Agha Ali and Hina Altaf’s marriage came as a surprise to most people. In fact, Agha and Hina themselves even today have a tough time realizing that they are now married! They also faced a lot of criticism because of Agha’s prior relationship with Sarah Khan. Well, the good thing was that people started liking this couple once they got to know them better. Although Hina and Agha both are equally famous, their marriage turned into a controversy because people thought Agha had broken Sarah Khan’s heart. Now that Sarah Khan is happily married, the dust is settled and everyone has accepted this newly married couple. Until now, Hina and Agha refrained from giving interviews. They made their first appearance in Nida Yasir’s show because Nida has been an important part of Agha Ali’s journey as a celebrity. In this show, the couple revealed many interesting details.

They also talked about how they fell in love and what is that they love about each other the most. Here are those 5 things which attracted this couple towards each other and they decided to get married.

Agha Ali Loves Hina’s ‘Mysterious’ Nature

Agha Ali shared in his first interview after the marriage that even today he finds it hard to believe that they are actually married. He said that if he had to mention one thing which became the reason why he chose Hina as his wife, it would be that Hina knows when to get candid with people and when to keep her distance. The fact that Hina does not reveal her personality to everyone, attracted Agha towards him. Her reserved nature appealed to Agha. Hina was like a mystery for Agha, once she revealed her personality to him, he liked her even more.

Hina Altaf Adores & Respects Agha’s Personality

Hina made it quite clear that apart from love there was a lot of adoration and respect which she felt for Agha Ali. She said that it is so important to keep on reminding each other why you fell in love and got married. Hina is absolutely in love with the kind of person Agha is. She thinks she can never be as good a person as her husband because he has so many great qualities like he is truthful and loyal.

They Can Relate To Each Others Struggles

Hina and Agha both have struggled a lot to get where they are today. When they started talking to one another, they could relate to each other’s journeys because they had faced similar situations. In the beginning, most of their conversations were about their struggles which became something that brought them close. Both of them are self-made and independent individuals and that is what makes them compatible.

Both of Them Want The Same Things

Hina and Agha’s outlook towards life is the same even though the first time they met on the sets, they did not even talk to each other. Two people who thought they would not even get along ended up falling in love and getting married. This happened because they realized that they were soulmates. When asked if Hina and Agha regretted having a simple wedding, they shared that they always wanted such a wedding. Agha said that although he would have liked a few more people there at the wedding he was happy with the way things went because he liked things simple and Hina is the same.

Not only this, but they also love playing games together and there are so many other activities which they have in common. Apart from that, Agha respects the fact that Hina is a working woman who wants to continue working, he would never stop Hina from pursuing her career.

Hina Altaf Loves Agha’s Sense of Humor

The one thing which attracted Hina towards Agha, in the beginning, was his sense of humor. Hina’s first impression of Agha was that he is a really serious person who probably gets upset easily. When they started interacting, she was surprised to know that Agha had a great sense of humor. He always made Hina laugh and that is the reason why she decided to spend the rest of her life with him. For Hina, a good sense of humor was really important always and she found just that in Agha. She knows that this man can make me laugh at any given time which is the kind of relief she wants every single day in order to make life more enjoyable.

Hina and Agha are soul mates who met each other at the right time. We wish them a happy life together.

For the past many years, we have been waiting to watch Pakistani dramas that diverged from the conventional family politics narrative. The year 2023 proved to be the year when the producers and writers finally introduced new themes in Pakistani dramas. This pivotal year became synonymous with innovation as the industry ventured beyond the familiar, giving viewers who want to watch such dramas enough options to choose from.

All of these attempts were not successful but they can definitely be regarded as a much-needed step in the right direction. These dramas broadened the scope of Pakistani dramas and few of them were exceptionally well-executed as well.

Empowered and Nuanced Female Characters

The bechari aurat has been sold to viewers for many years now. This trend became a norm and even the producers defended it multiple times. The writers were also convinced that the viewers wanted to see women suffering in dramas. We only got to watch strong female characters every now and then. This year, the most refreshing change had to be many empowered female characters in dramas in leading and supporting roles. These characters were layered, well-written and quite a few of them were inspirational as well.

The viewers watched these empowered female characters taking charge of their destinies, breaking barriers, and challenging societal expectations. Their journeys were realistic and each one of them redefined the term empowerment in their own way. This refreshing development is an important step towards a more inclusive and representative era in storytelling, where the richness of women’s experiences is celebrated and acknowledged with the prominence it deserves.

Razia from the mini-series Razia, Zimal from Neem, Shamim and Ayesha from Kabli Pulao, Sofia and Alia from Kuch Ankahi and so many more represented empowered women from different walks of life.

Complex and Unorthodox Male Characters

This year there has been a notable and commendable shift in the portrayal of male characters as well, redefining the very essence of what constitutes a ‘hero.’ While there were still many dramas that banked on the rich and spoiled brats as heroes, there were many others with atypical heroes who possessed distinctive qualities that set them apart. These heroes presented a more diverse and layered representation of masculinity.

Haji Mushtaq from Kabli Pulao definitely takes the lead in this regard since as an unconventional hero he received more love and appreciation than any other. There were many other such characters shown in supporting roles as well. Mannu from Razia, Jeevan Nagar’s Babbar Shah, and a majority of the male characters in Meher Mah fall in the same category as well. Gulzar is another such male lead from Idiot.

