Kuch Ankahi’s subtle take on gender roles makes it a ‘breather’ for fans amidst ‘mediocre TV’

The star-studded Nadeem Baig directorial is getting praised for breaking stereotypes and being inclusive of minorities

Kuch Ankahi, the latest obsession of Pakistani drama viewers has the users hooked. The Nadeem Baig directorial is praised for breaking stereotypes and being inclusive with a simple storyline that resonates with all ages in a family.

Featuring actors Bilal Abbas, Sajal Aly, and Mira Sethi alongside veterans Vaneeza Ahmed and Muhammad Ahmed, Kuch Ankahi is already a fan-favourite with merely a few episodes out. The show not only depicts unconventional gender roles but also fits the narrative without making it a big deal. There’s no glorification of a man doing house chores or a woman fixing a car; neither of them are shown as heroes for who they are and that normalisation is a relatable victory for fans.

Also #KuchAnkahi breaking stereotypes one by one- Salman washing the dishes; the best part about this scene is that they didn't portray it as something 'extraordinary' that a male is washing dishes but showed it as the bare minimum a young man can and should do 👏 #BilalAbbasKhan pic.twitter.com/Q0Vs0F9Ypx

— ✨️❤️‍🔥 (@kaafikhoobsurat) January 21, 2023

The much-appreciated drama serial tells stories of families from a non-Islamic religion to show how women struggle with authority and autonomy when it comes to finances and decoding a love-hate relationship in patriarchal families between parents and kids, social media users are pleased to get a “refreshing breather” in the midst of “mediocre television.”

#KuchAnkahi is such a breather in the midst of mediocrity Pakistani dramas have become in the last few years. Right mix of comedy, emotions, and strong characters who show a promise of growth and development.

— Zeeshan Sheikh (@zeesheikh98) January 22, 2023

#KuchAnkahi inheritance/property issues are a real source of conflict and pain in our society. very aptly portrayed. wish people would remember that such issues are more of a test by Allah than anything else.

— Pixiedust94 (@Pixiedust941) January 14, 2023

“Kuch Ankahi is a one-of-a-kind drama. It normalises men doing home chores, shows a family from a different religion, shows different types of families, there’s love, and highlights how disagreeing with parents can be a good thing for you sometimes,” wrote a user on Twitter hoping that the society learns a thing or two from the drama.

Kuch ankahi is one of a kind drama, it normalises man doing home chores, showing a family from different religion, showing different types of family,love is their, disagreeing with parents can be good thing for you sometimes, i hope we learn from such dramas!! #kuchankahi

— Fatima J. (@dowhateverrrr) January 21, 2023

#KuchAnkahi having different kind of feel. I can feel numerous of emotion's in every scene from #BilalAbbasKhan washing dishes scene till the phopho's washing scene. Both r incredibly touched scene to me, as we didn't see these non-conventional things in our dramas. #sajalaly ✅

— Osama Ahmed🇵🇰 (@osamtistic) January 23, 2023

The show particularly relates to women who have been the backbone of their families but never felt rightly represented on screens. “Kuch Ankahi sheds light on families with no sons. It's great to see daughters being shown as determined individuals who want to help their families without being the epitome of sacrificial lambs,” wrote a user.

Haven't seen as much being said (correct me if I'm wrong) about how #KuchAnkahi sheds a light on families with no sons. It's great to see daughters being shown as determined individuals who want to help their families without being the epitome of sacrificials! They...(1)

— Shaz (@thoughtsofshaz8) January 15, 2023

They added how daughters and sons share the same passion for helping their families when in need and that they are valued and loved for that instead of just “allowing daughters to work to show off and come as progressive.”

Another user felt the same. “Aaliya (Sajal) spoke exactly what I've been feeling for the past few weeks on how work and financial pressure often take a toll on you and drain you out but you keep pushing yourself harder and harder for your fam and yourself!” read the tweet.

loved this scene,mainly bcz it was very relatable.Aaliya spoke exactly what i've been feeling since past few weeks. how work nd financial pressure often takes a toll on you nd drains you out but you keep pushing yourself harder nd harder for your fam nd yourself!#KuchAnkahi pic.twitter.com/tHKnUOlvw1

— 𝑹𝒆𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒕 (@blessxshine) January 15, 2023

The show also marked the first time a female civil engineer felt represented. “First time I am seeing a lady in a Pakistani drama who is a civil engineering major. In my class at NED, even in 1983, 40% of the population was female,” she wrote.

First time I am seeing a lady in a Pakistani drama, who is a civil engineering. Although in my class at NED in 1983, 40% of population was female. @nadeembaigg @iamhumayunsaeed #KuchAnkahi

— Nas Khan (@munoo66) January 22, 2023

Another tweep encouraged people to go watch the show for its “subtle yet powerful” depiction of society as it is – or should be. “Kuch Ankahi is a masterpiece — subtle yet powerful! It smashes gender stereotypes, showcases healthy and supportive female relationships, boldly questions the toxic rishta culture and a script that is inclusive of minorities; this is your sign to watch it now!”

@KashfFoundation’s #KuchAnkahi is a masterpiece — subtle yet powerful! Smashes gender-stereotypes, showcases healthy and supportive female relationships, boldly questions the toxic rishta culture and a script which is inclusive of minorities; this is your sign to watch it NOW!

— HiraHyderScribbles (@HiraHyder) January 22, 2023

#KuchAnkahi is such a feel good watch. The characters and the interactions between them feel extremely natural. Salman and his bond with his mother was the highlight for me today. #BilalAbbasKhan's expression game was on point 🙌🏻

— Riz 🇵🇸 (@adambaizar) January 22, 2023

Apart from making a lot of people feel seen onscreen, Kuch Ankahi also rings true with fans for its nostalgic and wholesome content. For a user, the “feel good” drama is a “beautiful mix of the vintage Pakistani drama essence with a perfect contemporary touch” that we’ve been “missing for a long time.”

Kuch ankahi is such a beautiful mix of the vintage Pakistani drama essence with a perfect contemporary touch! Subtle, thought-provoking & most of all real. 👏🏻#kuchankahi

— 𝐹𝒜 (@Faatiiimmaaa) January 21, 2023

A tweet compiled all the best aspects of the show. “Subtle execution, simple storytelling, normal everyday characters going about their lives, realistic portrayals, highlighting issues in a light-hearted manner, wit, and humour. Kuch Ankahi is a feel-good drama we have been missing for a long time,” they wrote.

Subtle execution, simple storytelling, normal everyday characters, going about their lives, realistic portrayal, highlighting issues in light hearted manner, wit, humour. #KuchAnkahi is a feel good drama we have been missing for a long time.

— arsalaa.tweets (@arsalaa_tweets) January 22, 2023