Light Hearted

Introduction:

Growing up in India, I had always been aware of the complex history between India and Pakistan, shaped by the trauma of the 1947 partition and the geopolitical tensions over the years. The rivalry was most evident during the cricket matches between the two nations, where emotions ran high, and our hearts raced. However, it was only recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that I embarked on a journey of rediscovery through Pakistani television shows, breaking down preconceived notions and finding unexpected commonalities.

Rediscovering Pakistan Through Television:

During the pandemic, when we were all confined to our homes, I was introduced to a couple of Pakistani shows, “Humsafar” and “Zindagi Gulzaar Hai,” by a cousin in India. To my surprise, these shows were remarkably similar to Indian ones, opening my eyes to the rich world of Pakistani entertainment. As a lifelong fan of Bollywood, I was astounded by how Pakistani dramas could captivate me equally.

One thing that stood out immediately was the absence of unnecessary violence, explicit content, and offensive language in Pakistani shows. In contrast, Indian shows often seemed to embrace a more realistic yet sometimes cruder portrayal of reality. This marked a refreshing departure from the norm.

A Cultural Resonance:

My fascination with Pakistani television didn’t stop at those two shows. Over the last six months, I’ve immersed myself in more captivating Pakistani dramas, such as “Mere Paas Tum Ho,” “Shehr-e-Zaat,” “Parizaad,” and “Ehd-e-Wafa.” The acting talent on display in these shows was astounding, making it easy to develop a deep connection with the characters.

Beyond the storytelling, I couldn’t help but notice the striking cultural similarities. Urdu, one of the most polite languages, shares a close resemblance with Hindi. The clothing, the food, and the eating culture depicted in these shows mirrored what I’ve seen in North India. The younger generation of Pakistan seemed to lead lives not so different from their Indian counterparts, frequenting malls, dining at high-end restaurants, and enjoying parties. The themes of jealousy and intrigue that often unfold in these dramas felt familiar and relatable.

Questioning the Divide:

All these similarities inevitably led me to question the necessity of the partition. If our cultures are so closely intertwined, why did we have to be two separate nations? This question has lingered in my mind, challenging the historical narratives I had grown up with.

Am I Less Indian?

Another profound question emerged during this journey: Am I less Indian for admiring Pakistani shows? Does my newfound appreciation for Pakistani culture diminish my identity as an Indian? The answer, I believe, lies in our ability to embrace diversity.

Just as we savor cuisine from around the world without feeling guilty, enjoying television shows from another country should be no different. Exploring entertainment from different cultures enriches our understanding of those cultures and fosters inclusivity. It helps us transcend political animosities and accept people for who they are, beyond the borders that divide us.

Conclusion:

My journey of rediscovering Pakistan through its television shows has been a transformative experience. It has shattered stereotypes, deepened my appreciation for cultural similarities, and challenged historical narratives. Most importantly, it has made me a more open-minded and inclusive individual.

In a world often divided by borders and politics, we can find unity and understanding through shared cultural experiences. By appreciating the beauty of diverse cultures, we can build bridges and break down barriers, reminding ourselves that we are all human beings with more in common than we might think. In the end, my admiration for Pakistani shows hasn’t made me less Indian; it has made me more of a global citizen, embracing the richness of our interconnected world.