Unusual and Meaningful Love Stories

Every story and plot in Pakistani dramas has always had a love story or stories of some kind. However, we rarely get to watch love stories that deviate from the norm. This year, for a change, there were multiple such tracks in dramas. These stories were unlike any other we have seen on our screens before.

The story of young love took center stage in Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri, Haji Mushtaq, Barbeena and Shamim’s love triangle From Kabli Pulao, Shazil, Zimal, and Ashhad’s track was another one which deserves a mention here and then there is Tumharey Husn Ke Naam which has presented an old school love story. Qadar and Hammad’s track from Tinkay Ka Sahara is another example of how love stories were redefined in dramas this year.

I must say that this trend started gradually but it definitely reached its pinnacle this year.

Redefining the Role of Police Officers

This year, we got to see a more diverse, nuanced, and positive representation of police officers in Pakistani dramas. For the longest time, police officers have been stereotyped in our dramas but this year we got to witness multiple such characters which were either a nuanced or a positive representation.

Interestingly enough, there were also multiple dramas in which these officers either played one of the leading roles or were important supporting characters that stood out for all the right reasons. Jhok Sarkar, Pinjra, Tinkay Ka Sahara, Gunah, and many other dramas showed a different side of police officers.

Stories Revolving around Children

In Pakistani dramas, mental health, both in a general context and specifically concerning children, has been a subject that received minimal attention over the years. Despite the fact that some of this year’s dramas that centered around this crucial subject did not fully meet expectations, they undeniably served as platforms to initiate important discussions.

Pinjra definitely tops the list because it attempted to highlight  different aspects of mental health and highlighted many parental pitfalls. Idiot addresses more or less the same issue among many others. Daur and Apney Hee Tou Hein were two other dramas this year that had important tracks revolving around children. Mayi Ri would fall into the same category as well even though it failed to do justice to the theme.

Final Remarks

This shift in themes and trends suggests a growing awareness among the producers and storytellers. They understand the need to explore a broader range of subjects that resonate with a more diverse audience. Green TV Entertainment definitely played the leading role in breaking these barriers. However, we still have a long way to go since many of these dramas lacked entertainment and engagement value and some of them even lost the plot in the middle.

Which themes and trends in 2023 Pakistani dramas did you find most refreshing? Share your thoughts.

Pakistani dramas have evolved over the years in more ways than one. There are certain elements of present-day dramas that irk the viewers for all the right reasons. The focus on getting higher ratings and cashing in on the popularity of these dramas has affected the quality of Pakistani dramas in general. However, every year we still get to watch dramas that do not only provide quality entertainment but can easily be termed as classics. These dramas are at par with the evergreen drama serials of the time that was considered the golden era of Pakistani dramas.

This season, Parizaad is one such drama that has captivated the viewers who long to watch something unique. There are so many aspects of this drama that set it apart from the crowd. It has attracted even those viewers who had given up on Pakistani dramas altogether. Parizaad is also a drama unlike any other. It has so much going for it that it is the center of attention and discussion on every forum. The best part is that the channel or the producers did not even have to go out of their way to ‘market’ the drama. Parizaad’s script has been penned down by Hashim Nadeem, it is based on his novel with the same title. It has been directed by Shehzad Kashmiri and produced by Momina Duraid.

Here are 5 reasons why our drama makers should produce more dramas such as Parizaad:

Unique Script

Most Pakistani dramas nowadays revolve around love stories – most often love triangles. Others focus on family issues, mainly saas bahu stories or the problems related to marital life. There are also those that bank heavily on negative or black and white characters. And then there is the bechari aurat who is shown getting humiliated constantly in these dramas. Parizaad has none of that! The writer Hashim Nadeem has penned down a script that is unique in so many ways. Although this is a serial but the way the characters come and go gives it the engaging factors which the series have.

The writer has definitely laid down the foundations for a brand new genre by doing so. Most often, certain characters that are part of the story are part of it right till the end. In Parizaad however, some of the characters are constant, others come, do what needs to be done and then they leave. This makes the storyline unique and even more appealing. Apart from this, the writer has not used any of the done-to-death scenarios to entice the viewers. Parizaad’s story at some level represents the story of every individual out there who has ever dared to dream.

An Unusual Protagonist

In an era when young and good-looking heroes and heroines are considered as the basic requirement of any drama serial at all, Parizaad has broken all stereotypes by introducing a male protagonist who is unlike any other. Also, most of the drama serials revolve around women because the producers insist that is the only way to entice their female audience and that is where they get their ratings from. Parizaad’s male lead’s success and the fact that people are absolutely in love with this character has definitely redefined the general concept of the main protagonist in Pakistani dramas. It goes to show that the viewers want to watch real people’s stories on screen. A protagonist does not have to be eye candy or a toxic man, which is most often the case. More dramas should have protagonists such as Parizaad who does not only break stereotypes but also sets the bar high.

Real people have struggles and their journeys are unpredictable as is the case with Parizaad. Parizaad’s strong characterizations should serve as an inspiration for all those writers who are busy writing black and white characters. Mostly, the portrayal of men in our dramas is restricted to reinforcing clichés or they are used as a caricature. It is such a pleasant change to have a male protagonist who has a story to tell, is intelligent, and is not run-of-the-mill.

Star Power Utilized Effectively

We have watched so many star-studded disasters in recent times. Even the most talented stars have been exploited to get ratings. When the production houses often invest in star power, they fail to focus equally on the script and the content. Parizaad however has proved that star power and quality content is a winning combination. All the big and rising stars have been assigned such roles in the drama that they have left a lasting impression.

