The Power of Stories

Call it the mirror of society— entertainment, it reflects the core of what a civilisation is made up of, be it the people or their culture. A script on the small screen, big screen or stage helps one teleport through history, allowing one a sneak peek across ages. Nonetheless, another primary role, used intentionally or otherwise by creators of such content, is a connection that it makes irrespective of borders.

Back in the 80s, Pakistani TV shows such as Dhoop Kinare, Tanhaiyaan and Ankahi, were applauded for their quality content and refined plots. One can rightly say that these series showed the way to new-age storytelling. Not just garnering success within Pakistan, these on-screen dramas also enjoyed screen time in India, thus breaking barriers in the right sense. Audience here fell in love with characters like the cheerful Dr. Zoya Ali Khan (Dhoop Kinare) and the loud yet sensitive Sanya (Tanhaiyaan). Helping build an instant association, every episode substantiated that people cannot be bound by confines or walls.

Bollywood, for that matter, has been Pakistan’s primary conduit to Indian entertainment, across genres of romance, satire, war and comedy. Our cines stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan are hugely popular across the border we are told. Fan bases are growing on both sides. Imran Abbas, one of the most talented of Pakistani actors, is a big fan of Madhuri Dixit as well. Pakistani actors have crossed the border to work in Indian films and some of them like Ali Zafar have tasted popularity as well.Recent films like Total Siyapaa, Tere Bin Laden and the National award-winning Filmistaan, brought in a new wave of story-telling. All in all, we have been seeing a healthy dynamism in story-telling.

In this context, enters Zindagi,  a new Zee channel with the exact motif of ‘emotions are universal’, which will entertain its audience with handpicked stories that will capture the essence of lives from across the border. Shows such as Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Aunn Zara, Kaash Mein Teri Beti Na Hoti and Kitni Girhain Baaki Hai (slot for telefilms) will acquaint viewers to Pakistani storytelling. Needless to say, the makers of the show have our full attention given the thoroughness that has gone into the scripting, casting, musical scores and promotions for these shows.