima Khan. Saeeda is a Pakistani American actress and had also done shoots with Happy Cow Cheese, ChenOne, Cougar and Five Star.

The story starts after Imran’s victory in world cup 1992. The movie highlights the events of his life which include the title of being a playboy been given to him. Not caring of much about it however, Imran’s life takes a new turn after the death of his mother and showing his love and feeling the pain of thousands of son who lose their mother daily, he builds a cancer hospital in Pakistan. Feeling an urge within to do something for his people, Imran then builds Namal University after returning as the first Chancellor of the University of Bradford. The movie also focuses on the fact that despite of having an immense love for his life and children, Imran chose a life of selflessness and left the luxurious life that he always had to stand for his people, for his nation and do something to offer them a better life.

The movie is expected to make its way to theatres in a few months and just after the success of   series of patriotic movies like Khuda k liye and Chambaili, Kaptaan has every ingredient to turn into a blockbuster.

Enjoy the song of Kaptaan here!

Share your views about the venture, will you be watching this movie once it is released?

Wishes,

Nida Zaidi

A show needs to have a few special ingredients to impress the viewers and make a place in their hearts. The first important ingredient is the cast; a good cast always creates interest in the viewers. The second most important thing is the story, followed by the direction. Hits and flops go hand in hand; where a few shows may become hits, the others might not be able to strike a cord with the audiences.

Here is a list of shows that can be considered as flop shows of this season because they lack the ingredients to impress the viewers:

Kaala Jaadu 2:

If the first season was torture, the second season was worse. It is really hard to stomach the concept of these kinds of shows and this show has already been stretched to limit. The script written by Rukhsana Nigar may not be so strong but she has written Wasim Abbas’s character very well, as it is very close to reality. The show may not be worth watching but Waseem Abbas’s flawless acting definitely is. Waseem Abbas different role shows his versatility and it is the only plus point in this show.

Dil Mohalay Ki Haveli:

I have never been able to understand the concept of this show. Samina Ahmed plays the role of a woman who is obsessed with culture and tradition especially when it comes to food. The writer Amna Mufti tried to come up with a new concept but her attempt failed to impress the audiences. The only highlight of this show is Sami Khan, who has finally showed some versatility as he is no longer playing the character of a ‘guy who never gets the girl’. I was personally fed up of seeing him in the same kind of roles in every show but his unique character in this show is refreshing to watch.

Meri Dulari:

The reason why Meri Dulari is a flop is because of its script which has nothing new to offer and its direction which could have been way better. This show is Yumna Zaidi’s best work so far as she has managed to done justice to her role. I have always found her a very weak actor who needed to brush up on her acting skills and slowly and gradually, she is improving. Sana Askari and Sami Khan’s same monotonous roles have nothing new to offer to the audiences. Saba Hameed has performed exceptionally in her role as the strict mother in law. The show, however, failed to connect with the audiences because of many essential ingredients missing.

Jiya Na Jaye:

The cast of this show has performed exceptionally and the script and direction both are also satisfactory. The reason why it failed to click with the audiences is because there is still an ingredient which is missing in the show. There was just no ‘wow’ factor in it which would woo the audiences. Imran Aslam has done full justice to his negative character, Fatima Effendi just keeps on getting better and Adeel Hussain’s acting was also up to the mark. In the beginning, the story had its charm but now it is just dragging and it is about time they end this show.

Shab-e-Aarzoo Ka Aalam:

This is another show which failed to make a place in the audiences’ heart. The story revolves around a couple madly in love who are driven apart by circumstances. Mohib Mirza and Armeena Rana Khan have superb chemistry and both have outdone themselves but the cast is not enough to make a show hit. The pace of this show is very slow and the story is not so impressive either.

Dehleez:

Dehleez and Parchaiyaan started almost together and where Parchaiyaan became a huge hit, Dehleez was not able to gather enough audiences. Rubina Ashraf has performed brilliantly in both the shows and proved how versatile she can be. Dehleez was not half bad in the beginning but now after 83 episodes, I really think the time has come for this show to end!

