New Delhi: While relations between India and Pakistan are often fraught, one consistent factor that brings Indians and Pakistanis together is a shared appreciation for Pakistani dramas, reported India Today.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Pakistani serials like “Humsafar” and “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” have attracted a loyal following among India’s Gen Z. These young viewers appreciate the relatable storylines, cultural familiarity, and concise plots, which contrast with India’s often prolonged soap operas. Gen Z, defined as those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, first encountered these serials on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram Reels. Iconic scenes and catchy soundtracks from the dramas quickly went viral, capturing their attention.
The serials, typically spanning 15 to 30 episodes, offer brief and intense narratives that are seen as refreshing compared to Indian shows that can extend over hundreds of episodes. Pakistani series have also reignited a love for Urdu, with its poetic dialogues and cultural references resonating with young Indians. This audience finds the serials intriguing as they mirror lifestyles, family dynamics, and values similar to their own, despite the political divide.
Varul, a 22-year-old journalist from Noida, expressed surprise at the similarities, stating, “It is interesting to watch people you have been told to hate all your life are so simple, and they are so much like you,” as reported by India Today. For many Gen Z viewers, these serials serve as a cultural bridge, offering insights into a parallel world shaped by common roots.
The popularity of Pakistani dramas is not new in India. Since the late 1980s, Indians have been watching them, initially through rented video cassette players and recorders. Shows like “Tanhaiyan” and “Dhoop Kinarey” were widely watched in cities like Jodhpur, Lucknow, Srinagar, and across Punjab. The trend saw a resurgence with the launch of Zee’s Zindagi channel in 2014, which aired popular shows like “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” and “Humsafar,” although it discontinued Pakistani serials in 2017.
Pakistani serials are a hit among Indians due to their concise storytelling, often wrapped up in about 30 episodes, unlike Indian-made serials that can drag on for 1,000 episodes. Despite the complex political relationship between India and Pakistan, these dramas have found enduring love from Indians across generations, including the current Gen Z, who continue to enjoy them alongside other streaming content.
India’s ties with Pakistan have been patchy, with diplomatic ties severed after the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Despite such tensions, Pakistani serials remain a popular cultural connection point.