Most importantly, it has actually added to the star power of the leading man Ahmed Ali Akbar. This should serve as an example and inspiration for all those actors who are constantly choosing similar projects because they are too afraid of stepping out of their comfort zones. It also goes to show that the right casting can make a world of difference. Ahmed Ali Akbar has risen as a bigger star than ever not by playing a typical role but by opting for a role that was a huge challenge. He has proved that he was up to the challenge and the credit for that also goes to those individuals who saw this talent in him and offered him the role. There is rarely a drama with so many big names attached to it that managed to do justice to all these stars, Parizaad has done just that therefore others should follow.

Meaningful Entertainment

With this script, the writer Hashim Nadeem has proved that multiple social issues can be highlighted in a drama without making it look like a social commentary. The fun fact is that Parizaad was never promoted as an issue-based drama yet right from the beginning it has focused on so many basic issues in the most meaningful manner. The basic theme of the drama itself is that we should not judge a book by its cover and that is being re-emphasized through different characters. That is something most viewers can relate to since so many people bank on first impressions to make final judgments about people. Apart from that, the effect of constant rejection, the double standards that exist in the society, extreme materialism, a husband’s failure to balance between his wife and parents – are just a few of the important issues that have been touched upon in the most effective manner.

What makes Parizaad different is the fact that the writer has relied on showing and not telling. Parizaad’s journey itself has so many messages in it. We definitely need more such dramas which provide meaningful entertainment in the true sense of the word.

Public Appreciation

The production houses and writers who are constantly complaining that they stick to done-to-death stories because that is what the public wants have certainly been proven wrong! By giving Parizaad the kind of love and attention it deserves, the public has shown that they will watch something out of the box if it is penned down and executed intelligently. Parizaad has proved that content is the king! Sure, it has great production values and superb performers to make it a one-of-a-kind drama but what stands out more than anything else is its main content and premise. The public is showing more love to this drama at the moment than any other, that says a great deal about what the public wants to see on television.

Are you watching Parizaad? Do you agree that we need more drama like this one? Share your views.

Hamza Ali Abbasi and Naimal Khawar got a lot of love from people in all these weeks ever since they announced that they were getting married. The kind of love they got from people is unprecedented since most often when celebrity marriages happen, there are all kind of opinions on social media. Whenever someone criticizes this couple, their fans come to defend them. The fact is that if you ever read the comments under their pictures, there are hardly ever any negative comments. Most often people either wish them well or praise them for being so perfect.

So, why do people love Hamza and Naimal so much? Here are five reasons why they get so much love.

Hamza and Naimal’s Simplicity

This is the number 1 reason why people love this beautiful celebrity couple. Hamza Ali Abbasi and Naimal Khawar both are not only celebrities but they also come from affluent backgrounds. They could have easily spent a great deal of money on their marriage functions yet they decided to keep it all so simple. Their outfits, guest list, venue and the overall approach to the wedding was brand new.

Their pictures together after their marriage too showed that these two people shared more than just friendship – they also had the same outlook towards life. People loved how simple their wedding was since it isn’t very often that a popular celebrity like Hamza Ali Abbasi goes for a wedding which is so simple. They also decided to go to Nathia Gali for their honeymoon – something which most people in Pakistan can relate to since not too many people can afford big honeymoons or weddings. People appreciated Hamza and Naimal for taking a step in the right direction.

Perfect Together

Hamza Ali Abbasi and Naimal Khawar look perfect together in every way. Most of the comments on social media show that people love them just as much for their outer beauty as they do for their personalities. When they interact with one another and the way they look at each other shows how much love there is between them. Fans also loved how Naimal held Hamza’s hand during the wedding functions, something which said a great deal about the kind of bond they have.

People obviously love the fact that for Naimal and Hamza the love they share is enough, it’s not something they felt the need to flaunt by getting media attention. Hamza Ali Abbasi also made it clear that they won’t be giving any interviews together after marriage to answer questions like when and how they fell in love. So, definitely, they are the only celebrity couple who do not intend to cash in on their popularity in any way at all.

The Fan Following

Like many other celebrity couples, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Naimal Khawar individually had a lot of fan following before they got married. This fan following naturally increased when they got married. People are happy that two of their favorite celebrities are soul mates who are now spending a happy life together. Naimal Khawar had just started her showbiz career and people loved her as Izza in Anaa, Hamza Ali Abbasi already has a massive fan following therefore Hamza’s fans were very happy to find out that he chose to marry someone from the same field who was liked a lot.

Happy In Their Own World

Hamza and Naimal have thanked their fans many times and they do not take the love they get for granted yet they never do anything to get the attention of the people. People can see that they are happy in their own world and they are not seeking approval from the people. While they obviously like the way they are being loved but at the same time they are not one of those celebrity couples who do whatever they can to get the attention of the media and public.

People Think Naimal Is a ‘Hoor’

Yes! Many people on social media are of the opinion that because Hamza Ali Abbasi has such a good heart, he has been rewarded with a ‘hoor’ here on earth. There is no denying the fact that Naimal Khawar is an extremely beautiful young lady with an attractive smile which is why it doesn’t come as a surprise that her fans are making such remarks. People are already wondering how beautiful Hamza and Naimal’s children will be which basically shows that many people find this couple attractive also because of their good looks although that is completely secondary.