Meenu Ka Susral:

Frankly, I have never seen more than a scene or two of this show and that too while changing channels. The show never managed to capture my interest. The cast is not impressive and the story has nothing that we haven’t seen before in other shows.

Share your opinion about these shows and feel free to add to the list!

 The drama most awaited has finally made its way to the heart of the viewers and with its first episode been on air, the drama-lovers have found their next venture to stick with. Replacing ‘Tanhai’ on Wednesdays, ‘Kadurat’ is a different story which is been written by Zoha Hassan and directed by Aabis Raza. Just like most of the Hum TV projects, even this one too belongs to the Moomal Productions and probably this is one of the major reasons that we see the cream actors being a part of this drama. The cast of the drama is enough to drag a considerable audience which loves to see actors like Sanam Saeed, Omal Sheikh, Imran Aslam, Deepak Perwani, Angeline Malik, Nida, Junaid Khan and Adnan Jaffer.

The drama highlights the agony of a girl whose father remarries after the death of her mother and her step-mother, along with her two children, enters in her house and life. The second mother however isn’t shown as a typical step-mother but Meera is really not willing to watch her replacing her mother in her father’s life. Giving a hard time to the entire family, Meera’s conduct forces her father to send her to a hostel where she really experiences a hard time as being away from her home.

Coming towards the characters of the drama, it was really amazing to find that the child artists have done a great job and even their getups are been done closely to give them a touch of the celebrities they would turn into on-screen.

Here are a few high quality pictures that are been revealed as official clicks of the drama.

Have a look!

Share your views about the drama,

Wishes,

Nida Zaidi

It has been quite a while since I made a list of talented newcomers in the television industry because honestly speaking many of the newcomers in the industry lately seemed to be more disappointing than promising. Things have change in the past few months though, there are a few new actors and actresses who have greatly impressed many with their acting skills and sometimes it is difficult to tell that they are newbies. Here is a list of newcomers who are very talented and are sure to go a long way.

1. Sanam Jung

Sanam Jung is just plain adorable; seeing her on screen is always refreshing. I admit that there are times when her acting can leave a lot to be desired for but there are also times when she completely steals the show. Dil-e-Muztar is Sanam’s first television play but she has been associated with the world of showbiz for many years now. Sanam Jung does need to polish her acting skills more but for a newbie she is doing a great job. I am sure all she needs to do is to work with a few good directors and she will be one of the most sought after actresses around. You know what I really like about this girl – her confidence and of course her beautiful smile. Sanam Jung seems like a go-getter and I honestly believe that the right attitude can take anyone a long way. She is full of energy and vibrant, I especially noticed that when she hosted the Zindagi Gulzar Hai special show.

2. Mira Sethi

Yes Natasha is very annoying! Probably one of the most annoying and negative characters that we have seen on screen in a long time but the fact that we hate her so much goes to prove that the actress Mira Sethi who is playing this character is doing a brilliant job. I have to say that there have been many times when I have sided with Natasha’s character and tried defending her outrageous behavior only because I love the actress. It is difficult to tell that Silvatein is Mira Sethi’s first play because she is performing so well. I hope that we will be seeing more of Mira Sethi very soon and I also hope the next time around she does something completely different.

3. Mukarram Kaleem

Mukarram Kaleem started his acting career from the play Aik Nayee Cinderella but for me he really stands out in the play Aunn Zara. Mukarram Kaleem plays the Leading character’s best friend Manzar. The two friends are very close to one another so Manzar’s character is an important one in the show. Acting comes very naturally to this young man, he has the confidence to face the camera and his body language and expressions are just perfect. Will we be seeing Mukarram Kaleem in comedy roles only in the future too? I hope not, I hope we see him in more diverse roles.

