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

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.

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.”

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

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.”

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.