People are still appreciating Hamza Ali Abbasi and Naimal Khawar Khan for opting for a classy and simple wedding. They are also comparing these two with other celebrity couples who very often cross the line and are always being flashy.

What do you love about this couple the most? Do share your thoughts in the comments section.

Pakistani drama industry has two basic sides to it, on the one side there are those dramas that are meant for commercial purposes and on the other side, there are those dramas that offer meaningful entertainment. Most of the people who are active on social media and are vocal about their opinions regarding Pakistani dramas appreciate dramas that offer meaningful entertainment. Pakistani producers and writers have experimented a lot in the past few years. Since 2021 in particular, our writers and producers have not been afraid of experimenting with different genres. However, if we take a look at all the dramas that have aired in the past few years, there isn’t a single historic drama that held the viewers’ interest. Hum TV’s Aangan was promoted as a period drama but it turned out to be a major disappointment. In fact, it made all the intelligent viewers question whether Pakistani writers should actually take up such topics or not.

This year, Jo Bichar Gaye took the viewers completely by surprise not only because of its content but also because of its powerful execution. This drama dares to show in detail the incidents that led to the East Pakistan tragedy. This drama has so much going for it yet it has somehow not been promoted as aggressively as some of the other commercial projects that air on Geo. The drama is based on a book written by Col. Z. I. Farrukh who also happens to be one of the main protagonists in the story. He was one of the army men taken in as prisoners of war when Dhaka fell. Haissam Hussain and Mehreen Alam are in charge of the screenplay and the script has been written by Ali Moeen. This drama also marks the comeback of the iconic director Haissam Hussain’s to television and Nadia Jamil also made her acting comeback with Jo Bichar Gaye. The production house H2 Films definitely deserves credit for taking this initiative and putting together this masterpiece.

Here are 5 reasons why Jo Bichar Gaye is a masterpiece that is a must-watch:

Unique and Well-Written Script

We sincerely believe that content is the king especially when a writer takes up the task of writing on a topic that is novel, sensitive, and also controversial. Jo Bichar Gaye’s writer has intelligently and neutrally managed to shed light on all those factors which led to the fall of Dhaka. The fact that the novel this drama is based on has been written by someone with vast military experience who was stationed in Dhaka and was in the middle of the conflict reflects in the details which have been the focus of attention right from the beginning. Fall of Dhaka is one of those tragedies which aren’t talked about often in media, especially those aspects where the establishment disappointed its own people. The shortcomings of the politicians and the failure of the establishment to take concrete steps on time are some of the aspects of this era that are not discussed openly. The script of the drama with the utmost clarity shows all the different dimensions of the issue in the fairest manner. It focuses on the lack of foresight, conspiracies, and also the way young people such as Rumi were misled and used for ulterior motives.

The “Human” Element

Even though Jo Bichar Gaye stands out from other such dramas because of the way it presents facts and figures, it does not compromise on the human element which is the essence of any on-screen presentation, at all! In fact, it is impressive how the writer has managed to give easy access to the viewers to the psychological depths of the characters. Most of the time when novels are adapted on television, this depth is lost but Jo Bichar Gaye has highlighted the personal struggles of these characters and their relationship with their ‘cause’ with the utmost precision. This automatically leads to the viewers’ feelings everything the characters are going through and connecting to them makes the experience wholesome. The writers and the director have done exceptionally well while striking a balance between what is going on on the political and military front and everything happening in the personal lives of these characters. You find yourself just as invested in their personal relationships as you are in the events on the political front.

Light-Hearted Moments

Who could have thought that these talented writers would be able to fit in the most poignant light-hearted moments in an otherwise bleak story? Well, the makers of Jo Bichar Gaye managed to do just that in the most brilliant way possible. While on the one hand you are completely shaken by the conspiracies, on the other hand, Sonia and Captain Farrukh’s track provides much-needed comic relief. Sonia’s mother definitely takes the lead there with her desperate attempts to find the right suitor for her daughter and her disappointment with finding out that her daughter chose someone like Captain Farrukh. Her character is a breath of fresh air and adds the kind of human element which is usually not a part of such stories. This entire track has a very classy yet comic feel to it.

Perfect and Refreshing Casting

Anyone who has watched Haissam Hussain’s projects will agree that no one can beat him when it comes to choosing the right actors for the roles. He is also one of those few Pakistani directors who have introduced many new faces to the industry. He is also one of those talented individuals in the industry who think outside the box and cast certain seasoned actors in roles they have never been seen in before. Starting from the leading cast such as Wahaj Ali as Rumi, Maya Ali as Sonia, or Taha Chahour as Captain Farrukh to the supporting actors such Nadia Jamil in a candid and interesting role and all those new faces in the most powerful roles, everyone literally manages to transport you to another world. You forget that you had recently seen Wahaj in an entirely different role in Dil Na Umeed Tu Nahin and Maya Ali has recently tested our patience as Rakhshi!

All these actors have not just nailed their roles but they have proved that they were meant to perform such roles. The credit for that goes to the director as well because some of these actors are either new to television or have given average performances in the recent past. It basically goes to show that when actors are chosen to play meaningful characters, they showcase their best abilities. Each actor manages to leave a lasting impression with the leading cast taking the lead, in the true sense of the word!