4. Suniya Shamshad

Suniya is not a newcomer in the strict sense of the word but Rehaii proved to be the first break through for her. Suniya proved that if she works with a good director and a strong script, she has very good potential. She is unquestionably another actress who is likely to go a long way if given the opportunity.

5. Sundus Tariq

 I have Sundas Tariq act in Hamnasheen and in Maan Ke Moti, she has completely different roles in both the plays but she does complete justice to both of them. She deserves to get meatier roles in the future so that she can prove her talent further.

Would you like to add any other names to the list? Are there any other new actors who you think have a lot of potential? Feel free to add to the list.

Fatima Awan

Mira Sethi who made her debut in the field of acting as Natasha in drama serial Silvetien is now enjoying a significant limelight for her acting skills. Being the daughter of a senior journalist Najam Sethi who happened to be the former (caretaker) chief minister of Punjab, Mira is too fond of writing and is a known editor and writer. Her acting in her debut drama is highly appreciated by the drama-lovers who love to hate her as Natasha these days. Mira has truly given her role all what it needed.

Silvatein is an on-going drama serial on ARY which revolves around two sisters, Zaib and Natasha and the mixed feelings the two always had for one another. Natasha, who was always overshadowed by her elder sister, starts hating her and wants to get rid of her existence in her life but destiny plays even meeker and Zaib is married to Natasha’s brother-in-law. 

Mira has done a fabulous job and though she portrays a negative character on-screen, audience can still not neglect what a wonderful actress she is. It was only last week that her exclusive interview was published in a magazine where she shared all about herself and answered all what her fans always wanted to know.

Here are the clips of Interview taken. Have a look!

Wishes,

Nida Zaidi

What makes an on-screen couple melt your heart and sizzle the screen? In my opinion the success of any on-screen couple is due to two reasons, firstly the chemistry between the pair and secondly the script. The script makes a big difference because even if the chemistry is mind blowing but the dialogues and the story does not click to the audience than the couple’s good chemistry may not prove to be any good. A classic example is that of Amna and Urooj from Mere Dard Ko Jo Zuban Miley, the viewers were drooling over the couple because their love was portrayed wonderfully but then when Amna fell in love with the villain, Urooj’s character was reduced to a caricature and things took a spiral turn. Some couples don’t have the perfect ending but their entire journey all through the play is so touching that the viewers love them till the end. Here is a list of couples from recent times who have blown away the audience, they are the on-screen couples who will be remembered forever.

Mansoor and Shehwar

Mansoor and Shehwar’s characters were played impeccably by Meekal Zulfiqar/ Mohammad Qavi and Sanam Baloch/Samina Peerzada. What was about this couple that set it apart from rest of the on-screen couples of recent times? I think that it was that their misunderstandings and problems were very real and the love that ensued later on was very inspiring. To me, Mansoor and Durr-e-Shehwar’s story was the most amazing love story of recent times. I can never forget the last scene of the final episode and the dialogues. Mansoor and Durr-e-Shehwar in young and old age both melted my heart, I will never forget them.

Asher and Khirad

These two need absolutely no introduction; Hamsafar was a hit only because Asher and Khirad bowled people over by their innocent love. Both the characters were shaped out faultlessly; also the chemistry between these two was unparalleled. It is also a fact that the good looks were a big factor that contributed to the success of this couple. Ever since Hamsafar has ended people have been dying to see this couple together again on-screen. The story of Hamsafar was not outstanding, I think that the only reason it was such a huge success was because of Sarmad Khoosat’s stupendous direction and the chemistry between the leading pair.

Bano and Hassan

Bano and Hassan never had their happy ending but it is also true that Dastaan was not a love story. Bano’s character essentially portrayed ever single person in the subcontinent which had fought hard to acquire a piece of land for the Muslims. Bano’s expectations from this land of pure reflected the hopes of many Muslims at that time. Even though Dastaan was the story of the freedom struggle in the subcontinent but Bano and Hassan were the central characters in the story. Their love was pure and the chemistry between Fawad Khan and Sanam Baloch set the screen on fire. In the end when Bano and Hassan did not get married, many of the viewers were very disappointed. Many people thought that the ending was heartbreaking. Many of the Bano/Hassan fans have also shown their wish to see the same lead pair again too.

