Top Pakistani Dramas That Broke Stereotypes: From ‘Dobara’ to ‘Baaghi’
If you’re tired of watching typical Pakistani dramas, these shows will give you a fresh perspective. From Hadiqa Kiani and Bilal Abbas Khan’s Dobara to Saba Qamar, Ali Kazmi, and Osman Khalid Butt’s Baaghi, here are top Pakistani dramas that went beyond the usual themes and tackled important social issues.
1. Samjhota (2023)
- Cast: Javed Sheikh, Shaista Lodhi, Ali Ansari
- Where to watch: ARY Digital YouTube Samjhota tells the story of a widower (Javed Sheikh) who remarries in his later years. It focuses on the challenges he faces with his children as he tries to find happiness again. Unlike the usual love stories, this drama explores mature relationships and the struggles of remarriage in old age, a topic rarely discussed in Pakistani dramas.
2. Udaari (2016)
- Cast: Ahsan Khan, Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed, Bushra Ansari
- Where to watch: HUM TV YouTube Udaari bravely addressed the issue of child sexual abuse, a subject often ignored on television. The drama shows how two families from different backgrounds deal with this dark reality. Ahsan Khan’s role as the villain who harms a young girl sparked many important conversations. Udaari proved that TV can be a powerful tool for social change.
3. Baaghi (2017)
- Cast: Saba Qamar, Ali Kazmi, Osman Khalid Butt
- Where to watch: Global Movies YouTube Based on the real-life story of social media star Qandeel Baloch, Baaghi explores a woman’s right to self-expression in a conservative society. Saba Qamar’s portrayal of Qandeel showed her fight against societal norms and misogyny. The drama highlighted the issue of honor killings and challenged traditional views on women’s rights.
4. Dobara (2021)
- Cast: Hadiqa Kiani, Bilal Abbas Khan
- Where to watch: HUM TV YouTube Dobara focuses on a widow named Mehru, played by Hadiqa Kiani, who decides to remarry a younger man after her controlling husband’s death. The drama was praised for showing that women have the right to choose happiness, regardless of their age or society’s expectations. It challenges the traditional image of widows living in grief and encourages women to rebuild their lives.
5. Jhoom (2023)
- Cast: Haroon Kadwani, Zara Noor Abbas
- Where to watch: Har Pal Geo YouTube Jhoom tells a love story between a woman and a younger man, defying the stigma surrounding age-gap relationships. Zara Noor Abbas and Haroon Kadwani’s characters show that maturity and emotional connection matter more than societal judgments. The drama highlights the depth and understanding that can exist in such relationships.
Ready for a Binge-Watch?
These dramas tackled difficult topics like child abuse (Udaari), honor killings (Baaghi), and age-gap relationships (Jhoom). They broke away from the usual love stories and family conflicts, opening the door for more progressive and thought-provoking content. So, grab some popcorn and dive into these eye-opening shows this weekend!
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