11 Phenomenal Pakistani Dramas That Addressed Taboos You Were Too Afraid To

[Well.wisher]

The power of cinema and television mustn’t be shied away. We often forget the magnificent capability the visual arts hold, and how they can help catalyze change. The process might be slow, and it might take a lifetime, but subconsciously they can have a tremendous effect on molding a mindset, however rigid, and however innately wired in. Pakistani dramas, as I have said countless times before, are impeccable at most in script, acting and harnessing social issues so brilliantly, you really can’t help but marvel. In recent light of what’s happened, it’s important to not shed light on those dramas that have made incredibly admirable attempts at highlighting the sheer injustice that plagues our society.

Here are 13 dramas in particular that touch upon social issues in a very commendable manner.



Chup Raho
The drama dives into sexual abuse, with Sajal’s character as the woman raped by her brother-in-law but is forcefully hushed so that she doesn’t ruin her sister’s marriage. Starring Feroze Khan and Jibran Syed, the Yasir Nawaz-directed drama brilliantly showcases the sad truth of women raped and left utterly voiceless.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Khudgarz
‘Khudgarz’ is currently on air, and raises the topic of forced marriages and misogyny that is incredibly ripe in Pakistan society. Sami Khan’s character is vile, ruthless and shown to be the epitome of a chauvinist. It dives into intra-family politics that are very common, with male domination and going to extreme lengths to protect one’s honor.

Source: ARY Digital


Dhund
Starring Maria Wasti and Sania Saeed among others, Dhund’ addresses a multitude of taboos rooted in Pakistan, from honor killings to ruthless sectarianism, single parenthood and adoptive tribulations too. The drama isn’t all dark; in fact, there is a lighter premise throughout the story so as to dampen the unfortunate gloomier counterparts.

Source: TV One


Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila
Yumna Zaidi and Noman Ijaz lead this stellar drama about child abuse. It’s uncomfortable to watch – exactly why it must be watched really. Marital abuse and rape are also overarching elements woven into the story. Joi (Noman) is the antagonist who has ill thoughts towards both child Sia and mother Sadia – an important foundation in a country that is very prone to child exploitation. The women are forced to stay mum as per the norm in a drama that projects the most pressing (and current) matter in the country.

Source: MD Productions


Aisi Hai Tanhai
Nadia Khan and Sonya Hussyn star alongside Sami Khan in new drama ‘Aisi Hai Tanhai,’ about how a Western culture has seeped into all classes within Pakistan. It’s a twofold storyline, first with the problems a more ‘liberal’ mindset has in a heavily religious society; and secondly how social media is more profound for the women of our country. The issues the drama raises are twofold; firstly, the fact that western culture seeps into Pakistani society; and secondly, how it unravels the hypocrisy so prevalent against our women.

Source: ARY Digital


Udaari
Possibly the most famed drama to highlight social issues, ‘Udaari’ took on child rape and class prejudice as its horns. It ripped through these two plaguing taboos spectacularly, showcasing the struggle a single mother has to bring justice to her daughter’s rapist. Ahsan Khan was lauded for his terrifying role as Imtiaz, the child rapist who sought out to seek revenge on his victim’s mother. While this was the undertone, the drama also divulged other issues at hand, stemming from our unfortunate reality.

Source: Hum Network Limited


Besharam
Zahid Ahmed and Saba Qamar impress in ‘Besharam,’ a drama keying in on the trials a struggling model in Pakistan must face as she gnaws her way to the top of the societal food chain. Zahid plays a politically driven individual who marries Saba’s character and forces her to change – considering being a model is not an honorable profession in his most eyes.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Sammi
‘Sammi’ brilliantly explored the theme of a poor girl being tossed around after her husband is murdered on her wedding day. Women are continually defeated, and that’s exactly what they’re discussing. Mawra Hocane, Adnan Siddiqui and Sania Saeed star in a fantastic telling of lower class battles with corruption.