Aabi and Haniya

Ah! I can never forget Aabi and Haniya, their romance was a fairytale without a doubt which ended with a grave tragedy. Adeel Hussain and Sarwat Gillani looked very cute together. Aabi was the perfect fairytale hero; he showered Haniya with all the love and care in the world. Some people thought that their love was too cheesy but I thought it was very sweet.

Serena and Kishmish

I must confess that there wasn’t much that I liked about Tanhaiyaan Nayee Silsilay. The only reason I kept on watching the play till the end was Serena’s character and later on the sugary love that blossomed between Kishmish and Serena. The scene in which Kishmish proposes Serena was out of this world and their romance was very cute. Out of all the plays that I have seen recently, Serena and Kishmish are the ones who stand out for me. Syra Yousuf and Shehroz Sabzwari got married when the play was on air. The real life wedding pictures added to the love I felt for this on-screen couple.

This looks like a very pro Hum TV list but that wasn’t intentional at all. Which were the couples in the recent dramas which you found most lovable? Do share.

Ayesha Ahmed

There are many beautiful and attractive actresses in our television industry but it is also a fact that not all of them are natural beauties. Some of them look good only when they wear a lot of make up and many others have undergone plastic surgeries as well. I would like to point out the names of those actresses here who are natural beauties, this doesn’t mean that there are prettier than all others in the industry but it means that they look good even if they don’t wear very heavy make-up.

Mahira Khan

Mahira is one of the very few actresses who actually wears very little make-up and still looks good. In fact she has the sort of face that will probably not look that good with too much make-up. Take for instance these picture, Mahira was the brand ambassador for some cosmetic company so she wore heavy make up (the first picture) but in my opinion the natural look suits her much more.

Ayesha Omer

Ayesha Omer also looks great in a casual look. Even if she wears no make up at all, she looks cute. The fair skin makes a big difference and she has cute features too. We don’t usually see Ayesha wearing tons of eye shadow or with very made-up hair in most of her dramas but she looks lovely nevertheless.

Alishba Yousuf

I think Alishba looked her best in Ek Nazar Meri Taraf because she wore minimal make-up especially in the later half of the play. Alishba is most certainly one of those actresses who actually don’t look good in heavy make-up. A little foundation, mascara and lip gloss and this beauty is good to go! Her features are almost perfect too so there is no need for contouring.

Juggan Kazim

I know Juggan does not fall in the category of a typical Pakistani beauty but she is cute and looks just as good in absolutely no make-up look as she does in a lot of make-up. I have seen her many times in real life too, she looks a lot younger in real life than she does on screen and is equally pretty.

Zeba Bakhtiar

Although Zeba Bakhtiar is much older than the actresses I mentioned above but she definitely falls in the same category. She is also one of those actresses who actually look better with very little make-up than with a lot of make up. She has a glowing skin and very cute features.

Sanam Baloch

I have never liked Sanam Baloch in a lot of make-up, it makes her look a lot older than her age. On the other hand she looks adorable in a little make-up because she has a naturally cute face which does not require much decorating.

Samina Peerzada

Samina Peerzada is an ageless beauty. Her beautiful features combined with her brilliant acting skills still make her a show stealer. She gets just as much praise for her work as any leading actresses who people love. This list would be incomplete without her.

Ayza Khan

I saw two episodes of Ghalti Se Mistake Ho Gayee, Ayza is wearing excessive make-up in that sitcom and it does not suit her at all. She looked great in Kahi Unkahi and Zard Mausam in which she had a more natural look. Ayza also has one of those faces that actually look better with less make-up.