Locations and Cinematography

While shooting any drama locations play a pivotal role. These locations are of even more significance when a period drama is being shot. The directors and the producers chose locations that breathe life into that era and make you forget that you are watching a drama that was recorded in the present era. Much of the drama has been shot in GC University, Lahore, which is visually stunning and its architecture is nothing short of a masterpiece. The other locations from Lahore which have been used as the army headquarters are just as well-suited for the era that is being shown. The camerawork and the cinematography add to the visual appeal even when the message being conveyed through these visuals isn’t always pleasant. The kind of hard work which the team put into making the visuals as realistic as possible shows in every single scene. They did not rely on make-shift sets but chose locations that have brought that era to life.

Other than this, the overall looks of all the actors involved are completely in line with the era and the roles they are playing. Most importantly the actors are seen carrying these looks with the utmost ease. This adds to the effortless portrayal and gives the realistic feel needed to make their stories more relatable.

All those viewers who have tuned into Jo Bichar Gaye have been blown away by it, which basically goes to show that the Pakistani viewers want to watch dramas that are not run-of-the-mill. Jo Bichar Gaye is definitely setting the bar higher than ever. Are you watching the drama? Share your thoughts about it.

The latest trend of showing Ramazan special dramas has become a massive hit with the viewers. It can be safely stated that over the years, the writers and the directors have learned to give these dramas the right treatment. This trend started in the early 2000s but it did not pick up until now. Suno Chanda definitely deserves credit for appealing to the masses and giving the viewers some unforgettable characters and performances. This year as well Hum has taken the lead by airing not just one but two Ramazan special dramas with a star cast. Hum Tum is turning out to be yet another feather in Hum’s cap for many reasons. It has a great deal going for it and for that reason, it is a must-watch.

The script of the drama has been written by the Suno Chanda fame writer Saima Akram Chaudhry, it has been directed by the ace director Danish Nawaz and it is a Momina Duraid Production. Writing comedy and executing a comic script on-screen is no easy feat. Hum Tum delivers in so many ways that once you tune into the show, you are instantly hooked to it. Even though most Ramazan special dramas follow similar themes, the writer proves that she knows how to incorporate progressive ideas while staying within the basic framework of such shows.

Here are 5 reasons why Hum Tum is a must-watch:

Thoroughly Entertaining

When it comes to Ramazan dramas, in particular, the entertainment value outweighs every other factor. Since Hum Tum is a comedy serial just like all the other Ramazan specials, therefore the main reason most people would tune into this show is to get entertained. Comedy is perhaps the most difficult genre since it can be a hit or a miss. Hum Tum keeps you engaged and entertained. It gives you a lot to laugh about with its quality content. The overall feel and the content of the show are on point. The casting is picture-perfect which adds to the entertainment value. Most importantly it has enough substance to offer something new in every single episode without compromising on quality. Saima Akram Chaudhry definitely outdid herself this time around and Danish Nawaz has given this drama the right treatment. In the beginning, it feels as if some of the characters or scenarios are over the top but as the story progresses, the treatment given to the play grows on you. If you have not started watching this drama yet, tune in now and we guarantee you will be immediately hooked on it!

Progressive Female Characters

The reason why Hum Tum is hands down the best Ramazan drama we have watched so far are the progressive female characters. Even though there is an underlying theme that highlights how some parents value sons more than daughters, the female characters are strong and independent. The drama breaks stereotypes like no other. It has intelligent and independent females who cannot do housework and do not feel the need to do so! On the other hand, the men are more independent in this department. Along with the progressive main female leads, young and old, the main male characters Adam and Sarmad have great respect for all these women. Even though Adam and Neha are constantly fighting, Adam does accept the fact that Neha is an intelligent young lady. Also, he is against the idea that having a son is a must or that girls cannot do things that men can. Even Tammana Nani believes in financial independence.

Brilliant Characterizations

Characterizations play a major role in making or breaking a script. Hum Tum has a variety of characters and there is something new and likable about all of them. Whether they are the independent females such as Maha, Neha, Milli, or Sasha or the male leads, all these characters bring something new to the table. The most important element of this play which stands out are the older characters such as Daddu and Tamana Nani. They are not just the older parents in the story but they are also characters with a life and objective of their own. Both of them have their own careers and aspirations in life. They are full of life and question the idea that a person should stop living their lives to the fullest at a certain age. These characters are just as strong as most of the leading characters. Even though the writer has successfully broken so many stereotypes, she has done so while keeping things as realistic as possible. There are obviously comic situations that are over the top but characterizations are on point, throughout.

Refreshing on-screen Couples

The refreshing casting in general and the on-screen couples, in particular, make Hum Tum a drama that should not be missed. Apart from the casting, the dynamics of at least one of these couples, Neha and Sarmad, are such that you find yourself thoroughly enjoying their scenes. Sarah Khan and Junaid Khan make a great on-screen couple. They have also played their respective characters brilliantly. Adam and Neha are a lot like many other on-screen couples we have seen in previous Ramazan specials but the casting is definitely on point. There are times when Adam in particular takes it too far but the fact that he has an underlying respect for Neha because of her intelligence makes him a likable character. Also, the fact that both of them have fathers who never valued them, makes their dynamics more interesting and wholesome. Both these tracks have been written down so well. I am sure many viewers out there must be rooting for nani and Daddu too but so far there is nothing of that sort between them.

