Reflection of Masculinity in the Pakistani Drama Industry
- Savior Complex and Gender Stereotypes: Pakistani dramas often depict male protagonists with a savior complex, reinforcing stereotypes where men are problem-solvers and women are dependent, particularly in rich-man, poor-woman dynamics.
- Toxic Obsession and Harmful Norms: Tropes of toxic, obsessive male characters romanticize controlling and abusive behavior, normalizing harmful masculinity in relationships.
- Positive Shift in Masculinity Portrayals: Dramas like Parizaad present multi-dimensional, sensitive, and resilient male characters, offering healthier, inclusive representations of masculinity while challenging traditional norms.
The Pakistani drama industry has been acknowledged as a brilliant source of entertainment among viewers around the world due to its compelling storytelling and unique cultural elements. With this rising popularity of Pakistani dramas internationally, it has become crucial to pay heed to the collective narrative these dramas are putting out. While analyzing this narrative, it is essential to discuss the portrayal of masculinity. The drama’s male protagonist, or “hero,” is often granted obsession and rage as their primary driving emotions. However, with the development of conventional gender norms, the drama industry has experienced a slight shift from the toxic dominant male to passive female „narrative. This shift in the narrative has provided us with a variety of male characters.
The Savior Complex Hero
It has become a recurring archetype in Pakistani drama series that the man is the man who will save everything at the end for the female protagonist. that it is the man who will do everything to rescue the heroine. This savior complex mentality is equally damaging for both men and women, as it propagates the idea that men must always have the solution to everything and women must always require a man to show up and save them. It depicts men as unrealistically strong, selfless, and protective. It gets even more problematic when the male protagonist is extremely rich and the female is extremely poor; the male assists her with the cash, as evident from the ongoing drama, Sun Mery Dil. This rich guy-poor girl cliché trope has become a staple in almost all mainstream dramas like Jaan Nisar, Rah-e-Junoon, and Kafara; the list is endless.
The Vulnerable Male
In recent years, Pakistani dramas have started to showcase a more vulnerable side of masculinity. Characters like Danish from Mery Pass Tum Ho have demonstrated that men can be sensitive, emotional, and vulnerable without being weak. These portrayals have helped to break down traditional gender norms and stereotypes, providing a more nuanced understanding of masculinity. The problem with writers showing a sensitive man is that they necessarily portray the female counterpart as evil and cunning.
The Toxic Obsessive Male
On the other hand, Pakistani dramas have also perpetuated the trope of the toxic obsessive male. Characters like Hamza from Ishqiya and Sultan Durrani from Deewangi have exhibited controlling, possessive, and abusive behavior towards their female partners. These portrayals can be damaging, as they normalize and even romanticize toxic behavior. It’s essential for drama writers to recognize the harm caused by these portrayals and to create more positive, healthy representations of masculinity.
An Excellent Exception: Parizaad
One drama that stands out for its exceptional portrayal of masculinity is Hashim Nadeem’s Parizaad. The titular character, played by Ahmed Ali Akbar, is a complex, multi-dimensional figure who defies traditional gender norms. Parizaad is a sensitive, emotional, and vulnerable character who is also strong, resilient, and determined. His portrayal is a testament to the fact that masculinity can be redefined and reimagined in a more positive, inclusive way. “Parizaad” is an excellent example of how Pakistani dramas can promote healthier, more nuanced representations of masculinity.
In conclusion, the portrayal of masculinity in Pakistani dramas is a complex, multifaceted issue. While there have been some positive developments in recent years, there is still much work to be done. By promoting healthier, more inclusive representations of masculinity, Pakistani dramas can play a significant role in shaping cultural attitudes and challenging traditional gender norms.