Source: Kashaf Foundation


Muqabil
Another drama about child rape, ‘Muqabil’ stars Kubra Khan, Asif Raza Mir and Mohsin Abbas Haider who collectively tell the brutal tale of Kubra’s character growing up with a startling revelation that she was raped, and seeking revenge by marrying her rapist’s son. Warning – the drama is triggering, because of the raw essence with which it is depicted. It’s brilliant, and heartbreaking at the same time.

Source: ARY Digital


Daldal
‘Daldal’ is by far starkly different from any other drama thus brought forth. Starring Zahid Ahmed and Armeena Khan, ‘Daldal’ focuses on illegal immigration and how it shapes a poor family, desperate to earn enough money to survive in Pakistan. Zahid’s character is also abusive towards his wordless wife, and this issue too is brilliantly approached.

Source: Hum Network Limited


Gul-e-Rana
‘Gul-e-Rana’ primarily dealt with abuse, with Feroze Khan’s character the sadistic psychopath who marries his cousin and subjects her to incessant violence. It boldly and wonderfully showcases Sajal’s character as a fighter and someone who won’t be cast into the shadows by her husband. Class conflict also arises, with parent mentality kicking in as choosing rishtas for their children based on material wealth and not character.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Have you seen any of these dramas? Are there others you would like us to add?

 

[Ocean]

Gul e rana was the shyttiest crap ever made.

Only udaari was good rest are all shytty.

Never watched baysharam, dhundh dont know about them.

Khudgarz did not appeal and it seems usual ghareloo nonsense drama where women are always acting like weaklings and dependent on men tolerating abuse despite earning so well on their own.

 

[Well.wisher]

Gul e rana was the shyttiest crap ever made.

Only udaari was good rest are all shytty.

Never watched baysharam, dhundh dont know about them.

Khudgarz did not appeal and it seems usual ghareloo nonsense drama where women are always acting like weakinglings and dependent on men tolerarin abuse despite earning so well on their own.

Did u like watching dar si jati ha sila ?

 

[Lucky Breeze]

Its good to watch dramas on sensitive issues. I remember in 90s a drama serial "Aik thi gurrya" on PTV was banned due its content on drug mafia and the university girls were part of it. Poor director never come back after that.

 

[Srinivas]

Where is Hamsafar ?

I like the song of this Drama. I listen to it often.

The power of cinema and television mustn’t be shied away. We often forget the magnificent capability the visual arts hold, and how they can help catalyze change. The process might be slow, and it might take a lifetime, but subconsciously they can have a tremendous effect on molding a mindset, however rigid, and however innately wired in. Pakistani dramas, as I have said countless times before, are impeccable at most in script, acting and harnessing social issues so brilliantly, you really can’t help but marvel. In recent light of what’s happened, it’s important to not shed light on those dramas that have made incredibly admirable attempts at highlighting the sheer injustice that plagues our society.

Here are 13 dramas in particular that touch upon social issues in a very commendable manner.



Chup Raho
The drama dives into sexual abuse, with Sajal’s character as the woman raped by her brother-in-law but is forcefully hushed so that she doesn’t ruin her sister’s marriage. Starring Feroze Khan and Jibran Syed, the Yasir Nawaz-directed drama brilliantly showcases the sad truth of women raped and left utterly voiceless.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Khudgarz
‘Khudgarz’ is currently on air, and raises the topic of forced marriages and misogyny that is incredibly ripe in Pakistan society. Sami Khan’s character is vile, ruthless and shown to be the epitome of a chauvinist. It dives into intra-family politics that are very common, with male domination and going to extreme lengths to protect one’s honor.

Source: ARY Digital


Dhund
Starring Maria Wasti and Sania Saeed among others, Dhund’ addresses a multitude of taboos rooted in Pakistan, from honor killings to ruthless sectarianism, single parenthood and adoptive tribulations too. The drama isn’t all dark; in fact, there is a lighter premise throughout the story so as to dampen the unfortunate gloomier counterparts.

