Forty-five episodes in and ARY Digital’s soap opera Baby Baji is accumulating praise for its relatable content that just hits right with the audience.
Penned by Mansoor Ahmed Khan the plot is close to home for many viewers as the story centers around a desi joint-family household. It follows the life of a large family of four brothers, their wives and their parents who live together under one roof.
With an ensemble cast and various riveting plots, revolving around the main characters, that range from problems as huge as financial issues to daily conflicts like dividing the household chores, the drama appeals to the desi audience.
We bring you a list of 5 ways of how Baby Baji is highlighting desi household problems:
The fiasco of deciding between living in a nuclear family vs joint family
The drama highlights a very common topic that persists in desi family households i.e., deciding between living in a joint family system vs. shifting towards the nuclear family approach. The drama shows consistent pressure by the family’s eldest daughter-in-law to move in a separate house, which is always shut down and taken in a negative light. Many people will relate to it but in the end, the best decision lies in a mutual decision that works for both parties.
The ever-going debate between arranged marriage vs love marriage
The plot unfolds as emphasis is paid on the mother’s constant desire to marry her sons to the women she chooses. While three of her sons eventually marry their mother’s choice, her youngest son falls in love with her neighbour and desires to marry her. The drama talks about the conflict that this creates and while arranged marriages often work, sometimes parents can make wrong decisions and it is imperative that the child’s willingness are also taken into consideration.
The financial troubles in Baby Baji
The drama also addresses a very common problem that many households face regarding the powerplay that unfolds in the household after one member is the breadwinner while others depend on him/her. The script tactfully talks about this problem and describes how issues associated with money can cause fights and problems in the household. Many viewers will relate to this issue and will learn from the drama on how to adopt a positive outlook when such issues arise.
The maltreatment of women
One of the plots in the drama centers around the mistreatment of the daughters-in-law Asma, played by Sunita Marshall. While she is adored by the family for her kind nature, her husband, who is played by Hassan Ahmed is discourteous and uncivil towards her, ignoring Asma and their child. In fact, he even forcefully tries to abort his child, without his wife’s consent.
As the plot progresses we are hopeful that the direction will lead to Asma taking a stand for herself and her husband would strive to become a better person
The thin line between privacy and protectiveness in Baby Baji
With a joint family comes the involvement of the entire family who knows your business, and the makers have not forgotten to highlight this sensitive issue. The direction targets small nuances that many will find relatable including scrutiny on going out, keen judgment on eating and sleeping habits and even stalking of social media accounts!
All these points hit a nerve with viewers who find most of this stuff relatable. The audience can consider this drama as a reflection on mistakes and learn on how to build positive domestic relationships.
The drama boasts an ensemble cast including Saud Qasmi, Javeria Saud, Hassan Ahmed, Sunita Marshall, Junaid Jamshed Niazi, Samina Ahmad, Tuba Anwar, Fazal Hussain, Munawar Saeed, and Aina Asif among others. The drama is directed by Tehseen Khan and is written by Mansoor Ahmed Khan under the banner of iDream Entertainment.