A Complete Package

Hum Tum is one of those few comedy dramas this year which offers a complete package. It is not mindless entertainment since the writer has made a conscious effort to add meaning to the script. The cast couldn’t have been more perfect; all the actors are clearly enjoying playing their respective roles and therefore entertain every time. There are times when Ahad’s Urdu pronunciation is not ideal but other than that he has given a solid performance. The direction of the drama goes well with the content. Most importantly, Hum Tum keeps you glued and looking forward to more. The only issue is that even though it’s a Ramazan special, the theme is not based on Ramazan like it was in Suno Chanda but other than that, the writer has nailed every single aspect of the story.

Are you watching Hum Tum? Do you think that it is a must-watch? Share your views and thoughts.

Ertugrul Ghazi (Dirilis Ertugrul) is a Turkish series that recently aired in Pakistan. The series has been dubbed in Urdu for the Pakistani viewers. So far only season 1 of the series has been dubbed in Urdu but the series is already being watched in Pakistan by many with the help of English subtitles. This is one of those rare dramas which has been recommended by the Prime Minister itself and which gave PTV home thousands of new subscribers online. The popularity of this series has definitely surpassed any other. The series shows the life and times of heroes who laid the foundations of the Ottoman Empire. It isn’t only immensely popular in Pakistan but in many other countries of South Asia and the Middle East as well.

This is also not the first time that a Turkish drama received such appreciation and viewership in Pakistan. In the past, too Turkish dramas dubbed in Urdu had a massive viewership. Some of the local producers and actors do not like the fact that Turkish dramas are being given air time on Pakistani channels. When Turkish dramas started airing in the beginning, there was a lot of opposition against them within the showbiz fraternity. People however like the variety which is being offered to them. Now that most of the Pakistanis are confined to their houses, they have more time than ever to watch different series. This is another reason why people are watching Ertugrul Ghazi not just on the television but also on YouTube.

It won’t be wrong to say that right now, Ertugrul Ghazi has turned into a phenomenon. This is the most-watched and talked-about drama right now. People are completely hooked to this show and here are 5 reasons why Ertugrul Ghazi has been such a massive success.

A Different Genre

When compared to our local dramas Ertugrul Ghazi is a different genre altogether. Pakistani viewers do not get to watch stories based on the life and times of heroes from the past. Ertugrul Ghazi isn’t just a historic drama but it also delves deep into human psychology and emotions. It is also not an easy feat to pen down such a story that covers so many years and so many different incidents. The fact that the writer has done complete justice to every single aspect of this genre definitely adds to its popularity. Since Ertugrul Ghazi is just the story of the protagonist but it is the story of every single influential person of that time, the drama encapsulates that time and era with utmost perfection.

Visually Stunning

Ertugrul Ghazi’s visuals are beyond impressive. The story is set in so many different places, outdoor and indoor locations have been used throughout. The people in charge have made sure that they captured the beauty or even darkness of every place which is being covered flawlessly. The viewers are constantly being taken from one location to the other. The camerawork throughout is amazing. It is due to these stunning visuals that the viewers are actually transported to another world and it is difficult to release oneself from the magic of Ertugrul Ghazi.

Well-Choreographed Action

There are many action scenes in Ertugrul Ghazi therefore it can safely be said that it is a complete action thriller. The action scenes at times can be gory as well. The action scenes have been so well-choreographed that you feel every sword that is being swung. The fact that Ertugrul Ghazi is a big-budgeted project reflects from the kind of attention which has been paid to these action scenes. This element of the series makes it a favorite among the male viewers too.

Inspiring Characters

Without the inspiring characters which have been fleshed out so wonderfully, Ertugrul Ghazi wouldn’t have been the success it is. All the characters go through different phases, they keep you guessing and there are some like some of the leading characters which are truly inspiring. Ertugrul’s bromance and comradeship with his alps and his relationship with his parents are touching. Strong supporting characters such as Ibn Arabi and Demir keep you looking forward to more.

Ertugrul Ghazi also has some of the strongest and inspiring female characters. There are so many female characters in the play who are shown playing an active role in the social set up. The women can fight and stand by their men like a rock. The journeys of all the characters have so many ups and downs that you can’t help but tune in to a new episode every single day.

Powerful Messages

Ertugrul Ghazi overall has a powerful message throughout. The whole series is based on the fight of good vs evil. Throughout the series, there are so many references to the Quran and Islamic teachings. This drama has an educational value and it opens up your minds. You learn as you go and that too while getting entertained by the story. The main message of this series is that it is really important to hold on to your faith and eventually good triumphs over evil. It also has the message that one must hold on to their good values even when faced with the most adverse circumstances.

Are you watching Ertugrul Ghazi? Which character is your favorite? Share your views about it in the comments section.

Dunk was one of those dramas most people were looking forward to watching because of its fresh pairing more than anything else. Bilal Abbas Khan and Sana Javed have both impressed the viewers in their recent dramas therefore the viewers had a reason to see them together on screen. Also, Dunk went on air a few weeks after it was announced therefore the excitement was still intact when it was aired. However, Dunk’s journey overall right from the time it was promoted has not been up to the mark. Even though it is one of those dramas which are getting the ratings, it has disappointed in many ways. While the producers manage to tick all the boxes which ensure viewership, they compromised on quality and authenticity. There is no denying the fact that all the actors have given their best but there is so much more that is just not right with the drama.

Here are the 5 reasons why Dunk has been a major disappointment.

