2024 is the year of the super supporting heroes… or heroines. Pakistani dramas are finally going back to the basics, a storytelling pro tip the PTV era dramas had mastered – which is, giving traction to the “other’ characters, making their stories engaging, gripping, and often, making audiences root for them as much if not more than the leads (thora zyada ho gaya?) not really, take a look at these 5 supporting characters and how they raised the narrative to a whole new level.
1. Dilbar – Gentleman
Dilbar in Gentleman, played by Ahmed Ali Butt was a mix of funny and touching moments rolled into one character. He was the friend we all want, the confidante who’s just the best listener, and the guardian angel who’s looking out for you even when you don’t know you need looking after.
His conversations with Zarnab, about how he would never let Shagufta make so many rotis for everyone, served goals. His steadfast respect and loyalty for Munna, even when Munna is not around, standing up for him behind his back reminded us of old-world values that might be slipping away in modern relationships, if there were not people like Dilbar to remind us of their worth.
Dilbar had the ability to be crack a joke and be super serious at the same time. When he told Zarnab he doesn’t allow himself to miss Shagufta, we realized the pain he carries within, then he would crack a few witty jokes with Munna, making us smile at his ability to laugh at himself – Dilbar was an ever present presence in Munna’s life and his death reminded audiences of that person in their lives whose worth often goes unnoticed till, tragically, he or she is snatched away from us.
We miss you Dilbar, for adding smile moments to Gentleman. You’re a winner in our books!
2. Safeena – Noor Jahan
Audiences took to Safeena’s character in Noor Jahan played by Alina Abbas Shah like a fish to water. We kid you not. Safeena’s inner strength, her acceptance of things she cannot change while fighting for those she can, her anger unleashed at Hunaid in the hospital when she loses her first child, and her subtly sarcastic, don’t-care attitude with Noor Jahan as her character’s journey progressed defined her. But most of all, Safeena possessed the rare quality of not turning toxic. She understood Sumbul’s predicament and while she knew how to handle her inquisitive, tale-telling traits, she also showed immense sensitivity when Sumbul needed it.
We could go on about Safeena, her bond with both Noor Bano and Sumbul, and later, Maha was moving. Her emotional release before the mirror where she unpacks her inner thoughts was both amusing and touching. Finally, her ability to “get through’ to Hunaid at times, despite his tunnel vision about his mother, showed the resilience and fighting spirit her character embodies.
3. Afzal Chacha – Zard Patton Ka Bunn
Afzal Chacha is our man girls! The character is played by none other than Ali Tahir in Zard Patton Ka Bunn. He’s sensitive, funny, intense, Meenu’s guardian angel and also, a man who is brave enough to stand for the right side – case in point: Nasreen and Meenu. We love the grey in Afzal Chacha when he felt hi kingdom was threatened by Dr. Nofil’s arrival. He tried his best to send him packing back to the city, however, successive events made him change course – a man who learns and progresses with the times is a precious one and Afzal Chacha proved to be one.
He sourced Meenu with a helmet, gave courage to Nasreen to fight for Rani, is always looking out for Meenu and even tried to get her to meet Nofil when he was hurt, albeit playing it safe by sending him medicine through her. Afzal Chacha might seem like a simple soul, but his thoughts run deep. He was the only one in the village who confronted Dr. Nofil about his feelings for Meenu and vice versa and urged him to have courage – this is a man who does not dismiss a girl’s feelings as insignificant or blame worthy (if she is in love). This is a man who respects her, despite knowing she is in love, in fact, he respects those feelings in her too.
Afzal Chacha, you just flipped the narrative on girls losing their honor if they lose their heart to a guy. More power to you and all men like you who need a shout out from the highest rooftop or mountain in Pakistani dramas!
4. Zeenat – Jaan e Jahan
Zeenat played by Mariyam Nafees in Jaan e Jahan could have turned into the typical ‘other woman’ trope. But not our Zeenat. Egged on by her khala, she was nearly going to go the way of the other woman trope, but then stopped by her inner conscience and goodness, she decided to take a U-Turn and not only won hearts but also, flipped the narrative on a character that has us rolling our eyes every time we spot her in a Pakistani drama.
Zeenat was love. She not only deceived her terrifying khala by not drugging Shehram, but also ended up being banished from the kingdom. However, that didn’t stop her from following up to make sure Shehram and Mahnoor’s love story reached its happy ever after.
Zeenat’s need to do the right thing at the cost of her own safety and future was heart touching. Her performance also packed a punch as we waited, with bated breath, as she navigated dangerous routes to save Shehram against her khala’s conspiracies. So, although Zeenat was our ‘do Gooder’ in Jaan e Jahan, her role did not come off as overly sweet and monotonous. There was a tangible sadness in her demeanor yet refreshing energy in her actions that set the screen alive when she was there.
Love you Zeenat and hope we see more out of the box characters like you in 2025! And that’s it for the supporting characters who made our drama lives that much brighter, less predictable and more interesting.
5. JoJo – Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet
Oh Jojo, you are the very manifestation of a friend we can count on. From looking after Farhad’s mom to adding the humor to every situation, JoJo was there to save the day. He was the person Freeya turned to, the zero TLC, zero complicated guy who was just happy being there for you. JoJo’s biggest plus was ability not to judge women. From the trainer who walked through his gym to Freeya raging when she wanted them out of her house for messing it up, JoJo had no toxicity and that is so refreshing to see in a character.
JoJo played by Raza Samo came at a time when Pakistani drama characters had very few supporting roles that hit it off with audiences or had them rooting for him. With JoJo, the likeability factor was instant. He also brought a refreshing street vibe to his role, his wardrobe speaking louder than words, and his unbudging support for Farhad and Freeya, the most endearing quality. May Pakistani dramas see many more JoJos who add miles to the narrative.
Catch Up More On Drama Gup With FUCHSIA
Did we miss out your top character in Pakistani dramas? Drop us a comment to tell us who it is!
