Every person we meet has a distinct story and few of these stories are worth telling. Drama is an excellent medium to project real-life events. The role of a writer is highly crucial in this regard. They must draw a balance between fiction and reality.
A drama based on real stories touches the audience on a different level. It provides a deep insight into our society and projects the ethos of contemporary society via television screens. Here’s a list of Pakistani dramas that are inspired by true events:
Baaghi
Honour killing of the internet sensation Qandeel Baloch in 2016 shook the whole country. In 2017, the Drama ‘Baaghi’ aired on Urdu 1, which is said to be based on her life. This project was written by Shazia Khan and directed by Farooq Rind. It was presented by Urdu 1 and Paragon Production. The promising cast of the show includes Saba Qamar, Osman Khalid Butt, Khalid Malik, Ali Kazmi, Irfan Khoosat, Sarmad Khoosat, and Saba Faisal. Gohar Mumtaz appeared in a cameo role, playing himself.
The drama projects the story of a rebellious young girl named Fauzia, played by Saba Qamar, who lives in a village and has extraordinary dreams. Melancholic life events compel her to choose a rather strenuous life to upgrade her extremely poor family’s status.
The female protagonist takes the audience to her quirky journey of life, with shades of struggle, love, money, agony and despair, till she meets her tragic death at the hands of her own brother.
Meri Guriya
‘Meri Guriya’ aired on ARY Digital in 2018. It was written by Radain Shah, directed by Ali Hassan and produced by Big Bang Entertainment. The cast entails some outstanding actors such as Sania Saeed, Sonya Hussyn and Mohsin Abbas Haider. The story is based on the prevalent issue of child rape and is inspired by true stories. Mohsin Abbas Haider plays the convincing role of a rapist and serial killer.
It rightly projects the suffering of victim’s families and the fault-riddled role of police in this regard. This show was highly praised for its non-conventional storyline and thought-provoking execution.
Manto
‘Manto’ aired on Geo TV in the year 2017. The drama was a conversion of the film of the same name, released in 2015, which received international accolades. The critically acclaimed show is a tragic biopic of the most controversial writer of the subcontinent Sadaat Hassan Manto.
It has an ensemble cast including Sarmad Khoosat as Manto, Sania Saeed as Manto’s wife, Saba Qamar as Madam Noor Jahan. This project was written by Shahid Nadeem, directed by Sarmad Khoosat and produced by Babar Javed.
The drama depicts the struggles of Manto from his migration to Pakistan in 1948, till his tragic death in 1955. It also showcases the dejected realities of our life from Manto’s perspective. This drama is intriguing and enthralling at the same time.
Sabz Pari Laal Kabootar
‘Sabz Pari Lal Kabootar’ is a social drama by Geo TV which aired in 2012. It was written by Amna Mufti, directed by Babar Javed and produced by A&B Entertainment. This drama has a few of the most promising actors in the lead, such as Faisal Qureshi, Nimra Bucha, Mohib Mirza and Sami Khan.
The story is inspired by the real-life events of a drug addict rickshaw driver Rafiq, played by Faisal Qureshi, who takes some desperate steps under the influence of a fake peer. Centred on lower-class families, this drama paints the stark reality of society. The main protagonist reaches a desperate state to satisfy his urges of drugs and obsession with an Indian film star. Ultimately sacrifices his own four children. The distinct storyline and exceptional performances of the actors make this drama a must-watch.
Rehaai
‘Rehaai’ was a social drama of Hum TV, written by Farhat Ishtiaq, directed by Mehreen Jabbar, and produced by Kashf Foundation & MD Productions. It was released in 2013. The drama has a stellar cast including Noman Ijaz, Samina Peerzada, Saniya Shamshad, Danish Taimoor and Nausheen Shah. It is based on the issue of child marriage and the subsequent struggle of such girls. This project was partially funded by Kashf Foundation.
The story is based on the lives of the various women rescued by Kashf Foundation. The writer got inspiration from the real events of various victims of child marriage and their consequential struggles in life. This drama is very well directed and rightly highlights the societal mindset.
Mein Sitara
‘Mein Sitara’ aired in 2016. It was written by Faiza Iftikhar, directed by Seema Taher Khan and produced by TV ONE. This star-studded drama has amazing actors such as Meera, Noman Ijaz, Saba Qamar, Mikaal Zulfiqar, and Hassan Ahmed.
‘Mein Sirata’ is said to be based on the real-life of a Pakistani actress, played by Saba Qamar. This show is an emotional journey of a poor girl who becomes a big name in the industry. The drama showcases the struggles of female actors and their socio-cultural status in societies like Pakistan. The story displays shades of love, struggle, reality, despair and hope.
Khaani
‘Khaani’ aired on Geo TV in the year 2017. This blockbuster drama was written by late Asma Nabeel, directed by Anjum Shehzad and produced by 7th Sky Entertainment. The cast of the show includes Feroze Khan, Sana Javed, Saman Ansari, Mehmood Aslam, Rashid Farooqui, Salma Hassan, Qavi Khan, and Seemi Pasha.
The drama is loosely based on a tragic event of the killing of a young man at the hands of the feudal boy, played by Feroze Khan, who ultimately falls in love with the victim’s sister. Although the storyline was inspired by a real incident, it takes a fictional approach with the narrative.
The writer created hope in society and in the justice system as a whole. In reality, the feudal boy got away with being charged for the crime. However, in the drama, the male protagonist goes through a series of events that ultimately make him a better person who willfully ends up in jail.
The purpose of dramas is two-fold. They are not only the medium of entertainment but an instrument of social change as well. Therefore, the television industry must also produce stimulating projects with exceptional and reality-based storylines for the betterment of society.
