The Pakistani drama industry has evolved quite a lot in the last few years, although that evolution has not always been for the better. However, some positive aspects of Pakistani drama industry came to fore as well in this period. The importance of Mental Health is one such theme that our dramas have portrayed frequently, and we have seen many mentally ill characters in our television serials. Some of these dramas managed to portray the subject with all its subtilties, while others failed to do justice to the topic. On account of May being the Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s analyze some Pakistani dramas that have touched upon mental health issues and see whether they were successful in their portrayals.
Ranjha Ranjha Kardi
This hit drama starring Iqra Aziz and Imran Ashraf became a household name after it introduced ‘Bhola,’ a character that suffered from a mental disorder. People across the country lauded Imran Ashraf for playing this character so realistically and effortlessly. The drama highlighted some of our society’s backward attitudes towards mentally ill people, and through Noori’s, character, it was shown that science and medicine should not be shunned in the name of religion. It reiterated that specially-abled people can have an opportunity for a better life if they are treated properly, and the improvement in Bhola’s condition as the drama progressed showed that.
Sabaat
This 2020 drama created many waves when it was released, owing to its refreshingly strong main character Anaya, played by Mawra Hocane, and the well-written script. The antagonist of the drama, Miraal Fareed (played by Sarah Khan), was shown to be suffering from the personality disorder of narcissism, a condition where the patient behaves with arrogance, self-centeredness, lack of empathy and a perpetual desire for attention. The character was played marvelously by Sarah Khan, whose performance was very credible. However, the script was not able to fully handle Miraal’s illness with sensitivity. Although she goes to the therapist to get cured after she realizes the extent of her problem, the writer gave the story an irrational turn and made the therapist fall in love, and later marry her. The issue of mental illness, however, remained unexplored in the drama.
Aakhri Station
This ARY Digital Mini-Series directed by Sarmad Khoosat tells the story of seven women trapped in various issues, who all happen to meet on a train. A magnificently-penned story by Amna Mufti, Aakhri Station highlighted several regressive practices that plague our patriarchal society, and their impact on women from all walks of life. One of the seven characters, Tehmina (played by Sanam Saeed), suffers from chronic depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after witnessing her mother’s suicide. Through Tehmina’s character, the drama highlighted how much the issue of mental health is ignored in Pakistan, and how the lack of medical rehabilitation can affect the patients. The show portrayed the mental health and other social issues with utmost sensitivity, and Sanam Saeed’s subtle yet powerful performance as a PSTD patient was a treat to watch. Aakhri Station is, undoubtedly, one of the most impactful Pakistani dramas ever made on social themes.
Ye Dil Mera
This intense psychological thriller told the story of Noor-ul-Ain (played by Sajal Aly), the daughter of a rich businessman who suffers from trauma and anxiety. When she meets Amaan (played by Ahad Raza Mir,) many things from her past unveil. Through Noor’s character, it was conveyed that mental illness can only be cured with the help of a professional, and the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the better it is. Through the character of a psychologist, played by Muhammad Ahmed, the drama delves into the subtilities of the issue of mental health. Though the main characters were quite interesting and the story full of suspense, the mental illness of both the characters is shown not to have been properly treated and cured.
Ishq Zahe Naseeb
This is a story of a middle-class girl (Sonya Hussyn), who ends up marrying a man with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), played by Zahid Ahmed. Ishq Zahe Naseeb was both well-made and well-received, but many aspects of Sameer’s character (palyed by Zahid) were quite in line with what DID sufferers go through: hallucinations, memory-loss, confusion and more. Although the ending left many viewers confused as to the distinction between Sameer and the disorders of his personalities, but the show did make many viewers aware about this rare and dangerous illness.
Dar Si Jati Hai Sila
One of Yumna Zaidi’s strongest performances was in this intense and sensitive drama about sexual abuse. Sila, a college-going girl, suffers severe trauma and anxiety due to constant sexual abuse by an uncle. Sila’s behaviour, portrayed terrifyingly-well by Zaidi, showed the different effects that PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) has on a person’s day-to-day life. The script was written with a lot of subtlety and nuance by the brilliant writer Bee Gul.
Saraab
Schizophrenia is an illness that is very rarely shown on Pakistani Television, and this drama depicts the struggles of a schizophrenic patient, played by Sonya Hussyn. Hallucinations and paranoia surround her and make Hoorain’s life almost impossible to bear, but Asfandyar, her love-interest, is committed to being with her no matter what. The show was important in the way it highlighted the fact that people with mental illnesses need proper medical help and deserve to be loved and cared as anyone else, if not more.
Unfortunately, few Pakistani dramas have been able to show characters with mental health issues without excessive exaggeration. Mental illnesses are widespread in all societies, and while it’s important for dramas to show characters with mental health issues, but also explain that they should not be ashamed of their illness and not hesitate to seek help from professionals.
