Indian Youth’s Fascination with Pakistani Dramas
The younger generation in India is increasingly captivated by Pakistani dramas. This isn’t the first instance of an Indian audience showing a strong interest in Pakistani television; during the VCR era, plays from Pakistan, especially those by the late Umar Sharif, were highly popular in India.
At that time, numerous Indian states enjoyed dramas broadcasted by PTV. Shows like Tanhaiyan and Chand Grahan attracted a significant following among Indian viewers. Now, once again, the allure of Pakistani dramas is on the rise.
A special report by India Today points out that certain characteristics of Pakistani dramas give them an advantage over Indian serials, which often tend to be overly lengthy.
India has seen numerous series that stretch into hundreds of episodes. In contrast, most Pakistani dramas range from 25 to 50 episodes, providing shorter and more straightforward storylines.
The drama Humsafar achieved remarkable popularity in India, helping Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan gain a substantial fan base. This 23-episode mini-series has garnered over 10 million views on YouTube, with a significant portion of those viewers hailing from India.
The relationship between Pakistan and India has been complex, filled with ups and downs in cricket and politics, oscillating between animosity and affection. However, the arts present a different narrative, as artists from both nations have historically enjoyed mutual appreciation.
India’s younger generation has turned to social media shorts to discover Pakistani dramas, and many have learned about them from their elders, leading to a renewed interest.
Anamika, a 26-year-old political scientist and researcher from Haryana, observes that Pakistani dramas are generally very relatable. They focus on realism and avoid unnecessary complexity in storytelling, steering clear of arbitrary episode extensions.
Virul, a 22-year-old journalist from Noida, expresses astonishment at realizing that those who were often portrayed as adversaries are, in fact, quite simple and similar to us.
Most Indian commentators argue that Indian dramas often come off as artificial, with heavy makeup, flashy costumes, and extravagant sets contributing to a sense of unreality. In contrast, Pakistani dramas tend to be more grounded, offering viewers a sense of familiarity and warmth.