The Producer’s Approach

The approach of the producers became quite apparent when few days before it aired, Dunk was promoted as a drama that was going to be really controversial. Fahad Mustafa made sure everyone knew what the basic premise of the drama was, which was in fact controversial. He went as far as saying that Dunk was a tribute to victims of false allegations of sexual harassment. Bilal Abbas Khan followed his lead and warned the viewers that Dunk was based on a ‘controversial topic. Well, the producers got the attention they were looking for since we all know that controversy sells! At a time when the #metoo movement was at its peak and there were so many people trying really hard to educate others regarding victim-blaming, in particular, Fahad Mustafa’s production house came up with a drama that seemed to be pleading the case of the group which indeed exists but is definitely in minority! Like Fahad Mustafa himself said that they were speaking for the 5 percent of the people involved in such cases! Even before the drama started the approach of the producers was quite apparent.

Fahad Mustafa gave another interview before Dunk aired and he made it clear that he was in the business of making dramas to earn money therefore that was his top priority. That was another unfortunate statement from someone who has in the past and even now made dramas on sensitive issues. He made his intent more clear than ever and this was a major put-off for many. Fahad Mustafa proved to be an irresponsible individual who couldn’t care less about the effect his dramas may have. This was definitely not the best start but we are pretty sure Fahad Mustafa did not mind the negative publicity he got since as a result of this many of the viewers tuned into the show out of curiosity. Big Bang Entertainment’s approach has always been ‘commercial’ right from their first drama Dusri Biwi but this time around they were not just commercial but also careless in their approach.

The Forced Element of Mystery

After Cheekh our drama makers, in general, have been fixated with adding an element of mystery to every single instance of harassment, rape, or murder! Since Big Bang Entertainment was the first production house that started the ‘trend’ it does not come as a surprise that they decided to carry on with it. While people love mystery, the mystery element in Dunk is forced since the producer himself revealed the main secret before the drama went on air. Why the viewers should even be wondering who is right and who is wrong when it has been spelled out for them already?! It was the most ridiculous idea to share the main premise of the story when half of the script rested on the mystery element! Most of the viewers tuned into the drama knowing that it was based on false allegations yet Amal’s character was meant to ‘dodge’ the viewers into thinking that she in fact was innocent. The major reason why the first half of the drama completely disappointed was that the treatment given to these episodes made no sense since the producer had already shared the main crux of the story.

The Treatment

Since the intention of the producers was to sensationalize a serious issue, they must have asked the director to have an approach that was in line with their thinking. That is the reason why the director has given such a treatment to the drama that every single aspect of the story has been sensationalized to the maximum. The excessive and dramatic background music even when it is no needed is a lame attempt to keep the viewers ‘excited’ even when there is no reason! Apart from this, the rona dhona by the professor’s wife has been excessively exaggerated more than once. Although Yasra Rizvi is a brilliant actress otherwise she has gone overboard more than once while enacting the anger and frustrations of her character. The director’s main objective was to overdramatize the situations and his intention was never to tell the story! The script wouldn’t have come across as non-serious if the director had not tried so desperately to add the overdramatic element to the drama.

The ‘Balaa’ Formula

Drama serial Balaa was also produced by Big Bang Entertainment and it was a commercial hit by all means. The drama rested primarily on a negative female character who fooled everyone left right and center. Since this ‘formula’ worked and the public was hooked to Nigar’s negativity and even more so eager to find out how she would get punished in the end, the production house decided to follow the same formula here as well. Dunk rests heavily and to a nonsensical extent on Amal’s negativity which can easily be termed as psychopathic behavior. While Nigar’s negativity had a certain background, Amal’s behavior has been left unexplained. The only explanation given by the writer was that she wanted some excitement and she did everything to save Haider! Even after all these weeks, Amal’s actions have no concrete justification or reasoning other than the fact that she is pure evil! It is really convenient for the writers to rest their entire story on such unexplained negativity of female characters. Everyone else around Amal believes her with their eyes closed and no one suspects her for a second even! Just like it was shown in Balaa, Nigar literally got away with murder right till the end, Dunk will continue following the same route and the viewers will not get to see the kind of punishment they are waiting to watch Amal go through. Even the posters of the dramas are more or less the same!

It is unfortunate that the public in general watches dramas centered around such characters which is why the writers create such balaas for dramas. Had the writer added certain nuances to Amal’s character or given someone else around her enough sense to question her actions and look at situations objectively, the entire storyline would have been more logical. Like is the case with any other such drama, one person is the victim (to an extreme extent) and the perpetrator gets away with everything right till the end.

Glorifying Toxicity

It would be safe to say that Amal is the only central character in Dunk who has been leading for the past few episodes. Ever since Amal’s negative and toxic side has been revealed she is the star of the show, quite literally. The writer has penned down the story in such a way that Amal’s toxic personality and her evil designs are central to the story and everything else simply takes a backseat. This could easily have been Haider’s story as well if he was given more strength and wasn’t turned into a victim wholly. Like many other such dramas, the writer has glorified a negative character by making her get away with everything. The producer Fahad Mustafa said that people will ‘enjoy’ watching Dunk which means that he is pretty sure that the Pakistani viewers like watching such negative female characters. We really need to make more drama where the more nuanced characters take the lead and our heroines and heroes are not psychopathic individuals whose life revolves around making other people’s lives hell.

Also, the fact is that more women, in reality, are afraid of coming forward in cases of harassment and rape. Content such as Dunk will definitely not help anyone where a woman is being shown in such a light. Surely, there are negative and evil women but there are many more who in fact are victims, and showing such dramas can seriously impact their journeys. The fact is that Amal’s character and actions are being glorified because even after all these weeks, there isn’t a single person who even remotely doubts her. The storyline is definitely focused in a certain direction which is neither enjoyable nor educational!

