The casting situation in Pakistani dramas is levelling up and we couldn’t help but note 3 young couple castings that resonate with younger audiences. Find out more about the 3 pairings and why they’re sitting right with viewers. Read on for Mayi Ri, Fairy Tale & Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri…
Our country is one where the youth are heavily invested in issues regarding marriage, working girls, consent, and more. So it is but natural, that the vast chunk wants to see issues related to the youth portrayed by the youth themselves – ever heard of reverse ageism? Because we often often struggle with this one. This is probably why young people resort to global content as the media of choice and prefer to stream (and relate better to) international platforms. However, surprise, surprise, there’s a seemingly positive change of late in the Pakistani entertainment industry – our dramas are becoming more youth-centric and also take on fresher, younger talent.
Why is there a need for younger characters to be played by younger talent? Simple. It’s more believable, conveys impactful messages and young people see themselves in the stories they view onscreen – a win, win for all parties! Here are 3 young on screen couples that make us say all that – Zobia & Saim, Farjad & Umeed, Annie & Fakhir! No, this is not about ageism, (or is it?) when younger actors are denied opportunities because, well, they haven’t made their mark in the industry yet? Bang you got it! It’s called reverse ageism!
1. Zubia & Saim In Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri
Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri stars Dananeer Mobeen and Khushhal Khan and follows the love story of Zobia and Saim who must make many sacrifices in order to be together. Produced under the banner of Momina Duraid Productions, it is directed by Shahid Shafaat and written by Rahat Jabeen. In the case of Khushhal and Dana Neer in Muhabbat Ghum Shuda Meri, as Saim and Zobia, both actors have shone through. Though Khushhal sure struck some big waves after his Midsummer Chaos days, then in Qissa Mehrbano Ka, Mushkil, Barzakh and the telefilm Aik Hai Nigar, his drama Muhabbat Ghumshuda Meri has really propelled his career to new heights. For Dana Neer, this being her first lead role after her stint in Sinf-e-Ahaan. Audiences are craving for stories from a younger perspective, about the youth and for the youth. And for the essence of these stories to be kept intact, they call for young faces and age appropriate casting – actors who are able to relate to the feelings the characters live in, their nuances and challenges.
Moreover, the cuteness impact or swoon-worthy young romance that’s oh so relatable for young people is felt instantly with these two lovebirds onscreen. Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri is a “not so simple” story of young love, the impatience, the strong will to make their own decisions and what follows when they are not allowed to. In the process of the above we also witness some young blooded action in the case of Daniyal and Saim’s brawls – The erratic energy of Daniyal and Saim demanded young-feel, athletic antics, and then Zubia climbing over gates when eloping, how Khushhal as Saim so effortlessly “parkours” between two rooftops, Saim and Zubia chasing each other down as he grabs her phone wouldn’t have made the same impact if the actors weren’t cast keeping the character age in mind. All these scenes stood out and left an impression on audiences because of the synergy between the casting and the story line whilst adding to the believability factor.
2. Farjad & Umeed From Fairy Tale 2
Fairy Tale is a dramatic comedy that stars Hamza Sohail, Sehar Khan, Aena Khan, Adnan Raza Mir and including a formidable ensemble cast. Written by Sarah Majeed, directed by Ali Hasan, and produced by Momina Duraid or MD Productions, it is broadcast on HUM TV. Now with a Fairy Tale season 2 which is just as successful as the first, this Pakistani drama seals the deal on what we are addressing today and fans agree. Farjad wouldn’t be as dreamy minus the banter with Umeed, Farjad’s protective behaviour, Umeed’s possessiveness, the element of friendship x romance quotient is just so cute and what fans are falling for in every episode. It’s their contemporary dynamics and fresh vibes which have helped draw in audiences. This coupled with the young couple challenges hit right as young audiences relate to Farjad or Umeed as someone they know or have been in their recent past! (Or perhaps are even now)!
When Umeed skids across office corridors, plays bridal shower games and then we get to see Farjad and Umeed photoshoots, subsequently doing the ubtan chase – it was all the more cute and funny because age appropriate actors brought in young energy and nuances the characters needed to spark. The characters in Fairy Tale echo the young generation’s sentiments, thought processes and feelings and audiences can recognize parts and shades of themselves in them. Casting an older actor wouldn’t captivate the same audience half as much. The seriously secret romantic Farjad (we know now, thanks to his shayri skills) and the feisty yet blundering Umeed have audiences swooning non stop. Tell us if that’s not you!
3. Annie & Fakhir From Mayi Ri
Mayi Ri revolves around the issue of child marriage whereby two families force a cousin marriage. It stars Samar Abbass and Aina Asif. This Pakistani drama is produced by Big Bang Entertainment and airs on ARY digital. It is directed by Meesam Naqvi and written by Sana Fahad. The cause is a highly critical and deeply ingrained one in Pakistan, as per reports, “Pakistan ranks number two in the world when it comes to the high number of child marriages.” The story essays a heart wrenching journey of a child bride, one who should have been protected, nourished and provided a safe and healthy childhood propelling her to be on the journey to an economically sustainable future. However, she is thrust into the searing confines of the kitchen instead of an open, liberating playground to provide for an entire family when she should be playing with her friends instead.
The teenage couple is burdened by marriage at a time they wanted to discover themselves and their future. Will Fakhir fall in love with some one else and Annie left questioning her place in his life? While we wait for answers, we appreciate how the director and team has taken well turned out chances by casting relatively new comers. Many fans are sharing their thoughts online; how Annie and Fakhir seem to be the main reason they are watching Mayi Ri and that their casting makes the narrative even more interesting. The casting in Mayi Ri makes so much sense since it was a highly integral part of the story line; to hit the mark with age appropriate actors. Audiences might not have been so invested in the storyline as they are now, and the gravity of the cause would have been, inevitably undermined. Many viewers are glad and show appreciation for the fact the team chose to cast under 18 year old actors to build real impact – a much needed initiative to kick start a genuine change in society.
We hope the trend continues and we get too see more stories centred around young adults in our society. Which of the 3 couples is your favorite?