Syra Yousuf

Syra Yousuf is hip and trendy. Her style is very casual and it suits her very well. I have never liked Syra in outrageous hairdos or red lipsticks. She carries the natural look much more nicely, she has very pretty hair which do not need a lot of work. Like many of the actresses in this list she is not a classic beauty like she does not have big eyes or a sharp nose etc but she is very cute and very stylish.

There are many actresses in our industry who look great in make-up. Amina Sheikh is the prime example, no one looks as great in make-up as she does because the make-up completely transforms her. Do you agree with the list? Feel free to disagree. Also add to the list if you think there are other actresses who fall in this category.

Ayesha Ahmed

Our Industry is full of talent that is waiting to be explored and this is the reason that the ultimate destination for every singer, Video Jokey (VJ), Radio Jokey (RJ), anchor is acting. Some have turned out to be a major hit while some have just vanished after their first show. The most appreciated lot so far is of the VJ turned actresses. Here is the list of the Top 7 VJ turned actresses:

1

Mahira Khan:

Mahira Khan had started her career as a VJ on MTV Pakistan and her LIVE show was one of the highest rated shows on MTV. She also hosted the show ‘Weekends with Mahira’ on Aag TV. She got her first break as an actress from the movie ‘Bol’ which was directed by Shoaib Mansoor. I remember seeing the movie and saying ‘She needs to learn how to act’. Then Neeyat went on air and my only thought was ‘She really needs to go back to being a VJ, acting is just not her thing’. But her next show bowled everyone over, her drastic improvement was astonishing and we all know which show that was! She recently won the ‘Best Actress Award – Satellite’ for Humsafar in LSA 2013 and the ‘Best Actress’ for Shehr-e-Zaat in Hum TV Awards. After Humsafar, she was even better in Shehr-e-Zaat where she played a totally different character from all her previous shows. So yes, she tops my list!

2

Mawra Hocane:

Mawra Hocane started her career as a VJ on ATV Pakistan. She then started appearing in advertisements and was also seen in small roles in different television shows. She finally got her big break from the show ‘Yahan Pyaar Nahi Hai’ where she was seen in a parallel lead and played a negative character. After that she appeared in one popular show after the other. The best quality about her is that she can play both a negative and positive character to perfection and this is the reason why she comes second in my list. She can easily mould herself into the innocent character that she played in ‘Ik Tamanna Lahasil Si’ and ‘Main Guneghar Nahi’ or the extremely negative character in ‘Mera Harjai’ and ‘Yahan Pyar Nahi Hai’. She has proved her acting skills in a very short time.

3

Alishba Yousuf:

Alishba started her career as a VJ on Aag TV and then made her debut as an actress from the show ‘Chaand Pe Dastak’. She was, however, noticed for the first time in the serial ‘Main Abdul Qadir Hoon’. Her performance in this show was below average and I could not see a bright future ahead of her but she surprised everyone with her performance in ‘Ek Nazar Meri Taraf’. I was amazed at her improvement and I started looking forward to more of her work after that. Her phenomenal performance in her last two shows ‘Tanhaiyan-Naye Silsilay’ and ‘Mere Dard Ko Zuban Mile’ has managed to awe the audiences.

4

Sanam Jung:                     

Sanam started her career as a VJ on Aag TV and debuted as an actress from the show ‘Dil-e-Muztar’. Sanam Jung comes 4^th in my list of the Top 7 VJs. Why? Because amongst all the people in this list, she has made the best debut. Usually actors perform poorly in their first serial but she has performed like an experienced actor in her very first show. I have great expectation from her in the future!

5

Syra Yousuf:

Syra was initially seen as a VJ on MTV Pakistan and later she moved towards acting and was seen in a major role in the popular show ‘Mera Naseeb’ which turned out to be a hit. Her acting in her first serial can be considered as average but with each passing show her performance became better. Her roles in ‘Bilquees Kaur’ and ‘Tanhaiyaan-Naye Silsilay’ were liked and appreciated by everyone.

