One cannot ignore the fact that despite trying to explore new themes and plots on TV, Pakistani dramas more than often tend to get caught in monotony. Out of hundreds of dramas that are on air, 75 per cent are based on hackneyed plots and storylines surrounding love affairs, marriages and familial disputes, with nothing substantial to offer to viewers. The remaining 25 per cent or even less, that attempt to bring forth unique subjects, progressive plots and characters that are relatable are a beacon of hope and one wishes to see more of them. Instep picks up five of the current TV plays that we feel are worth our time and energy. Read on…

Baba Jani

Starring Faysal Quraishi in and as Baba Jani, this relatively new drama serial is intriguing for a lot of reasons. It attempts to break stereotypes, highlights the importance of education for females and touches upon the pressing issue of harassment at the same time. It is the story of a household with one brother and three sisters, whose parents are not alive. The only man in the house, Asfand, essayed by Quraishi, gets his sisters married, fulfills all the house responsibilities, and even loses the love of his life during this without any complaint. However, when he finally marries a widow Sadia, played by Savera Nadeem, who has a grown up daughter Nimra (Madiha Imam), his sisters who only pretend to be his well wishers, make his life hell. They constantly interfere in his life and impose their views on him and his family. Asfand is shown to be a gentleman who takes his wife and step daughter under his generous wing. Unfortunately, Asfand’s brother in law who is staying at Asfand’s place for some reason tries to harass Nimra and makes her uncomfortable. What will Asfand’s reaction be when he learns about it, we will find out in the next few episodes.

Ab Dekh Khuda Kia Karta Hai

Another drama serial that is a relief from run of the mill plots is Danish Taimoor and Sanam Chauhdry (not a typo; this is how she spells her surname) starrer Ab Dekh Khuda Kia Karta Hai that follows the theme of ‘what goes around comes around’. Danish Taimoor as Jan-e-Alam is a rich businessman who manipulates young girls by giving them jobs in his office and takes advantage of their financial crisis. Sanam Chauhdry as Maryam is one of his targets but she manages to save herself from the situation. In the latest episode, we see that five years after Jan e Alam wronged Maryam, he faces the same as his sister becomes a victim of someone else’s ill intentions. What will Jan e Alam’s end be like is yet to be seen. Ab Dekh Khuda Kia Karta Hai aims to deliver the moral lesson that those who wrong others can’t get away with the consequences themselves. The performances by Taimoor and Chauhdry are a treat to watch as both actors bring their A game to the table.

Haiwaan

A recent addition to the list of socially relevant plays, Faysal Quraishi-starrer Haiwaan revolves around the subject of child abuse and how important it is for parents to take care of their children. Exploring the theme of ‘my child my responsibility,’ the play highlights multiple aspects attached to the subject. A man harasses his daughter’s friend and in hiding this from the world, he commits more mistakes. Also, he becomes more conscious of his own daughter after the incident, fearing that anyone can harm her anytime the way he did to someone’s daughter. Though the play isn’t convincing on all levels, it reflects what’s happening in the society and does manage to raise a few questions. Aside from Quraishi, it features Iffat Omar, Sanam Chauhdry, Savera Nadeem and many others.

Dil Mom Ka Diya

Neelam Muneer and Yasir Nawaz starrer Dil Mom Ka Diya also attempts to convey an important message: good looks do not guarantee good conduct. Neelam Muneer as Ulfat is the female lead, married to Afzal (Yasir Nawaz) and they have two children together. She is blunt, she is thankless, she is inconsiderate and above all, she is heartless. She does not only ruin her own relationships but also the relationships around her and never lets anyone live in peace. In the recent episode, she aborts her third child and this naturally upsets Afzal who has had enough of her. Ulfat’s abortion has also led to some serious health issues for her. Whether the two will be able to reconcile or whether it will get worse, the next few episodes will tell.

Ru Baru Ishq Tha

The name of the play may not be very creative but the story of Ru Baru Tha Ishq is not as simple. Featuring Ushna Shah, Danish Taimoor, Ali Abbas and Sanam Chauhdry, the play is a complicated and tragic tale of love but with some unique twists. It explores the themes of love, loss and revenge and things become very intense after a few episodes. Almeer (Taimoor) and Salwa (Shah) fall in love with each other and solemnize their relationship but on their wedding day, Salwa’s father dies and the blame is put on Almeer’s brother. This leads to the couple’s divorce. It was a planned attempt by Wahaj (Abbas) to ruin Almeer who didn’t reciprocate his sister Ayyan’s (Chauhdry) feelings and chose to marry Salwa. Wahaj marries Salwa while Ayyan tries to win over Almeer by manipulating him. In the latest episode, Almeer learns of Ayyan’s intentions and her connection to Wahaj who is trying to harm Almeer. What will Almeer’s next move be, we will have to wait and watch.