Final Thoughts

While there are dramas such as Dil Umeed Tu Nahin and even Aulaad (from the same production house as Dunk) which have a definite purpose in mind, there are others such as Dunk which have the sole purpose of acquiring ratings and they can go to any length in order to achieve that end. The producers are more than welcome to make commercial dramas in order to gain more profit but they really should think twice before making dramas on such sensitive issues. Big Bang Entertainment in particular needs to stop cashing in on negativity by showing women as toxic individuals who exploit ‘poor’ men!

If they really want to support a cause then their approach needs to be more responsible and less commercial! Dunk producers don’t want to tell a story, they merely want to cash in on the project. Had it not been for the phenomenal acting of some of the leading actors, Dunk would not even be getting the views that it is getting owing to its problematic content and approach. After the success of Nand and Jalan, the negative woman running the show seems to be a favorite scenario with the Big Bang Entertainment.

Are you watching Dunk? What are your thoughts?

Mere Pass Tum Ho is going to end soon. 18 episodes of Mere Pass Tum Ho have already gone on air. This drama has a total of 22 episodes. That means that in the next 4 episodes, we will see the climax and eventually the ending of Mere Pass Tum Ho. Like every other drama written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, this drama too has come to a point where there can be so many different endings to it. After episode 18 of Mere Pass Tum Ho aired, most viewers are unsure about how they want the drama to end. Up until episode 18 everyone was sure that they wanted to see Mehwish suffer. Now that Mehwish has no place to go and she is helpless, most viewers feel differently. The credit for this goes to Ayeza Khan, the writer and the director. They make the viewers feel whichever way they want to. When they want to make the viewers angry at Mehwish, that is exactly the response they get. In the previous episode, Mere Pass Tum Ho makers obviously wanted people to feel for Mehwish and that is what has happened. There have been so many different twists and turns in Mere Pass Tum Ho that it is a little difficult to predict how this drama will end. It doesn’t hurt to discuss the possible endings of the drama so we will do just that!

Here are 5 possible ways, Mere Pass Tum Ho can end.

Danish Forgiving Mehwish

After the previous episode it seems highly likely that Danish will forgive Mehwish. Until episode 17, it didn’t seem possible that Mehwish would actually feel remorseful but now it is clear that her character may take that turn. Up until now in Mere Pass Tum Ho, Mehwish has hardly ever been ‘sorry’ for anything at all. Danish still loves Mehwish, there is no denying that. Her phone call and apology might break the emotional barrier in the next two episodes. Since Danish divorced Mehwish therefore in order to get married to her again, she will need to enter into nikkah with another man. Will Salman be the one who will ‘help’ them meet that end? This is the only way to a happy ending which many people now want to see but no one wants to see this halala in a drama. It would however be new watching a man forgive a woman for infidelity for a change. Will the audience accept that?

Danish and Hania Getting Married

The promos of the upcoming episode showed that Danish might be considering getting married to Hania. Although, Danish has shown no such interest in Hania but Hania likes Danish. Hania’s sister in the previous episode also said that she needed to do whatever it took to save Danish. In that case Mehwish will be left alone. Rumi has always liked Miss Hania and wanted her as a permanent member of the family. Could this be the happy ending for Danish?

Danish and Maham Joining Hands

Since the past few episodes have focused solely on showing just how rich Danish has become. These episodes have also showed a different side of Danish. He is after all very business minded. Is it possible that Danish and Maham will eventually join hands and he will become the co-director of Shehwar Enterprise? Could it be that the drama will end with Danish being a business tycoon while Mehwish is left with nothing but regrets? That won’t make Danish happy too but then Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar has often said that he does not believe in happy endings.

Mehwish Killing Shehwar

The cast interviews indicate that there is going to be a murder in Mere Pass Tum Ho. Will Mehwish end up killing Shehwar? We have seen two of the leading characters in Khalil-ur-Rehman’s plays killing people they love and themselves by taking poison. Will Mehwish get so angry that she will end up killing Shehwar in a similar way and she herself will end up in jail. This will be a dark ending but the best way to get Mehwish and Shehwar out of the way so that Danish and Hania can be together. Such an ending will also be the punishment which many viewers think both these characters deserve for betraying their spouses. Ayeza Khan also said that this drama had a lesson. If there is a lesson then it is highly impossible that Mehwish will in any way will have a happy ending.

Mehwish Ending Up In a Mental Asylum

Mehwish will feel guilty very soon. Soon enough she will realize just how wrong she was. She will also realize that she lost a man who loved her a lot. Will she go completely crazy and end up in a mental asylum? If this happens then the ending will be similar to drama serial Titli in which the heroine who left her husband for another man loses her senses in the end. There are still a lot of people who want to see Mehwish suffer. Such an ending will be satisfying for all such viewers who think Mehwish does not deserve forgiveness.

How do you want to see Mere Pass Tum Ho ending? Do you think that Mehwish deserves to be happy in the end? Will Danish and Hania be together in the end? Is Maham’s role over or has it just started? Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar said in an interview that while writing the ending of this drama, his hands were trembling and he was crying. No matter how this drama ends, it is sure to be an ending the viewers will remember forever.

Share your views and predictions in the comments section.