Old Pakistani dramas were a class apart from the dramas we are shown today. These stories gave us heart, substance, and wholesome tales. Even on a minimal budget, these dramas captured audiences with compelling narratives and thought-provoking narratives. The 80s and 90s were perhaps the golden age for the Pakistani drama industry and we’re telling you why.
Let’s look at the 5 most memorable dramas to have graced our screens from the old-school Pakistani drama industry!
1. Tanhaiyan – 1985
Tanhaiyan was first aired in 1985 with an ensemble cast of Shehnaz Sheikh, Asif Raza Mir, Badar Khalil, Behroze Sabzwari, and Marina Khan. Tanhaiyan was a story of two sisters who navigate the harsh realities of life after the death of their parents. It is a tale of love, loss, connections, friendships, and overcoming adversity. Bibi, Baba, Sanya, Zara, Buqrat, Qabacha, Aapa Begum, Farhan, and Aanie educate us about life and the different lessons we pick up along the road through their ups and downs. Tanhaiyan was also the drama that for the first time portrayed women taking up patriarchal roles.
2. Dhoop Kinare – 1987
Written and directed by two of the most acclaimed women in TV, Haseena Moin and Sahira Kazmi, Dhoop Kinare was aired in 1987 but is still considered one of the most iconic Pakistani TV dramas. The lead couple Marina Khan and Rahat Kazmi had managed to make women for years as they played the role of two doctors working at a hospital together. The series was praised for its realistic and heart-warming storytelling, with its themes of love and family resonating with viewers. The show was also noted for its brilliant acting performances, beautiful music, and a captivating plot.
And you know what, the age difference in relationships was captured with a sensitivity and beauty that still transcends the 30 years since the story was first brought to us.
3. Alpha Bravo Charlie – 1998
In the late 1990s, Alpha Bravo Charlie was the television program of choice in Pakistan. The show focused on the lives of three army personnel, as suggested by the title. People loved the show for how it depicted the Pakistani military as well as how lovable and relatable the characters were. The drama essayed the journey of three captains in the Pakistani Army—Faraz, Kashif, and Gulsher—who are each members of Alpha Bravo Charlie. The show’s unassuming script, strong message, and memorable dialogue helped it become successful. For all those who loved Ehd-e-Wafa and Sinf e Ahaan, this one is for you folks!
4. Ankahi – 1982
Ankahi is another PTV classic written by Haseena Moin. Drama Ankahi, which aired onscreen in 1982, achieved cult status as a result of its potent dialogue and Sana Murad’s witty and outspoken performance (Shehnaz Sheikh). Sana and Shakeel, who also portrays Taimoor’s main character, have some incredibly funny scenes together. Javed Sheikh (Faraz), Badar Khalil (Zakiya), Behroz Sabzwari (Moby), Jamshed Ansari (Timmy), and the late Qazi Wajid are among the cast members (Siddiqui). The narrative explores unfulfilled ambitions and a range of emotions. Plus romance of course, with a challenge thrown in for the lead female character who has to choose between two good men. No spoilers, go watch!
5. Khuda Ki Basti – 1969 and 1974
Khuda Ki Basti is regarded as the “mother of all serials”. The drama series broke all records of popularity and became a center of conversation in every household. Written by the late Shaukat Siddiqui in 1957, Khuda Ki Basti was the first ever Urdu novel to be translated into 11 languages. The plot, set in the 1950s in the slums of Karachi, centers on a poor and suffering single-parent family and the hardships they endure at the hands of the corrupt and others looking to take advantage of them. Khuda ki Basti had a storyline focusing on the prevalent social issues of society and was telecast twice (the second time in 1974 at the insistence of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto because it was his favorite play).
Do you think the dramas today could perhaps learn a lesson or two from these golden era stories?