Source: TV One


Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila
Yumna Zaidi and Noman Ijaz lead this stellar drama about child abuse. It’s uncomfortable to watch – exactly why it must be watched really. Marital abuse and rape are also overarching elements woven into the story. Joi (Noman) is the antagonist who has ill thoughts towards both child Sia and mother Sadia – an important foundation in a country that is very prone to child exploitation. The women are forced to stay mum as per the norm in a drama that projects the most pressing (and current) matter in the country.

Source: MD Productions


Aisi Hai Tanhai
Nadia Khan and Sonya Hussyn star alongside Sami Khan in new drama ‘Aisi Hai Tanhai,’ about how a Western culture has seeped into all classes within Pakistan. It’s a twofold storyline, first with the problems a more ‘liberal’ mindset has in a heavily religious society; and secondly how social media is more profound for the women of our country. The issues the drama raises are twofold; firstly, the fact that western culture seeps into Pakistani society; and secondly, how it unravels the hypocrisy so prevalent against our women.

Source: ARY Digital


Udaari
Possibly the most famed drama to highlight social issues, ‘Udaari’ took on child rape and class prejudice as its horns. It ripped through these two plaguing taboos spectacularly, showcasing the struggle a single mother has to bring justice to her daughter’s rapist. Ahsan Khan was lauded for his terrifying role as Imtiaz, the child rapist who sought out to seek revenge on his victim’s mother. While this was the undertone, the drama also divulged other issues at hand, stemming from our unfortunate reality.

Source: Hum Network Limited


Besharam
Zahid Ahmed and Saba Qamar impress in ‘Besharam,’ a drama keying in on the trials a struggling model in Pakistan must face as she gnaws her way to the top of the societal food chain. Zahid plays a politically driven individual who marries Saba’s character and forces her to change – considering being a model is not an honorable profession in his most eyes.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Sammi
‘Sammi’ brilliantly explored the theme of a poor girl being tossed around after her husband is murdered on her wedding day. Women are continually defeated, and that’s exactly what they’re discussing. Mawra Hocane, Adnan Siddiqui and Sania Saeed star in a fantastic telling of lower class battles with corruption.

Source: Kashaf Foundation


Muqabil
Another drama about child rape, ‘Muqabil’ stars Kubra Khan, Asif Raza Mir and Mohsin Abbas Haider who collectively tell the brutal tale of Kubra’s character growing up with a startling revelation that she was raped, and seeking revenge by marrying her rapist’s son. Warning – the drama is triggering, because of the raw essence with which it is depicted. It’s brilliant, and heartbreaking at the same time.

Source: ARY Digital


Daldal
‘Daldal’ is by far starkly different from any other drama thus brought forth. Starring Zahid Ahmed and Armeena Khan, ‘Daldal’ focuses on illegal immigration and how it shapes a poor family, desperate to earn enough money to survive in Pakistan. Zahid’s character is also abusive towards his wordless wife, and this issue too is brilliantly approached.

Source: Hum Network Limited


Gul-e-Rana
‘Gul-e-Rana’ primarily dealt with abuse, with Feroze Khan’s character the sadistic psychopath who marries his cousin and subjects her to incessant violence. It boldly and wonderfully showcases Sajal’s character as a fighter and someone who won’t be cast into the shadows by her husband. Class conflict also arises, with parent mentality kicking in as choosing rishtas for their children based on material wealth and not character.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Have you seen any of these dramas? Are there others you would like us to add?

 

[Ocean]

Did u like watching dar si jati ha sila ?

First few episodes found it too boring and unrealistic , why she acts so scared was beyond me plus her mothers character was so unrealistic as well. If sila screams at her mother why she cant scream at joi mammoo?

They pick abuse topics for ratings but make some weird shytt dramas. Only udaari was better. Daldal is on illegal immigration and had a very depressing rona dhona of all day. Muqabil used child rape story to sell the drama and made it into commercial venture where drama practically had no story except the main theme of child rape. They all use tragedies to sell dramas.

 

[Valar.]

