As the curtains fall on 2023, Pakistani television has offered viewers a captivating array of drama serials that have not only resonated with audiences but have also set the stage for the future of the industry.
While our Lollywood industry couldn’t keep up with Bollywood and Hollywood, Pakistan’s thriving drama industry continued to make headlines worldwide with their gripping stories.
From heartwarming romances to hard-hitting social issues, here are the top 10 trending Pakistani drama serials of 2023.
10. Ishq Murshid
A romantic and light-hearted series that premiered on Hum TV, Ishq Murshid by Farooq Rind had everyone glued to their TV screens. Starring Bilal Abbas Khan and Dur-e-Fishan Saleem, the drama’s captivating storyline and the impressive performances of the lead actors earned it a spot among the top trending dramas of 2023.
9. Mannat Murad
Featuring Iqra Aziz and Talha Chahour in the titular roles, Mannat Murad made waves as Iqra Aziz returned to TV after a long hiatus. Even the show is still ongoing, it deserves a spot on the top 10 list.
The heart-touching story of a young couple from very different backgrounds, coupled with their awkward “arranged” marriage made for a fun viewing. Plus the chemistry between the lead characters is contributing to its success.
8. Mayi Ri
This controversial show delved into the harsh consequences of child marriage, presenting a thought-provoking narrative. The series, featuring Aina Asif and Samar Abbas, showcased the tribulations faced by victims of child marriage and garnered attention for its impactful storytelling.
7. Fairy Tale
Much like its name, Fairy Tale provided a lighthearted romantic comedy escape for viewers. Starring Sehar Khan and Hamza Sohail, the series, directed by Ali Hasan and produced by Momina Duraid, offered a fresh and entertaining perspective, lightening moods with the love story of Umeed and Farjaad.
6. Sar-e-Rah
A breath of fresh air in the drama landscape, Sar-e-Rah took a unique approach with its miniseries format. Directed by Ahmed Bhatti and produced by IDream Entertainment in collaboration with USAID, the series narrates stories of people from different walks of life, highlighting societal problems. Plus the star-studded cast only elevated its appeal.
5. Baby Baji
This show became a family drama favorite, offering a compelling narrative that resonated with viewers. Produced by Abdullah Seja under iDream Entertainment, the series revolves around the struggle of Baby Baji, played by Samina Ahmad, to keep her family united during her husband’s illness.
4. Kuch Ankahi
A tribute to the legendary Haseena Moin, Kuch Ankahi addressed women’s social progress by showcasing characters from different strata of society. With a focus on posthumous wealth distribution and men’s roles, the series, featuring Sajal Aly, Bilal Abbas Khan, and Sheheryar Munawar, stood out for its relatable and non-preachy storytelling.
3. Razia
Anything with Mahira Khan is a surefire hit, such is the case of Razia, a miniseries that premiered on Express Entertainment. It deserves recognition for its impactful script and tackling significant issues faced by women in our society. Starring Mahira Khan, Moomal Sheikh, and Mohib Mirza, the series, directed and written by Mohsin Ali, left a lasting impression on viewers.
2. Kabli Pulao
Breaking stereotypes and offering a fresh narrative, Kabli Pulao became a game-changer in the Pakistani drama landscape. Directed by Kashif Nisar and written by Zafar Mairaj, the series explores the romantic tale of a Lahori Punjabi man and an Afghan refugee girl, played by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin and Sabeena Farooq.
1. Tere Bin
Taking the top spot is Tere Bin, a romantic drama that captured hearts with its compelling storyline and the mesmerizing chemistry between Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi.
A production of 7th Sky Entertainment, this Geo TV series rapidly gained immense popularity not just in Pakistan but around the world, solidifying its place as one of the best drama serials to ever come out of Pakistan.
As our drama industry continues to evolve, these shows have left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers. Each drama, with its unique storyline and talented cast, contributed to the rich tapestry of Pakistani television in 2023.
