Ptv Dramas List 2008
We like to say we're going through a 'revival' of sorts when it comes to TV in Pakistan — but lets not forget dramas of yore, that were just as awesome in their day as Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai are now.To honour this success, here's a top ten list of some of the classic, old (and by old, we're talking days when there was no channel except for PTV!) but never forgotten dramas that define Pakistani television and have stayed with us forever:1) Khuda ki Basti (1969)This is one of the oldest and greatest dramas in the history of Pakistani television. Khuda ki Basti had an unconventional storyline focusing on the prevalent social issues of society, and was telecasted twice (the second time in 1974 at the insistence of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto – it was his favorite play!). To top that, Khuda ki Basti was also introduced on the syllabi of drama academies in Pune, India and around Europe.Zafar Masud as Nosha with a co-star in Khuda Ki Basti —Photo courtesy: PTV Archives2) Ankahi (1982)Shehnaz Sheikh and Javed Sheikh in Ankahi —Photo courtesy: dramahit.comKnown for its witty dialogues and the strong, endearing, candid character of Sana (played by Shehnaz Sheikh), Ankahi was quick to reach cult status. It had a star studded cast including Javed Sheikh, Shakeel, Behroz Sabzwri and Jamshed Ansari. Inspired by Ankahi, Bollywood released the movie Chal Mere Bhai in 2000 with the same story line as the drama.3) Dhoop Kinarey (1987)Written and directed by two of the most acclaimed women in TV, Haseena Moin and Sahira Kazmi, Dhoop Kinarey is still considered one of the best Pakistani dramas. A fast paced story of doctors working together in a hospital in Karachi, lead actors Marina Khan and Rahat Kazmi quickly became a favorite on-screen couple (the old school equivalent of Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan)4) Ainak Wala Jin (1993)The late Nasheela of Ainak Wala Jin. —Photo courtesy: Pakium.comThe first of its kind, Ainak Wala Jin was a wonderful mix of real life, fantasy and science fiction.
A genie from Caucasus Mountains is sent to Earth to get his eyesight fixed and that’s when all the adventure begins! It quickly became a household favourite, as did the characters Hamoon Jadugar, Zakoota Jin and Bill Batori. In fact, the cast was invited to perform in front of Princess Diana and the patients at Shaukat Khanum Hospital when she visited Pakistan in 1996.5) Tanhaiyan (1985)Shehnaz Shaikh as Zara in TanhaiyanAnother cult classic, this drama was aired multiple times over the years due to its popularity. For the first time we saw two young women (sisters) taking up the traditional role of men – working jobs, running businesses, earning money and making a living – after their parents died and left them in extreme debt. After 27 years (of not getting enough of Tanhaiyan), a sequel named Tanhaiyan: Naye Silsilay was aired in 2012.6) Alpha Bravo Charlie (1998)Directed by the acclaimed Shoaib Mansoor, this action and thriller drama was so popular that it set a new rating for Television Rating Points (TRPS) in Pakistan. It follows the lives of three young, happy-go-lucky friends who have just joined the army, and teaches the very important lesson of leading a purposeful and passionate life.Captain (retd) Abdullah Mehmood who plays Captain Kashif Kirmani (L) is seen along with Shahnaz(R), the leading female role, in Alpha Bravo Charile series —Screengrab7) Alif Noon (1971)A story of two friends who are complete opposites – Allan, the shrewd and immoral businessman and Nannha, the innocent and idealistic village man – had everyone hooked.
Although a comedy, Alif Noon dealt with serious issues such as fraud, scam and cheating, among others, in Pakistani society.Rafi Khawar aka Nannah and Kamal Ahmed Rizvi in the sitcom Alif Noon —Photo courtesy: PTV Archives8) Taleem-e-Balighan (1956)The greatest tele-theatre to be aired on Pakistani TV, the beauty of this political satire and its brilliant script is that it’s timeless: no matter when and where you watch it, it will always be applicable to the current political scene and will also have you in hysterics. A true masterpiece written by the comedy king Kh. Moinuddin.The cast of Taleem-e-Balighan —Photo courtesy: dramapakistan.com9) Parchaiyan (1976)Parchaiyan was an adaption of the book Portrait of a Lady by Henry James.
However, with Haseena Moin’s magic translation and script adaption, the drama is famous even today for its dialogues. Moreover, this was the very first colored drama series to be aired on Pakistani TV!10) Waris (1980)Considered one of the most realistic depictions of Pakistan, Waris is a story of a feudal family, their struggles to maintain their land and wealth, and the inter-family differences and tussles that lead to their downfall.
Although it had only 13 episodes, drama-watchers remember the streets being deserted at the time it would air.Firdous Jamal, Mehboob Alam and Aurangzeb Laghari in Waaris —Photo courtesy: PTV Archives. I voted for Waris as No 1 as I remember the city of Lahore had a deserted look when this particular drama was telecasted. Initially it ran for half an hour which was converted into one hour due to public demand.
No 2 for me was Kudha ki basti. My No 3 would definitely be the one that is not in the list and a lot of the folks from the eighties would agree with me was 50/50. But then Alif Noon would be a good compensation for 50/50. Good old days, and thank you Zia for taking away that Pakistan and giving the present Pakistan to it's present generation. @Syed no offence but how does susral saas bahu dramas which pretty much take over 80% of our channels have no association with our culture? I haven't yet come across a family in pakistan who doesn't have a similar problem and fights like this in their own homes and this is exactly what our dramas are depicting. Plus dastaan, zindagi gulzar hai, durr e shehwar, Pyaray afzal, mohabbat aab nahi hogi and recent dramas with religious themes such as Aik Pal and shanakht, are very much showing our 'culture' - whatever that is since our culture varies from province to province.
Ptv Home Dramas
I believe our past dramas were far ahead of their times and very modern compared to our now dramas and their mazloom aurat themes, the only drama standing out right now is Sadqay Tumharay and even that shows exactly how village life is in Pakistan. Thank you for sharing such wonderful dramas information.
However hostorical pieces should be more researched. Some of the dramas mentioned are not from the time when only ptv existed. Stn/ntm started airing dramas in early part of 1990's.
The time lines of taleem e balighan should be correct. The television transmission started in 1965 if I'm not mistaken hence the drama could not have been aired in 1956. There might have been a radio program by that name in that year. Perhaps dhuwan or Chand Girhan should have made it to the list instead of ainak wala Jin. Which was a children's drama and was never aired at prime time slot.But then that my opinion.