With the close of 2023, we are continuing counting down the best Pakistani dramas of 2023. The criteria for making this list is based on content, performances and overall messaging/impact. This list will only include dramas which concluded in 2023 or the first week of 2024. Now let’s reveal the top choices!
5) Tumharey Husn Ke Naam
Writer: Sarah Qayyum
Director: Saqib Khan
Cast: Saba Qamar, Imran Abbas, Asad Siddiqui, Sidra Niazi, Salman Shahid, Haris Waheed, Maha Hassan
Starring Saba Qamar and Imran Abbas in top form, “Tumharey Husn Ke Naam” takes the audience through a journey of love. A romance moving through decades, “Tumharey Husn Ke Naam” follows Salma and Sikandar’s romance from college, their heartbreak and separation and the circumstances under which they come face-to-face again. The presentation is nostalgic, the dialogues poetic, taking the audience back into a simpler time. “Tumharey Husn Ke Naam” has a strong beginning, loses pace a bit in the very middle, but ends on an incredibly high note once again. Ultimately, this is a pure romance with an emphasis on the importance of following one’s happiness – and that it’s never too late to attain that happiness. With a slower pace, this drama may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are a fan of quality, old-school PTV era television, this is an absolute winner.
4) Razia
Writer & Director: Mohsin Ali
Cast: Mahira Khan, Mohib Mirza, Momal Sheikh and Shaheera Jalil Abasit
The fourth spot is taken by “Razia.” While Mahira Khan is the selling point of “Razia,” she allows her name to be used to lure in audiences – and then allows the rest of the star cast to take over, presenting us with a brilliant story of female empowerment and the strength and resilience of women. “Razia” tells the story of young Razia, a young girl who comes from a world where girls are seen as a burden and sons a reward for parents. Razia lives with feelings of being less-than throughout her childhood, her life progressively getting worse at the hands of her mother, her father, her husband until, finally, she overcomes her obstacles. “Razia” is a winner of a show from start to finish, Shaheera Jalil Abasit a revelation, an absolute standout performer in the inspiring story of a woman’s release from all her abusive relationships. Mahira Khan is our narrator and it’s difficult to imagine anyone else making such a role as enjoyable as Mahira has made it, specifically with comedy and tragedy thrown in all at once. Powerful and to-the-point with only six episodes, “Razia” proves itself to be a worthwhile watch with a strong message towards female independence.
3) Kabli Pulao
Writer: Zafar Mairaj
Director: Kashif Nisar
Cast: Mohammed Ehtashamuddin, Sabeena Farooq, Abdullah Farhatullah, Nadia Afgan, Munazzah Arif, Adnan Shah Tipu, Haseeb Khan, Saqib Sameer
At the number three spot is “Kabli Pulao.” A love story between an older man and a younger woman is something we see often on our screens – and complain about. The factor which places “Kabli Pulao” out of that category is, simply put, consent. “Kabli Pulao” takes us on a beautiful journey of love and acceptance, showing that age can simply be just a a number. Mushtaq, an older unmarried man, and Barbeena, a young Afghan widow, come together under unusual circumstances in marriage and while their love begins to grow, they hit a roadblock when Barbeena’s dead husband comes back to life. This has been a love story based on mutual respect and the need of a supportive companion, Barbeena & Mushtaq’s love growing over time. The stars of “Kabli Pulao” are Ehtashamuddin and Sabeena Farooq, who are exceptional as Mushtaq & Barbeena, two sensitive souls who have seen their share of life and find solace in one another. It’s rare that we see such characters on our screens, immediately lovable yet complicated. The magic weaved by this story is due to its heartfelt writing and poetic presentation with full credit to Zafar Mairaj and Kashif Nisar. “Kabli Pulao” is a drama that will live on in our hearts and memories for years to come.
2) Jannat Se Aagay
Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Haseeb Hassan
Cast: Kubra Khan, Ramsha Khan, Talha Chahour, Gohar Rasheed
At number two is “Jannat Se Aagay.” One of the greatest strengths of a show is the ability to connect to a character emotionally and this is where Umera Ahmed excels as a writer. “Jannat Se Aagay” follows Tabassum (Ramsha Khan), a young impressionable fan, who is obsessed with Jannat Jahan (Kubra Khan), a morning show host. She loves her, aspires to be her, but when she enters her world, she begins to change and not for the better. Jannat, on the other hand, experiences her own growth arc, depicting that wealth does not guarantee happiness and things are not always what they seem. “Jannat Se Aagay” weaves a beautiful story of aspiration and inspiration, depicting the tragedy of neglecting all the blessings one has in the attempt to attain “something better.” Ramsha Khan and Kubra Khan are the stars of “Jannat Se Aagay,” delivering incredible performances with their male counterparts, Talha Chahour and Gohar Rasheed, supporting them. Umera Ahmed and director Haseeb Hassan have done a phenomenal job and kept audiences coming back each week, wanting more even after the show came to a close. “Jannat Se Aagay” is essentially a heartfelt, emotional journey through a woman’s struggle balancing her work and home life and is, quite simply, a modern-day classic.
1)Gumn
Writer: Tooba Siddiqui and Hamza Kazi
Director: Sarmad Khoosat
Cast: Tooba Siddiqui, Feroze Qadri, Furqan Qureshi, Zara Tareen, Sohail Sameer, Agha Mustafa, Kashif Hussain, Usman Peerzada, Behroze Sabzwari
Finally, at the number one position, is “Gumn.” This is not a drama which was heavily advertised nor did it come with a world of expectations, but wound up being an absolute winner in terms of entertainment, acting, direction and story – a well-rounded masterpiece. “Gumn” follows Rayyan (Feroze Qadri) and Maya (Tooba Siddiqui). Two strangers belonging to different worlds, their lives collide the night Maya accidentally hits Rayyan with her car. Now without a memory of his past life, Maya and Rayyan grow close and develop a bond of love. But what happens when Rayyan’s past is revealed and his true purpose comes to light? Will Rayyan and Maya’s love be able to persevere in the face of reality? “Gumn” imparts an important message, the importance of moving on and how remaining stagnant in life and holding on to negative experiences can change the course of your life – and not for the better. Tooba Siddiqui is wonderful, Furqan Qureshi is excellent and Feroze Qadri emerges a star in a brilliant script written by Tooba Siddiqui and Hamza Kazi and directed by Sarmad Khoosat. “Gumn” is, without a doubt, the favorite of 2023 in terms of quality – and an underrated show which deserved more attention than what it received.
These are the best Pakistani dramas of 2023 based on content, overall message, impact and performances. Which of your favorites did not make the cut?