Alpha Bravo Charlie
Dhuwan

 

[El_Swordsmen]

The power of cinema and television mustn’t be shied away. We often forget the magnificent capability the visual arts hold, and how they can help catalyze change. The process might be slow, and it might take a lifetime, but subconsciously they can have a tremendous effect on molding a mindset, however rigid, and however innately wired in. Pakistani dramas, as I have said countless times before, are impeccable at most in script, acting and harnessing social issues so brilliantly, you really can’t help but marvel. In recent light of what’s happened, it’s important to not shed light on those dramas that have made incredibly admirable attempts at highlighting the sheer injustice that plagues our society.

Here are 13 dramas in particular that touch upon social issues in a very commendable manner.



Chup Raho
The drama dives into sexual abuse, with Sajal’s character as the woman raped by her brother-in-law but is forcefully hushed so that she doesn’t ruin her sister’s marriage. Starring Feroze Khan and Jibran Syed, the Yasir Nawaz-directed drama brilliantly showcases the sad truth of women raped and left utterly voiceless.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Khudgarz
‘Khudgarz’ is currently on air, and raises the topic of forced marriages and misogyny that is incredibly ripe in Pakistan society. Sami Khan’s character is vile, ruthless and shown to be the epitome of a chauvinist. It dives into intra-family politics that are very common, with male domination and going to extreme lengths to protect one’s honor.

Source: ARY Digital


Dhund
Starring Maria Wasti and Sania Saeed among others, Dhund’ addresses a multitude of taboos rooted in Pakistan, from honor killings to ruthless sectarianism, single parenthood and adoptive tribulations too. The drama isn’t all dark; in fact, there is a lighter premise throughout the story so as to dampen the unfortunate gloomier counterparts.

Source: TV One


Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila
Yumna Zaidi and Noman Ijaz lead this stellar drama about child abuse. It’s uncomfortable to watch – exactly why it must be watched really. Marital abuse and rape are also overarching elements woven into the story. Joi (Noman) is the antagonist who has ill thoughts towards both child Sia and mother Sadia – an important foundation in a country that is very prone to child exploitation. The women are forced to stay mum as per the norm in a drama that projects the most pressing (and current) matter in the country.

Source: MD Productions


Aisi Hai Tanhai
Nadia Khan and Sonya Hussyn star alongside Sami Khan in new drama ‘Aisi Hai Tanhai,’ about how a Western culture has seeped into all classes within Pakistan. It’s a twofold storyline, first with the problems a more ‘liberal’ mindset has in a heavily religious society; and secondly how social media is more profound for the women of our country. The issues the drama raises are twofold; firstly, the fact that western culture seeps into Pakistani society; and secondly, how it unravels the hypocrisy so prevalent against our women.

Source: ARY Digital


Udaari
Possibly the most famed drama to highlight social issues, ‘Udaari’ took on child rape and class prejudice as its horns. It ripped through these two plaguing taboos spectacularly, showcasing the struggle a single mother has to bring justice to her daughter’s rapist. Ahsan Khan was lauded for his terrifying role as Imtiaz, the child rapist who sought out to seek revenge on his victim’s mother. While this was the undertone, the drama also divulged other issues at hand, stemming from our unfortunate reality.

Source: Hum Network Limited


Besharam
Zahid Ahmed and Saba Qamar impress in ‘Besharam,’ a drama keying in on the trials a struggling model in Pakistan must face as she gnaws her way to the top of the societal food chain. Zahid plays a politically driven individual who marries Saba’s character and forces her to change – considering being a model is not an honorable profession in his most eyes.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Sammi
‘Sammi’ brilliantly explored the theme of a poor girl being tossed around after her husband is murdered on her wedding day. Women are continually defeated, and that’s exactly what they’re discussing. Mawra Hocane, Adnan Siddiqui and Sania Saeed star in a fantastic telling of lower class battles with corruption.

