10 Things Indian Television Serials Can Learn From Pakistani TV Shows

Those of us who have been lucky to witness the world of Pakistani Television, know exactly why Indian TV can never be as entertaining as shows in Pakistan are. While we don't rejoice upon the beginning of new TV shows, we do celebrate when certain never ending shows go off air! There's a void of entertainment in our idiot boxes and we can always learn from our neighbours, how to tell better stories! 

Here are a few lessons Hindi TV can take from Pakistani shows. 

We lack layers and overuse negative characters

The primary issue with our shows is that the negative characters never return to make peace. They don't have layers. If they return and make peace, the writers do a role reversal whenever they feel the need for more TRPs. Unlike India, serials in Pakistan have layered characters. You might not like them at the beginning, but the character's graph progresses in a way that you start sympathising with it and the most negative characters, usually end up making peace with the protagonists, unlike India where they die, ressurect and again back stab the leads. 

You will remember Komolika for her bindi and background music, not necessarily for her performance! 

Simplicity

Our lead female characters are always decked up like brides! They sleep with make up on and wake up with a lipstick and an eyeliner without any smudging. Pakistani TV show female leads are on the contrary, simpler with no or minimal make up. The makers focus on the performance than their appearance! 

See, we have proof! 

Their idea of romance is classy and genuinely romantic!

If you've watched Zindagi Gulzar Hai or Humsafar, you'd know how subtle yet beautifully romantic can Pakistani serials be! Look at this scene from Humsafar between Mahira and Fawad. It's romantic and classy! 

Even this one from Zindagi Gulzar Hai. A starry night, funnily surrounded by mosquitos, but so romantic! 

And here's our idea of romance! We're sleasy, and these rain soaking scenes do not ignite any romanticism at all! We at most end up using Bollywood songs in the background and the romantic scenes are really boring. The maximum we see is rain drenched couples trying to seduce each other! 

Money matters! Versus Money matters?

Usually what we see in our daily soaps is one protagonist is definitely in rags, and the other in riches. Even if they end up together after a lot of hoopla, there comes a time when financial backgrounds become the topic of fights and separation. A lot of women in the shows actually marry some men for money! Unlike Indian shows, if you take this instance from Zidnagi Gulzar Hai, this scene is when Zaroon comes and hands over some money to Kashaf because he thinks he's responsible to make her financially secure, not out of pressure, but out of love. She breaks down after holding the cash thinking that no man has ever given her money to protect her. That sequence is lovely and emotional. It doesn't go in the direction of lust and greed, it shows how money matters, but it doesn't matter. If you know what we mean! 

Every side or supporting character is a delight to watch!

Our shows have an entourage of people with unimaginably long family trees! Pakistani serials however, always make sure that no character goes waste. All actors are par excellence in these shows and their performances are outstanding! 

Pregnancy announcements

*clears throat* Our TV shows in India drag the pregnancy announcements for TRPs. The woman essentially is not in talking terms with her husband before she discovers she's pregnant, or she faints at the most uncertain point to grab attention and lies in hospital beds or mansions for more than 3 episodes for finally announcing that she's pregnant. There's overdose of music, celebrations and hoopla around them in India. Look at this scene where  Kashaf breaks down and tells Zaroon that she's expecting. Short and sweet, not dragged and impactful. That's it! 

Empowered and strong women

Glycerine is the staple commodity that can be found on the sets of Indian TV shows. The women are mostly seen crying and helpless. Even to build a character who was once weak and finally strong, the makers take months and litres of glycerine. Cut to Pakistan. The women, rich or poor irrespective, are strong, endearing and raring to fight and win in life. They're independent of their spouses, in most of the shows, especially with independence of the mind, 

Divorces, re-marriage

Indian TV shows make a horrible scene out of divorces and remarriage looks like a big deal! Indian society's taboos and orthodox beliefs are somewhere inspired from TV. Divorced women are looked down upon, and their remarriage is a big big deal! Cut to Pakistan. The shows use these concepts of divorces and remarriage with a solution. None of the characters become fragile enough to cry for ten episodes. 

Ex-lovers and admirers don't return to pour water in the mandap, and neither to they trouble girls or men. This is one thing our TV shows practice a lot! The moment a couple finally starts living happily, BOOM! You see an ex lover or admirer coming to turn tables for bad, ALWAYS! 

Last but not the least, the best thing to learn from Pakistani shows is that they're finite! That, maintains the essence of a story, you remember them for their beautiful narratives, exceptional editing and story telling, memorable performances and less cluttered star cast. Our shows want to make records by completing 1000 episodes, their shows complete 26 episodes are will be remembered for a long time.