Veteran actor Asma Abbas recently spoke out. She appeared on the talk show After Hours with Ushna Shah. She discussed a major flaw in Pakistani television. Her critique is resonating with many viewers.
She claims parents and grandparents in dramas are sidelined. Their characters are given little importance. This portrayal is shallow and unrealistic.
The Core Criticism by Asma Abbas: One-Dimensional Elderly Characters.
Asma Abbas presented a clear argument. She stated that the elders are poorly written. Their on-screen life revolves only around their children. They have no identity beyond family struggles. They are not shown to have a life of their own. This, she argues, is a false representation. Real-life elders are complex individuals. Drama scripts reduce them to simple plot devices.
What Are Elders Missing On Screen?
Asma Abbas pointed out what dramas consistently ignore. Elders have their own conversations. They have sharp observations about life. They face their own unique problems and joys. Most importantly, they have rich emotional lives. They fall in love. They share deep experiences. They possess a depth of perspective from a long life. This richness is completely missing from most storylines.
A Plea for Meaningful Storylines
Her request was simple yet powerful. Senior actors deserve better roles. Their storylines should be meaningful. They should be interesting and engaging. Writers must move beyond the tired cliché. She specifically called out showing elders as “two old people crying in corners.” This is lazy writing. It wastes the talent of veteran actors.
Real-Life Examples Prove Her Point
Asma Abbas cited powerful examples from real life. She mentioned fellow actors Bushra Ansari and Samina Ahmed. Both found love later in their lives. Their personal journeys did not end with age. This proves that life and relationships continue. Age does not limit human experiences. Pakistani dramas fail to reflect this beautiful truth.
The Audience Reaction and The Future
The interview has sparked much discussion online. Many viewers agree with Asma Abbas. Audiences are tired of repetitive storytelling. They crave more diverse narratives. Including strong, independent elder characters is a start. The hope is for writers and producers to listen. Pakistani dramas have immense potential. They can tell more inclusive and realistic stories.