Source: Kashaf Foundation


Muqabil
Another drama about child rape, ‘Muqabil’ stars Kubra Khan, Asif Raza Mir and Mohsin Abbas Haider who collectively tell the brutal tale of Kubra’s character growing up with a startling revelation that she was raped, and seeking revenge by marrying her rapist’s son. Warning – the drama is triggering, because of the raw essence with which it is depicted. It’s brilliant, and heartbreaking at the same time.

Source: ARY Digital


Daldal
‘Daldal’ is by far starkly different from any other drama thus brought forth. Starring Zahid Ahmed and Armeena Khan, ‘Daldal’ focuses on illegal immigration and how it shapes a poor family, desperate to earn enough money to survive in Pakistan. Zahid’s character is also abusive towards his wordless wife, and this issue too is brilliantly approached.

Source: Hum Network Limited


Gul-e-Rana
‘Gul-e-Rana’ primarily dealt with abuse, with Feroze Khan’s character the sadistic psychopath who marries his cousin and subjects her to incessant violence. It boldly and wonderfully showcases Sajal’s character as a fighter and someone who won’t be cast into the shadows by her husband. Class conflict also arises, with parent mentality kicking in as choosing rishtas for their children based on material wealth and not character.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Have you seen any of these dramas? Are there others you would like us to add?

no Sher e Zaat, Khuda aur Mohobbat, Meri Zaat Zarra e Benishaan, Dastaan :/

 

[Valar.]

no Sher e Zaat, Khuda aur Mohobbat, Meri Zaat Zarra e Benishaan :/

There's a drama show about Khuda aur Mohabbat by Hashim Nadeem too? I should watch it.
Is there a drama show on 'Abdullah' too?

 

[Hareeb]

Taboo after saas bahu, whats next?

 

[Mugwop]

Where is Hamsafar ?

I like the song of this Drama. I listen to it often.

What was the taboo in that drama?

@Moonlight I would like your views about some of these drama before I watch them.

 

[Zibago]

The power of cinema and television mustn’t be shied away. We often forget the magnificent capability the visual arts hold, and how they can help catalyze change. The process might be slow, and it might take a lifetime, but subconsciously they can have a tremendous effect on molding a mindset, however rigid, and however innately wired in. Pakistani dramas, as I have said countless times before, are impeccable at most in script, acting and harnessing social issues so brilliantly, you really can’t help but marvel. In recent light of what’s happened, it’s important to not shed light on those dramas that have made incredibly admirable attempts at highlighting the sheer injustice that plagues our society.

Here are 13 dramas in particular that touch upon social issues in a very commendable manner.



Chup Raho
The drama dives into sexual abuse, with Sajal’s character as the woman raped by her brother-in-law but is forcefully hushed so that she doesn’t ruin her sister’s marriage. Starring Feroze Khan and Jibran Syed, the Yasir Nawaz-directed drama brilliantly showcases the sad truth of women raped and left utterly voiceless.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Khudgarz
‘Khudgarz’ is currently on air, and raises the topic of forced marriages and misogyny that is incredibly ripe in Pakistan society. Sami Khan’s character is vile, ruthless and shown to be the epitome of a chauvinist. It dives into intra-family politics that are very common, with male domination and going to extreme lengths to protect one’s honor.

Source: ARY Digital


Dhund
Starring Maria Wasti and Sania Saeed among others, Dhund’ addresses a multitude of taboos rooted in Pakistan, from honor killings to ruthless sectarianism, single parenthood and adoptive tribulations too. The drama isn’t all dark; in fact, there is a lighter premise throughout the story so as to dampen the unfortunate gloomier counterparts.

Source: TV One


Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila
Yumna Zaidi and Noman Ijaz lead this stellar drama about child abuse. It’s uncomfortable to watch – exactly why it must be watched really. Marital abuse and rape are also overarching elements woven into the story. Joi (Noman) is the antagonist who has ill thoughts towards both child Sia and mother Sadia – an important foundation in a country that is very prone to child exploitation. The women are forced to stay mum as per the norm in a drama that projects the most pressing (and current) matter in the country.

