The deeply ingrained practice of child marriages in Pakistan is yet to be eradicated. Big Bang Entertainment & ARY Digital take up the powerful initiative to portray the heart wrenching journey of a child bride.
As per reports, “Pakistan ranks number two in the world when it comes to the number of child marriages.” Child marriage is prevalent due to several reasons including deeply ingrained traditions and customs, poverty, lack of awareness including access to education. It poses serious devastating consequences – girls who marry in childhood are prone to drop out of school, face greater pregnancy related health risks than girls of adult age, further endangering the unborn child’s life with increased cases of domestic violence and more-so, the family having higher chances to sink further into poverty.
The Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act 2019 as passed by the senate, substitutes “child” as a person under 18 years of age. Though such laws and acts are in place, somehow the awareness is lacking and thus society stays regressive in the said matter. Now that we do have laws to protect child brides, what is imperative is a grassroots level awareness on why it’s an issue, what are the disadvantages and why we must put a stop to it and what better way than the message being conveyed through a captivating story on screen that exposes audiences to the perspective indepth?
Big Bang & ARY Digital Present Mayi Ri!
Big Bang Entertainment and ARY Digital have taken up the monumental task to do just that with their new project: Mayi Ri! Prepare to be emotionally invested in the heart wrenching journey of a child bride. It courageously aims to challenge cultural boundaries and inspire a sense of responsibility as a society. Produced by Dr. Ali Kazmi and Fahad Mustafa, the project aiming to change societal mindsets is directed by Meesam Naqvi with its concept, storyline and characterization by Sana Fahad. Set to cast Aina Asif, Samar Jafri, Maria Wasti, Nauman Ijaz, Maya khan, Saad Zameer, Sajida Syed, Hiba Ali Khan, Paras Masroor, Usman Mazhar, Amna Malik & Faham Usman.
Essaying The Journey Of A Child Bride
The drama is set to take us along on the heart wrenching journey and the harsh realities of a young girl, Annie as 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 a economically sustainable. But sadly, 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.
At the age to be purely excited about the endeavor of learning, playing and carrying books she may have to carry a child? A young girl naturally supposed to be full of life gets sucked into a world of darkness, big responsibilities for her frail shoulders thus robbing her off her childhood.
At an age to be carefree and to be believing in being enough, she is forced to deck up, worry about her vanity and then face bullying and challenges posed by the path chosen for her. Makes us think, what options of support, legal or state help, is in place for under 18-year-old girls forcefully thrown into this turmoil with impacts enough to last generations.
Hopes For A Genuine Change In Society
Audiences are awaiting the project and for one, are glad the team chose to cast an actual under 18 year old actor to build real impact on audiences. With a drama that will have the power to change and transform younger generatio
ns while reaching out to the masses with a captivating, jolting story. We hope it “sparks meaningful conversations” and kick starts a genuine change in society.
Watch The First Of Mayi Ri Here
Stay tuned for an update on when the drama is coming out!
