‘Baby Baji’, ‘Kabli Pulao’ and 'Kuch Ankahi': Exploring the hits of Pakistani television in 2023

The Pakistani drama industry made significant strides in 2023, offering a diverse landscape, ranging from compelling stories that explored familiar themes to thought-provoking narratives that tackled social issues.

Shows like ‘Baby Baji’ resonated with audiences with relatable, nuanced portrayals of everyday family dynamics, while ‘Kabli Pulao’ ignited conversations with its socially critical narrative. A notable aspect of Pakistani dramas this year was the introduction of more nuanced portrayals of women. Stories like ‘Kuch Ankahi,’ and ‘Razia,’ highlighted themes of women's agency and self-determination. Shows like ‘Sar e Rah,’ ‘Kabli Pulao’ shed light on important social issues and fostered empathy and understanding.

Let's explore the 2023 dramas that won over audiences across Pakistan and beyond.

Kabli Pulao

Green Entertainment's drama, Kabli Pulao, was the prominent highlight in 2023, garnering acclaim for its heartwarming story.

At the heart of Kabli Pulao lies the unconventional love story of Haji Mushtaq, played by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin, and Barbeena, an Afghan refugee widow portrayed by Sabeen Farooq.

Kabli Pulao bravely delves into the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, sparking empathy and understanding for the struggles faced by refugees and immigrants.

Kabli Pulao marked a refreshing shift from conventional Pakistani storytelling, shedding light on the crucial issue of refugee experiences. The impeccable performances by Ehteshamuddin and Sabeena Farooq added nuance and depth to the narrative, setting a new standard for Pakistani television entertainment.

Kuch Ankahi

Packed with stellar performances, "Kuch Akahi" challenges traditional norms by portraying daughters not as dependents, but as capable and impactful contributors to their families.

Fans of classic Pakistani dramas like "Tanhaiyaan" and "Ankahi" will find a familiar charm in "Kuch Akahi." 

While the story centres around a traditional inheritance conflict, the show's modern take on family dynamics and its powerful characters,  brilliantly portrayed by Sajal Aly, Mira Sethi, Qudsia Ali Mohammed Ahmed, Vaneeza Ahmed offer a refreshing perspective. 

Baby Baji

Despite its seemingly conventional framework of family dynamics and archetypal characters like ‘Azra,’ "Baby Baji" captivated audiences from boardrooms to living rooms. The drama's ability to connect with viewers through relatable struggles and heartwarming moments kept us glued to our screens.

Sar e Raah

Portraying Saba Qamar in the lead as Rania, a young woman who takes over her father's cab, the story does not evolve around Rania alone,  but each of the four passengers she meets becomes a vital part of the story.

From the taboo topics of infertility and gender identity to the empowering fight for women's agency, "Sar-e-Rah" tackles subjects our society often avoids, but desperately needs to discuss.

Sar-e-Rah is a refreshing breath of air, both in its unique theme and its innovative storytelling. 

Razia

This miniseries under Mohsin Ali's direction on Express Entertainment ignites a crucial conversation about the grip of patriarchy on women's lives. Mahira Khan's masterful portrayal of Razia gives voice to the struggles faced by countless women. 

Led by Mahira Khan, Mohib Mirza and Moomal Sheikh,  and a standout debut by Shaheera Jalil, Razia's journey is both familiar and heartbreaking, urging us to challenge deeply rooted societal norms.

Mayi Ri 

"Mayi Ri" began as a poignant tale of child marriage victims, while the story later expands into family politics, the central message leaves a lasting impact.  The critically-acclaimed TV series boldly tackles the illegality of child marriage, raising awareness and empowering viewers to support victims and fight for their rights. The drama concludes with a hopeful message, as the young victims step onto their own paths by discarding their forced marriage. The compelling performances by Aina Asif, Samar Jafri, Naumaan Ijaz, Maria Wasti, and the rest of the talented cast contributed significantly to the show's popularity.

Fairy Tale

Fairytale, a Momina Duraid production penned by Sarah Majeed and directed by Ali Hasan, presents a contemporary romance centred on ‘Umeed,’ played by Sehar Khan, a young woman navigating life's joys and challenges. This lighthearted drama offers a refreshing take on love and relationships.  Its witty humour, endearing characters, and sizzling chemistry between the leads, Umeed and Farjaad quickly captivated viewers.