Source: MD Productions


Aisi Hai Tanhai
Nadia Khan and Sonya Hussyn star alongside Sami Khan in new drama ‘Aisi Hai Tanhai,’ about how a Western culture has seeped into all classes within Pakistan. It’s a twofold storyline, first with the problems a more ‘liberal’ mindset has in a heavily religious society; and secondly how social media is more profound for the women of our country. The issues the drama raises are twofold; firstly, the fact that western culture seeps into Pakistani society; and secondly, how it unravels the hypocrisy so prevalent against our women.

Source: ARY Digital


Udaari
Possibly the most famed drama to highlight social issues, ‘Udaari’ took on child rape and class prejudice as its horns. It ripped through these two plaguing taboos spectacularly, showcasing the struggle a single mother has to bring justice to her daughter’s rapist. Ahsan Khan was lauded for his terrifying role as Imtiaz, the child rapist who sought out to seek revenge on his victim’s mother. While this was the undertone, the drama also divulged other issues at hand, stemming from our unfortunate reality.

Source: Hum Network Limited


Besharam
Zahid Ahmed and Saba Qamar impress in ‘Besharam,’ a drama keying in on the trials a struggling model in Pakistan must face as she gnaws her way to the top of the societal food chain. Zahid plays a politically driven individual who marries Saba’s character and forces her to change – considering being a model is not an honorable profession in his most eyes.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Sammi
‘Sammi’ brilliantly explored the theme of a poor girl being tossed around after her husband is murdered on her wedding day. Women are continually defeated, and that’s exactly what they’re discussing. Mawra Hocane, Adnan Siddiqui and Sania Saeed star in a fantastic telling of lower class battles with corruption.

Source: Kashaf Foundation


Muqabil
Another drama about child rape, ‘Muqabil’ stars Kubra Khan, Asif Raza Mir and Mohsin Abbas Haider who collectively tell the brutal tale of Kubra’s character growing up with a startling revelation that she was raped, and seeking revenge by marrying her rapist’s son. Warning – the drama is triggering, because of the raw essence with which it is depicted. It’s brilliant, and heartbreaking at the same time.

Source: ARY Digital


Daldal
‘Daldal’ is by far starkly different from any other drama thus brought forth. Starring Zahid Ahmed and Armeena Khan, ‘Daldal’ focuses on illegal immigration and how it shapes a poor family, desperate to earn enough money to survive in Pakistan. Zahid’s character is also abusive towards his wordless wife, and this issue too is brilliantly approached.

Source: Hum Network Limited


Gul-e-Rana
‘Gul-e-Rana’ primarily dealt with abuse, with Feroze Khan’s character the sadistic psychopath who marries his cousin and subjects her to incessant violence. It boldly and wonderfully showcases Sajal’s character as a fighter and someone who won’t be cast into the shadows by her husband. Class conflict also arises, with parent mentality kicking in as choosing rishtas for their children based on material wealth and not character.

Source: Six Sigma Plus


Have you seen any of these dramas? Are there others you would like us to add?

You forgot Akhri Barish

 

[saiyan0321]

Udaari

The bad guys acting was the best!!

Loved him. You know before the time skip.

Yes cinema and dramas play a very important role and infact they also help in the creation of narrative. When people say " media is used to crate narrative" it doesn't mean news channels. It incorporates dramas, cartoons and movies. Infact the anti soviet propaganda is perhaps its most greatest example where a narrative is created.

If used rightly it can create national cohesion as well as bring social issues to light.

Quite Frankly the normal concept here is don't talk about the darkness, the bad, the negative. It is one of the reasons our media gets criticism that it highlights too much negative.

I believe that some social issues need to be addressed bcz you can't be an ostrich. You have to accept that we have issues to combat and address them and force legislations to end them.

 

[Srinivas]

What was the taboo in that drama?

@Moonlight I would like your views about some of these drama before I watch them.

No burkas to female characters!

 

[Mugwop]

No burkas to female characters!

I thought it was another love triangular drama? Maybe I will watch it someday