Problematic narrative of sister rivalry over a mutual love interest needs to stop in Pakistani dramas
A few years ago, Pakistani television was considered to be superior to the country’s film industry. The reason for the edge was the meaningful and relatable content often churned out by PTV, STN, and then later, some cable and satellite networks. However, in recent years, dramas based upon ‘unrealistic’ and ‘unpleasant’ themes are becoming common. One such theme includes showing two sisters fighting each other for a ‘man’. Some dramas pertaining to this theme became famous, Maat, Khamoshi, Kashf and Jalan . Producing dramas in which sisters happen to be interested in the same man are being normalized by directors for the sake of ratings and attention. Be it Saba Qamar and Amna Sheikh in Maat , Iqra Aziz and Zara Noor Abbas in Khamoshi , or Hira Mani and Sabeena Farooq in Kashf , drama producers are normalizing love triangles with two sisters and a mutual love interest. Nisha in ARY’s Jalan , played by Minal Khan risked everything to destroy the life and marr...