4 dramas to watch if you found 'Humsafar' problematic

These shows will restore your faith in local offerings

While Humsafar has been an absolute fan-favourite and put the Mahira Khan-Fawad Khan era of romance on the map, it wasn't exactly free from flaws, was it? Let's face it. Even Fawad's smug smoulder couldn't cover up for the fact that Ashar was, and continues to be, a poor example of what a romantic interest should look like.

This is obviously an unpopular opinion, but let's open up our minds, shall we? Would we really want someone we loved, who has just been through great trauma, hitched to a haughty mamma's boy who refuses to have any semblance of faith in his wife? But fret not, fellow drama lover, because Pakistan's dramaverse has a treasure trove of shows waiting to mend your possibly wounded TV-watching heart. Here are four shows you can watch instead, and four characters that make the shows worth your time:

Fairy Tale

Hamza Sohail's Farjad is probably the finest example of a green flag. A sticker for rules with a heart of gold, Farjad was responsible and, despite his tough exterior, was a completely soft-hearted lovebug within. Unlike the happily ever afters promised in other shows where sacrifice and compromise fall within the laps of female leads, Fairy Tale stays true to its name, and having an empathetic lead wins half this battle for the offering. One might even say - this fairytale has its very own Prince Charming.

Mere Humsafar

The woe-is-me female lead is a trope done to death, but a non-toxic male character emerging from within the pits of this despair? That's a win we're willing to take. Hamza, essayed by Farhan Saeed, pretty much turns Hala's life around in the show. He takes a stand for her when she has nothing and no one. Despite all misunderstandings and attempts at sabotage, his kindness towards Hala remains steadfast and his patience is admirable as well.

Yakeen Ka Safar

If you crave a love story that unfolds like a beautifully written poem, then Yakeen Ka Safar is your happy place. Ahad Raza Mir delivers a heart-stopping performance as Dr. Asfandyar Ali Khan, showcasing his ability to tackle complex, nuanced roles. The slow burn between him and the ever-intriguing Zubia (Sajal Ali) is agonizingly beautiful, making their eventual happily-ever-after all the more rewarding. Get ready for stolen glances, heart-wrenching dialogues, and a love story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Cheekh

While Cheekh is a heavy watch with stellar performances that dance in the grey, it is Emmad Irfani's Shayan that steals hearts. The show does a great job at depicting the duality of man - with Wajih (Bilal Abbas Khan) portraying one extreme, and Emmad portraying the other. This drama is a thrilling roller coaster ride filled with courtroom battles, social commentary, and a healthy dose of suspense. Cheekh will leave you cheering for the underdog – the perfect antidote to any lingering Humsafar blues.

So there you have it! These four dramas offer a delicious departure from the world of Humsafar, each serving up a unique blend of romance, empowerment, and social commentary. So grab your popcorn, get ready to hit that "play" button, and prepare to have your faith in Pakistani dramas restored!

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