When Bisika Bidari from Hetauda was scrolling TikTok during lockdown, she came across a short video of a Pakistani drama, ‘Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum’. It instantly piqued her interest, and she watched the entire series on YouTube.

Like Bidari, many Nepali viewers have developed a love for Pakistani dramas. This is evident in the comment sections of YouTube and TikTok, where Nepali fans say, “Lots of love from Nepal.”

Nepali viewers’ growing interest in Pakistani dramas can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons for this is the similarity in culture and lifestyle between the two countries. Unlike many Indian serials that flaunt exaggerated plots with lavish, wealthy characters, convoluted conspiracies, and melodramatic narratives, Pakistani dramas remain rooted in real-life familial issues and social injustices.

Bidari explains, “What makes Pakistani dramas worth watching is that they are grounded in reality rather than in a fantasy world driven by non-issues and illogical plots.” This sense of realism makes them more relatable and engaging for audiences.

Pakistani dramas are also gaining popularity in South Asia because they portray strong, well-rounded female characters. Take, for instance, the character of Sharjeena, played by Hania Aamir in ‘Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum’. From a feminist point of view, Sharjeena challenges traditional gender roles while showcasing the many facets of being a woman. As a bookworm, she represents intelligence and academic success. Her pragmatic approach to life highlights that she controls her choices rather than being dictated by societal expectations.

“Characters like Sharjeena feel good to watch as they inspire me to emulate them and move ahead in life,” says Bidari.

Similarly, ‘Diyar-e-Dil’ is a series that revolves around family values, generational conflicts, and reconciliation, much like many Nepali households where family honour and relationships hold deep significance. The familial dynamics shown in the series make it highly relatable to Nepali audiences.

Pakistani singer and actor Asim Azhar, at the 17th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2024, said, “Pakistani dramas can be enjoyed comfortably with family. It’s commendable that they convey emotions effectively while respecting family values.”

Another reason behind the growing appeal of Pakistani dramas in Nepal is the beauty of the Urdu language. Chamak Jha from Siraha says, “Urdu is considered one of the most poetic and melodious languages, and its lyrical quality adds depth to the dialogues in Pakistani dramas. I appreciate the sophistication and the beauty of Urdu.”

It is agreeable that Nepali audiences, familiar with Hindi due to Bollywood’s influence, find Urdu easy to understand. Although there are some differences, the tonal softness and poetic expressions in Urdu make up for a delightful hearing.

“I didn’t know much Urdu before, but after watching dramas like ‘Humsafar’ and ‘Mere Humsafar’, I started understanding words like ‘Mohabbat’ (love), ‘Aitbaar’ (trust), and ‘Shukriya’ (thank you). The language itself feels soothing. I have started picking up Urdu words and phrases while watching these dramas, much like how Bollywood contributed to Hindi phrases becoming part of everyday Nepali conversations,” adds Jha.

While Indian television remains dominant in Nepal, Pakistani dramas are refreshingly free of the usual tropes in Hindi serials. Nepali viewers often struggle with never-ending Hindi serials, where a single storyline can stretch over years. In contrast, Pakistani dramas typically conclude within 25-30 episodes and maintain a tight, engaging narrative arc.

Another central point is the subtle and realistic representation of romance and relationships in Pakistani dramas. In contrast to numerous other social dramas that amplify love stories through extravagant displays and heightened drama, Pakistani serials highlight subtle yet profoundly emotional relationships.

Jeebika Sapkota from Morang says, “Pakistani serials have just the right amount of emotional appeal without making it look unreal.”

The rise of YouTube and streaming platforms has made Pakistani dramas more accessible to Nepali audiences. Previously, Pakistani serials were rare on Nepali cables, but with digital media, viewers can now watch full episodes with subtitles on YouTube and platforms like Netflix and Zee5.

Rita Parajuli from Sunsari says, “While cooking and doing household chores, I like to play and watch Pakistani serials on YouTube.” For Parajuli, these dramas serve as entertainment and a form of companionship during her daily routine. She enjoys the engaging storylines that keep her immersed in the narrative. It is vital in making mundane tasks feel lighter and more enjoyable for her.

“Even my mother-in-law, who is in her 70s, is hooked to these dramas. It helps her pass the time,” adds Parajuli.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also played a significant role in popularising these dramas. Brief clips of emotional or intense scenes frequently go viral, attracting new audiences.

As interest in Pakistani serials continues to grow, numerous South Asian fan communities have emerged online. Many Facebook pages and YouTube channels dedicated to Pakistani dramas now exist, where fans discuss their favourite shows, actors, and upcoming releases.

One such fan, Aakriti Maharjan from Lalitpur, says, “I used to watch only Bollywood movies, but now I’m hooked on Pakistani dramas. I even follow my favourite Pakistani actors on Instagram.”

Given the rising popularity of Pakistani dramas in Nepal, could this trend influence the Nepali television industry? While many Nepali serials have a large audience, they still struggle to match Pakistani dramas’ production quality and storytelling depth.

Critics suggest Nepali television could draw inspiration from the Pakistani industry by producing shorter, high-quality drama series centred around compelling narratives instead of excessive melodrama. Emphasising strong screenwriting and realistic storytelling, rather than imitating Bollywood-style content, would prove advantageous.