#telefilms

I’ve recently gotten into the Pakistani side of media- namely Pakistani dramas. Almost all the actors are amazing and handle their characters wonderfully. However, there is a certain ‘plot’ that seems to follow every drama. 

Boy falls in love with girl; successfully wooes her; goes against ‘tradition’ and family and in the end manages to win everyone over or does not, but ends up with the girl. Or vice versa.

While there is nothing wrong with such a plotline itself except for the sexist elements and toxic nationalists views that need to be weeded out, there is a distinct lack of something.

Whenever I’ve seen glimpses of representation, there are only ever transvestite characters; and they are never given a proper role [ correction: except for in Alif Allah Aur Insaan hats off to that drama btw it had so much going on I need to rewatch it privately and with time to analyze it properly]; and are mostly used for comic relief.

Another problem is that there is zero representation of gay/lesbian/bi characters; and characters who have identity issues whether they are just questioning their sexuality or their gender. And I know for a fact that people like this exist in this little “backwater” country, because I have met them and talked to them since coming here; so directors and drama writers don’t really have the excuse of not having such characters because people like this just don’t exist on this piece of land.

Is it because they fear the reaction from the audience? Do they just want to stick to something safe?

It is a big step for a country steeped in ignorance; however, where all else fails, media is the only way to reach audience of all types. Whether they are rich or poor; religious or not; nationalists or not; young or old. Media, just like literature, has the ability to break boundaries and get a person to open up. It’s only through exposure to different elements and perspectives that one becomes open-minded and tolerant.

Since most people are not fond of reading here, visual media is the way to go.

There will doubtlessly be backlash initially, however, once the seeds are sown, people will become accepting over time.

It’s quite dangerous for the lgbt+ community here, especially the gay community. The way things are, hardly anyone comes out; and those who do are subjected to bullying from peers and worse from family. I have been waiting, since recent dramas have addressed issues and actors seem to be more aware of social issues and advocating feminism*. [And feminism does not only cover women’s rights, but speaks for all the minorities and all those who are sidelined and wronged- a concept people don’t understand. And because everyone hates women anyway, they use their lack of knowledge about this beautiful movement to further hate and stigma surrounding feminism but that is a a baggage for another post].  However, that is still not enough. There are still people who scoff at the idea of feminism and jump on the wagon to victim blaming the female for whatever sexual harassment/assault she has suffered. 

If that is the case with abuse survivors, it’s terrifying to imagine what lgbt+ are put through if they ever come out, or worse, are discovered.  

There’s a whole thing about religiosity and piety and how anyone remote,y different is impure or unworthy. It’s okay to be straight and religious and “good” but it’s about time the media represents (accurately and positively enough) all the people that belong here and normalize their existence. The stigma around the lgbt+ can be reduced greatly if people are educated and shown that they are just normal people, and have feelings and ambitions and rights.

Sab Say Mushkil Shaadi (Urdu1) ; youtube

Khalda Aur Walda (ARY Digital) ; dailymotion

Pyar Ki Love Story (ARY Digital) ; tune (this was hilarious!)

Aisha Bhi Hota Hain (HUM TV) ; tune ; youtube

Khala Garam Masala (ARY Digital) ; tune

Teen Shaqueen (HUM TV) ; tune ; youtube

Nain Tara (HUM TV) ; tune ; youtube

Socha Tha Pyaar Na Karainge (HUM TV) ; youtube

Janaan (Movie) in HD ; part 1 ; part 2