6

Urwa Hocane:

Urwa started her career as a VJ on Ary Musik and gained popularity in a very short time. She debuted as an actress from the show ‘Meri Ladli’ which became a huge hit. After that there was no stopping her, she came in one show after the other and proved herself as an actress. In most of her serials she has played negative roles but now she has slowly becoming more versatile. She is now doing a comedy sitcom called ‘Namak Paray’ and another show called ‘Aik Pagal Si larki’ and it is refreshing to see her in new roles.

7

Naveen Waqar:

Naveen Waqar started her career with the live music request show, “Pick and Choose with Fuse” on Aag TV. Not many people know that she started her career as an actor from a Tele film ‘Ab Set Hai’ but she got noticed by audiences by her negative role in Humsafar. Her role as ‘Sara’ in Humsafar was very well received by the audiences as she had done an excellent for a new comer. Her role in ‘Ainie Ki Ayegi Barat’ was also liked by the audiences.

Feel free to add to the list and do share your opinion about the ranking!

Urwa Hocane Wedding

Mariam Shafiq

Armeena Rana Khan may be a new comer in Pakistan but she has already made her mark abroad with her short film called ‘Writhe’ which was shown in Cannes Film Festival this year in May. It was a huge honor for the whole team of Writhe for their film to get selected at Cannes. It received quite a response from the Hollywood’s most elite crowd. The director, Sharaz Ali was also approached by stars like the Oscar winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and James Franco (known for his work in the Spiderman franchise) and he got a chance to have a little chat with them, which was a truly wonderful experience for him.

Recently, there was a private screening held in London and those who attended the screening got to meet the cast and crew, and got an opportunity to ask questions from the whole team. Fox News and ARY UK covered the event and took exclusive interviews from the star cast. The screening turned out to be a huge success and the film was appreciated by everyone present at the screening.

Armeena looked gorgeous in a funky yet classy attire at the screening. Here is a click of Armeena with Sharaz Ali from the screening:

Writhe is a short film directed by Sharaz Ali and features Armeena Rana Khan and Geoff Cooper as the leads. The story revolves around a woman who is abused and mutilated by her boyfriend and this turns her into a cold and forbidding woman and we get to see a pure evil side of her. Her thirst for seeking revenge is so strong that innocent victims become her target and her thirst is only quenched by taking their lives.

And here is a screen shot from the movie:

Since it is an Art film, it is unique and independent and aimed at a niche market rather than the mass audiences. Sharaz Ali once said in an interview that he entered Writhe in the Cannes Film Festival at the very last minute and did not have any high hopes but he was absolutely thrilled to find out that his film had been selected.

Armeena is a Canadian based actress who started her career with modeling and then turned to acting as a hobby but now she has made a successful career out of it. She is currently seen in Shab-e-Arzoo ka Aalam and Happily Married and there are more of her projects in the pipeline.

The unfortunate part is that the people the short film will not be officially released in Pakistan because of Writhe’s different story and unique concept which may not appeal to the audiences here. The concept of art films is new to the audiences here and Writhe might not get the praise or the appreciation that it deserves. According to the director, if things work out the film might be released online.

According to the latest buzz, Armeena Rana Khan will be seen in another short film called ‘Echoes through Eternity’. It will be directed by BAFTA nominated director Aneel Ahmed. This short film is due to be released in 2014. After such a huge success of her first short film, it is not surprising to know that she had been approached by big directors and is quite in demand nowadays. We hope to see her climbing higher on the ladder of success as time passes.

We wish her all the best for her future!

Mariam Shafiq

Like all other TV channels Geo Television has also put together special Ramazan transmission as well. I wrote in another article as well that the special Ramazan shows do not focus on the essence of the holy month but sadly enough the ones that are designed especially for Iftar timings as well fail to impress the audience. The reason being that the hosts may appear on your TV screens and beg you to help those in need but you can’t ignore that the makers of these shows forget that Islam firstly and fore mostly is a religion which promotes simplicity. Big lavish sets that look more like palaces speak volumes of the hypocrisy of the people who sit in them and talk about Islam. Not only this but the people who conduct the shows do not refrain from wearing heavy make up. Even a person with very little common sense can see the materialistic approach of most of these hosts. Does Islam allow men to wear make up, even if it is for television? When the people who are behind these shows and those who are conducting these shows cannot follow the very basic rules of Islam, how can they expect people to take them seriously?

