Following the film industry’s decline, television has long been the only consistent source of entertainment for viewers in Pakistan. This is especially true for the masses.
Dramas have nurtured a civilisation and nourished the minds of generations. They hold a significant place in the cultural history of Pakistan, where many popular drama characters have come from the society, which in turn saw the reflection of its own stories on the TV screen.
Today, Pakistan’s drama industry is producing high quality content. Over the last decade, Pakistani dramas have taken massive strides, raising the bar for top-drawer writing, innovation, and realism.
The ever-increasing internet access, and the rise of social media, have put any show just a click away. A sizable section of the Indian public, and the worldwide subcontinental diaspora, now make up a hitherto unquantifiable international audience.
Watching TV shows with a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee, munching on snacks, remains the best way to spend leisure time. And looking at the upcoming reel of dramas, here is a list of shows that you simply have to watch!
Ishq-e-Laa
A Hum TV presentation, Ishq-e-Laa is highly anticipated owing to its incredible cast. Qaiser Hayat has written this serial and Amin Iqbal has directed it under Momina Duraid’s production. Sajal Aly, Yumna Zaidi, Azan Sami Khan, Sohail Sameer, Uzma Hassan, and Semi Raheel will star in the show. The story revolves around the three lead actors, Azan Sami Khan, Sajal Aly, and Yumna Zaidi, and presents a love triangle. It will be Azan Sami Khan’s debut, which is already generating buzz among audiences on both sides of the Indo-Pak border!
Aye Mushke Khak
Aye Mushke Khak, starring Feroz Khan and Sana Javed, is a venture of Geo TV and 7th Sky Entertainment. It is produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi. The leading duo has already worked together in blockbuster serials Khani, Romeo Weds Heer, and Dio Ki Dulhania. Aye Mushke Khak’s release date has not been confirmed yet, but viewers are desperate to see the couple together again.
Sinf-e-Aahan
Sinf-e-Aahan is an ARY Digital drama written by the matchless Umera Ahmed. With a cast brimming over with the leading ladies of Pakistan’s showbiz industry, the drama follows Ehd-e-Wafa as the latest ISPR project. The story focuses on female cadets and is full of action, suspense, and entertainment. Syra Yousaf is all set to appear on TV after a long break and her fans have long been waiting. Let’s just say it isn’t often that a Pakistani drama is led by a cast of illustrious female actors, and fans can’t wait to see all of them together on screen. Sinf-e-Aahan is all set to be a blockbuster!
Dil-e-Momin
Directed by Shehrazade Sheikh, Dil-e-Momin has been penned by Jahanzeb Qamar. The show is a 7th Sky production and will air on Geo Entertainment. Other than Faysal Qureshi, the cast also includes veterans Javed Sheikh, Saba Faisal, and Shabbir Jan along with the very talented Zara Noor Abbas, Momal Sheikh, and Gohar Rasheed. Viewers will also see a few rising stars of the Pakistan drama industry. Fazia Khan is growing in stature, and her acting will definitely be worth a watch.
Badzaat
After giving some serious on-screen couple goals in the drama serial Mushk, Imran Ashraf and Urwa Hocane are once again returning to your screens with another amazing drama serial, Badzaat. Though we are not sure how well the show unfolds, but we can predict it to be another success story. Imran Ashraf, who is playing the role of Wali, will play the son of a prostitute, which is the character’s main conundrum. In a previous drama, Imran Ashraf played the role of a man who falls in love with a prostitute played by Sarah Khan. On the other hand, Urwa, as Anabia, is a simple and strong girl who gets entrapped in a situation without any fault of hers. How she comes out of the predicament will be interesting to watch. Fingers crossed for this potential masterpiece that is set to release anytime.
Main Manto Nahi Hoon
Main Manto Nahi Hoon is upcoming series featuring Humayun Saeed, Maya Ali, and Mehwish Hayat. It is a love story, full of romance, emotions, action, and yes, nonstop entertainment. After the super-hit Mere Pass Tum Ho, Humayun Saeed will perform the lead role in Main Manto Nahi Hoon and has paired up with gorgeous Maya Ali. Mahwish Hayat will return to the TV screen after a considerable gap — and with a new look no less. If there is one show that has ‘super-hit’ written all over it, it is Main Manto Nahi Hoon!
