Why Pakistani dramas turned to comedy
Mahwash Ajaz
Danyal Zafar in Taana Baana
Osman Khalid Butt and Ayeza Khan in Chupke Chupke
Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi in Ishq Jalebi
Television dramas from Pakistan are known to be sob-fests thriving on the miseries of the middle-class woman, who is either trying to marry the right guy or running away from being married to the wrong guy. Networks have been experimenting with horror and short comedies, but haven’t quite tasted as much success.
This Ramadan, that story changed, with not just one but three romantic comedies winning acclaim. HUM TV presented Chupke Chupke and Taana Baana while Geo Network produced Ishq Jalebi. The shows raked in millions of views and overtook many regular shows appearing weekly. As the pandemic reared its ugly head, what could be there to lift spirits and help world heal a bit? Laughter. And in some good doses. This is exactly where TV came to the rescue.