We see dramas and shows all through the year in which all these channels show just how many finances they have so if they didn’t opt for impressing the audience with the glitz and glam in these special Ramazan shows it will only be appreciated.

Doesn’t glamorizing these Ramazan shows mean that we are promoting the wrong image of Islam? Why can’t we promote simplicity and modesty through these shows? These shows are fast becoming a part of the rat race too – who has the best set and who gets the more TRPs!

 After all it is show business; therefore our TV channels fail to leave the “showing” part aside or more of showing off part aside.How many of you want to see lavish sets as part of these Iftar and Sehr transmissions? Wouldn’t more people be happier if we see more simple settings? Do the lavish sets and the expensive décor seem in line with basic Islamic teachings? Do you think that these Ramazan shows hosts and hostesses should tone down on their make up? I most certainly think that it doesn’t. They focus too much on their looks which at least for me is very off-putting.

Saud

Yes seriously, those people who are going gaga over the Turkish plays please enlighten me, what exactly is it about these plays that is so different or unique and obviously appealing that I find so many people praising these plays and of course following them. Turkish dramas have been criticized to the limit, I know that but the fact is that they have a huge fan following. I have witnessed it around me and I also know it because of the number of people who watch these dramas online. People may not have the “courage” to say outright that these dramas are great and we love them because there will be too many people “judging” them then but there is a big “silent” majority who follows these dramas. I have nothing against Turkish dramas; I am definitely not the part of the “group” that dislikes Turkish dramas solely because they are foreign! I tried watching Ishq-e-Mamnu when it went on air because practically every second person around me was talking about it, like it was something very special but I found the whole dubbing factor a huge put off and couldn’t watch it. I must confess though that based on the opinions of many people I know, I did feel like I was missing out something big.

Things have changed greatly now in the past few months, even if you don’t like something about these plays, you still ended up watching a few minutes of a Turkish play every now and then while switching channels or out of sheer curiosity because they are being aired on every single channel and also because sometimes it seems like Turkish plays are all that there is on television at a given time. I ended up watching a few episodes of these Turkish plays in bits and pieces and I think I got the gist of all the stories quite well. Most of the stories revolve around rich families with twisted morals (illegitimate children and extra marital affairs); most of the family members are very actively involved in plotting and planning, young or old.  Yes, there most certainly was a lot of plotting and conspiracies in the few episodes I watched. I watched at least two different plays in which the sisters (or the step sister) were after their Brother-in-Laws. The one on Hum TV is pretty much the same as the twisted sibling stories we see on our screens very often. One sister is holier than thou and the other one is totally opposite – she is out to ruin her sister’s life. The plotting and planning is very different from our dramas (it is much more intricate) but that is what it is. Almost all the stories revolve around married couples and families that have ugly secrets. Don’t we see all of just that in our plays too? The only difference is that the women in our plays are not dressed to kill and the houses are not so beautiful. Yes, some of these dramas proved to be visual treats but nothing more than that. There was nothing about the stories at all that made me stand up and take notice or look forward to more.

My opinion is based on watching only a few episodes of some of these plays. I would really like the viewers who like Turkish plays to tell me that what is about these plays that is so different? Is it because of the different faces (I have to say some of them are very pretty!) or is it because people like the settings of the plays which are obviously different too. Is there a Turkish drama on air right now, the story of which does not revolve around family politics of rich families or extra marital affairs? I heard Fatima Gul had a different story but I didn’t watch it at all. I don’t mean to be sarcastic or critical, I am just very curious to hear what is it that the viewers like about these plays. Feel free to share your thoughts.

Fatima Awan