Honour the incredible women who have shaped your life – share their stories this Mother’s Day! Let’s pass on the #legacyofstrength!
I was so tired of watching sass-bahu soaps, when I found these Pakistani dramas! I must say, watching them has been refreshing for me. They make me think positively!
I love to scroll through interesting videos on my Facebook page. Be it film, web series, or craft, I first watch the teeny versions. If I like them, I try to see the full version on the respective apps.
Call it a fluke or Solentine gift, I stumble upon two power packed 5–6 minutes short clippings. And, truly, I am exhilarated.
Image source: IMDb
Sar-e-Rah is about a young, less-educated woman taking up her father’s job after he gets ill. Although her parents disapprove, they are too helpless to stop her. Her brother does nothing and screams at her for being a taxi driver. Her beau is appalled seeing her in the driver’s seat.
However, she is headstrong to fund herself and her family.
Image source: nextepisode.com
In Mere Humsafar, Hala is abused by her Tai Jan, later her mother-in-law. But her husband and her father-in-law are supporting her, and standing up against the scheming saas, is something to watch for.
Two male writers have brilliantly sketched women in a refreshing light. No doubt, these Pakistani series are getting popular in neighbouring countries.
And, sitting in Kolkata, helplessly staring at the female-written and female-led Bengali soaps, I am tearing my hair!
Well-educated woman writers are penning down stale stories, rather than reframing the earlier ones, in opulent boxes. All the heroines are superwomen, mostly coming from the lower middle class, and married off to rich men.
Marriage remains the priority.
Extra-marital affairs, fulsome makeup, jewellery and sarees, and a platter of trash – that’s all. The heroine, however, can never love anyone else except her husband. And, when everything fails, they bring in supernatural and festivities. There’s no genuine laughter or a single thread of reality.
Image source: ZEE5
I wonder, where do modernity and feminism vanish when these writers hold their pens?
A village woman is still portrayed in a plain-Jane saree-clad look. She can easily adjust to the lavish and modern lifestyle of her new home. A married woman is always in a saree. She can swiftly handle everything – be it her husband’s anger or the vamp.
These days, she even manages outside work. When and how – hardly anyone can decipher! How the writer points to audience that this is a strong woman; who offers only moral lectures, but it is always her Prince Charming husband who should rescue her.
The typical ‘woman is a woman’s biggest enemy’ syndrome remains intact. And it is not okay! Look, who are delivering such repugnant tales? Women are, for other women, written by women.
What puzzles me is all the heroines are in the 18-24 years bracket. How can they accept such characters and perform such stale roles? Is it just for instant fame and money? Why don’t even the experienced lot complain about the awful storylines?
What also baffles me is the glaring difference between a web series and a daily soap. When the women are free, casual and real in the web series or films, those in soaps are mere caricatures. Often the same woman, but in such appalling roles!
Going by the clips of national serials, I can say, they remain the same. Epiphanies post-marriage, and in sarees and silence, have become too commonplace.
From Shanti, Dekh Bhai Dekh, Sarabhai or Khichdi, to Anupama (Hindi) or Guddi (Bengali) the television scenario has certainly progressed, I mean regressed!
Why can’t the writers scribble something innovative and exciting to watch, just like our neighbours?
Image source: Hotstar
There’s no need to drag the story endlessly, but a short and gripping one will work. Learning and applying ideas from such excellent pieces won’t be a bad thing, rather would be appreciated.
Most importantly, the rising mental issues, suicide rates, and harassment cases, demand a fun-filled and relaxing entertainment. It can be made educative and informative by keeping it grounded and realistic.
I must say, watching these Pakistani dramas has been refreshing for me. They make me think positively.
Image source: IMDb, ZEE5, nextepisode.net, and Hotstar, edited on CanvaPro
I have been a school teacher and a content writer. I am now a full time mother to a hyper active toddler. I try to relax myself by writing, reading, singing or listening to music. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
We need to stop stereotyping women's bodies, and also be more sensitive towards our children who are growing up with terrible self-confidence leading to loneliness and depression.
When Kate Winslet said, “Young women should enjoy their life instead of worrying about how they look,” it stuck a cord with me. I am one of those women who struggle with body image issues in a society heavily influenced by unrealistic beauty standards and societal expectations, and Kate’s statement was empowering.
I grew up listening to unsolicited advice about wearing clothes a size bigger than what I wear; everyone took a free ride to comment about my bra and how big it was. I have spent most of my life loathing how I look—my size, weight, clothes, appearance, skin tone, and hair. This isn’t because I’m not too fond of how I appear, but rather because I’ve been told repeatedly by most trusted people around me that I have one or more flaws.
It is imperative that, as a society, we shed our stereotypical thought not just to support women but also our children who are growing up with terrible self-confidence leading to loneliness and depression. We can significantly impact our mental health and well-being by fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and empowerment.
Here are some online tools for startups to use for their tech needs for organising work, mind mapping, ideation, etc.
Most startups are bootstrapped, the budget is low, there is no funding, startups need some support and excellent tools to run the show. The team may be working at one place or the team is spread across the globe, but the team needs to brainstorm. Brainstorming can be fun. Listing few resources which a startup or entrepreneurs can use for brainstorming.
Bubbl.us is an interesting tool which is useful to take notes, brainstorm and organize new ideas, collaborate, and capture thoughts. It allows you to avoid distraction by focusing on task, to collaborate and share with friends, families, team and social media. Essentially no hassle of downloading any app, works on mobile and desktop. You can use the basic plan to explore and later subscribe for at $4.91/month, $59 billed annually.
Miro offers the quickest, easiest way for teams to capture, organize and visualize thoughts, solutions, ideas across the team. Other than brainstorming, it can be used for project planning, creating organizational charts and sales strategies. It runs on all devices: mobile, tablet, desktop or interactive display.
Please enter your email address