Portrayals of psychological well being on tv typically stroll a superb line. Some dramas assist viewers higher perceive emotional struggles and psychological problems, whereas others depend on exaggeration, concern or misinformation. However when a drama approaches psychological well being with care, analysis and sensitivity, it will probably open up conversations that matter and assist scale back stigma.
At a time when Gen Z and Millennials in Pakistan are more and more speaking about remedy, emotional wellbeing and neurodivergence, these six Pakistani dramas stand out for presenting psychological well being with honesty and nuance.
1. Ishq Zahe Naseeb (2019)
Zahid Ahmed delivers considered one of his most memorable performances as Sameer, a person residing with Dissociative Identification Dysfunction, generally known as break up persona dysfunction. What units the portrayal aside is its restraint. Ahmed doesn’t flip the character right into a caricature, nor does he resort to exaggerated or stereotypical expressions of femininity when portraying Sameera. As a substitute, the drama focuses on the psychological trauma underlying the dysfunction, making the character’s battle really feel human reasonably than theatrical.
2. Ye Dil Mera (2019)
Starring Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly, Ye Dil Mera is among the many first psychological thrillers produced for Pakistani tv. The sequence capabilities as a personality examine of two people grappling with submit traumatic stress dysfunction. Every episode builds suspense whereas progressively unpacking layers of trauma, reminiscence and grief. The unfolding thriller retains viewers engaged, whereas the emotional depth offers weight to the characters’ ache.
3. Aakhri Station (2018)
This seven half mini sequence, created by Sarmad Khoosat in collaboration with the Kashf Basis, tells the tales of a number of girls dealing with totally different social and psychological challenges. Moderately than centring on a single analysis, Aakhri Station seems at how systemic neglect, violence and silence impression psychological wellbeing. Its episodic format permits every story house to breathe, giving voice to experiences typically left unseen.
4. Sabaat (2020)
That includes Mawra Hocane, Ameer Gilani, Usman Mukhtar and Sara Khan, Sabaat weaves psychological well being right into a broader reflection on life, relationships and human nature. The inclusion of a psychiatrist character, performed by Usman Mukhtar, helps floor the narrative in skilled understanding. The drama touches on persona points and emotional struggles whereas exploring themes corresponding to love, grief, nervousness, persistence and forgiveness, permitting psychological well being to exist as a part of on a regular basis life reasonably than an remoted downside.
5. Ranjha Ranjha Kardi (2018)
Starring Iqra Aziz and Imran Ashraf, this drama was broadly praised for its delicate portrayal of Bhola, a personality on the autism spectrum. By the story of Noori and Bhola, the sequence highlights how society typically misunderstands psychological and developmental circumstances. It additionally emphasises the significance of medical therapy and knowledgeable care over superstition, difficult dangerous cultural responses to psychological sickness.
6. Saraab (2020)
Saraab centres on Hoorain, performed by Sonya Hussyn, a younger lady identified with schizophrenia. The drama portrays her expertise with delusions and hallucinations whereas additionally inspecting the toll the sickness takes on these round her. It doesn’t shrink back from criticising societal tendencies to hunt assist from friends, non secular healers or taweez as an alternative of certified psychological well being professionals, making it one of many extra direct commentaries on stigma and misinformation.
By selecting empathy over sensationalism, they assist normalise conversations that many viewers are already attempting to have in their very own lives.
