2020 may have been a dull and dreary year but it has witnessed the release of a bevy of entertaining content for TV lovers. Several Pakistani dramas have hit the small screen in the recent past, with most of them receiving a nod from viewers and critics alike, sans a few glitches with regards to controversial and faulty scenes here and there. From bringing important subjects such as mental health to the fore to challenging cultural norms, here is a lowdown of the must-watch TV dramas of 2020. You will not be disappointed!
Jalan
The TV drama boasts of a star-studded cast of actors Minal Khan, Hajra Yamin, Emaad Irfani and supermodels Nadia Hussain and Areeba Habib among others. It centers on Nisha (Minal) and Misha aka Meenu (Areeba), two sisters, hailing from a middle-class background, who love the same man. Nisha is a selfish girl who is envious of her sister and wants every good thing that Meenu gets including her husband Asfandyar (Emaad). Contrary to what some may assume, the Aabis Raza project is not a typical love triangle but was heavily criticised for directing the youth on the wrong path because of its portrayal of a girl falling for her brother-in-law. While it was initially banned by Pemra, the decision as reversed and Jalan now has most drama-watchers hooked!
Nand
As the name suggests, the drama centres on a nand (sister-in-law) named Gohar, played by Faiza Hasan. From showing women such as Rabi (Minal Khan) as helpless to stereotyping nands such as Gohar as evil to depicting the misuse of power by men, the Syed Zeeshan Ali-directed serial is being loved by most viewers, despite having its fair share of controversial scenes. Gohar, who is the eldest of the three siblings goes to any extent to get her brothers (Shahroz Sabzwari and Ayaz Samoo) to divorce their wives. She is manipulative and every character in the drama falls victim to her conniving planning. Revolving around typical desi family issues, it is one of the most-watched Pakistani dramas of 2020.
Fitrat
This Geo production unravels the tale of a young girl Fariha, who belongs to a lower-middle-class family and sets off to chase her dreams by taking shortcuts in life, while her siblings believe in hard work and honesty. Soon, she marries Arbaz, who comes from a wealthy background. But things take a turn when Arbaz’s elder brother Shahbaz turns out to be Fariha’s first love. Fitrat teaches us an important lesson – how bad intentions and easy shortcuts might lead one to terrible destinations and result in awful consequences. Directed by Asad Jabal, the producution features an ensemble cast including Saboor Aly, Ali Abbas, Mirza Zain Baig, Zubab Rana, Sabiha Hashmi, Seemi Pasha, Saif-E-Hassan, Fazila Qazi, Farhan Ali Agha, Adila Khan, Aisha Gul, Kamran Jilani and Mariyam Nafees.
Ghissi Pitti Mohobbat
Written by Fasih Barih Khan, the Ahmed Bhatti-helmed directorial airs on ARY channel every Tuesday. It explores the turbulent love life of Samia (Ramsha Khan), who gets married to four different men, one of them including Rizwan (ace actor Wahaj Ali) at different points in her life. Packed with romance and hints of comedy, the TV serial is being lauded for its strong depiction of an unconventional story revolving around the life of a girl who struggles to have a loyal life partner. While some have critiqued it for portraying the male gender in a negative light, it is being widely praised for its stellar direction, acting and for challenging cultural norms in the wittiest way. A must-watch for every man and woman out there!
Saraab
The Mohsin Talat drama addresses the important subject of mental health. Starring Sonya Hussyn in the lead, the serial sees her suffering from schizophrenia. Saraab is an interesting romantic drama based on the serious mental condition that is ignored in our society. Sonya’s character falls in love with Sami Khan’s during the course of the show. Internet users cannot get over Sonya and Sami’s crackling chemistry on-screen, which has won them million hearts and fans world over! This Hum TV drama is a must-watch.