We’ve seen Pakistani dramas progress towards making some incredible stories tackling topics like divorced women re-starting their life over again, refugee displacement, feudal politics in a small city, or even wholesome rom-coms like ‘Ishq Di Chashni’. But one thing does seem to become quite clear: our industry has yet to invest in stories surrounding middle-aged couples giving a second chance to finding love and happiness.
There have been few instances in our dramas where we have seen women in their fifties or sixties who found their soul mates later in life, but their arcs were always overshadowed by the main leads who were the central focus throughout the show. And we have to question why our dramas haven’t pushed beyond the conventional standards because this is an incredible area that has so much potential with the lessons it carries. These four dramas show that there is no age limit to finding love or reinventing yourself, and no woman should give into the fear of settling down in her youth or being seen as ‘wasted goods’ by society.
Tan Man Neel O Neel
‘Tan Man Neel O Neel’ was lauded by critics and social media users for bravely tackling the issue of religious intolerance and hate riots, as well as the moving performances delivered by both of it’s main leads Sehar Khan and Shuja Asad. But along with this, what social media users found endearing was the love story of Rabi’s parents and how they healed the barrier between them by being more honest about their feelings towards one another.A fan favourite scene that was hyped a lot of social media was when they both go on a date to a park, where Rabi’s mother opens up about her lonliness throughout their marriage, and her husband promises to be more attentive towards her in the future.
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‘Tan Man Neel O Neel’ beautifully depicts the love story of a middle-aged couple
Budhi Ghori Laal Lagam
We’re shocked that a short film with a poignant message about never letting your zest for life end after marriage hadn’t received a lot of public attention. But we’re hear to remind you once again that if you’re in need for a good laugh then watch this film. Written and directed by actor Sheheryar Munawar, the short film features a elderly couple who decide to live for themselves after spending their entire lives working to provide for their children. Jahangir (played by Salman Shahid) is often ridiculed by his children and society for his unconventional lifestyle, but after a death in the family, he and his wife Zubi (played by Simi Raheal) decide to live everyday to the fullest and go on spontaneous trips. together.
Kuch Ankahi
This drama was praised for how it tackled issues like property inheritance issues for women, domestic abuse and pressured marriages, but the heart of the story definitely was the wholesome romance between the phupoo Sofia Agha (played by Vaneeza Ahmed) and Thanvi (Babar Ali). Throughout the drama, Sofia doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinion about the importance of granting brides the divorce and child custody clauses in their nikkahnama, and supports the three sisters fiercely. Drama lovers had applauded how Sofia did not compromise on her independence and Thanvi assured her that he would never stop her from reaching out for her dreams after marrying her.
Qarz E Jaan
While the central focus of this drama is Nashwa’s journey to becoming a lawyer and rebelling against her conservative relatives, its her bond with her mother Bisma which is what makes the drama so special and how she pushes for her marriage to her long-lost love Asim. Bisma was someone who was previously discarded to the side by her abusive in-laws because she was a widow, and had to sacrifice a lot in order to ensure her daughter received a good education and could stand on her own feet. With Asim’s love as well as Nashwa’s support, the drama was praised for sending an important lesson that finding love and happiness is possible even at a later age.
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