LAHORE: The Indus Conclave 2025 at Alhamra Hall in Lahore brought together prominent figures from Pakistan’s entertainment industry for a lively discussion on “The World of Pakistani Drama.” Organized by the Punjab Group, the session explored how television dramas have evolved, their enduring popularity, and the challenges faced by artists in the field.

The discussion was moderated by writer and cultural commentator Jasir Shahbaz, who was joined by acclaimed actor and author Mira Sethi and doctor-turned-actor and content creator Dr Tamkenat Mansoor. Shahbaz opened the session by highlighting that Pakistani television drama has remained a strong and influential art form, consistently producing talented artists and memorable stories that resonate both locally and internationally.

Introducing the panelists, he praised Mira Sethi for her roles in hit serials such as Silvatein, Chupke Chupke, Paristan, and Kuch Ankahi, as well as her short story collection Are You Enjoying? He also commended Dr Mansoor for her work in Kala Doriya and Jinn Ki Kahani and for her popular satirical online content.

Mira Sethi shared her journey from working as a books editor at The Wall Street Journal in the United States to pursuing acting in Pakistan. She recalled moments of bias early in her career abroad that made her realise she belonged back home. “There was no cultural shock in returning this was always home,” she said, adding that her biggest challenge was mastering Urdu for television.

Dr Tamkenat Mansoor discussed the differences between independent online content creation and working on traditional TV sets. “At home, you control every part of the process; on set, you’re part of someone else’s story and vision,” she said. Despite the long hours and intense schedules, she described the collaborative environment as rewarding, noting that humor and teamwork help artists manage the pressure.

Both speakers discussed recurring issues in Pakistani dramas, particularly the repetitive focus on women’s marriage and domestic struggles. Shahbaz pointed out that even progressive shows often return to the same themes. In response, Mansoor emphasized that audiences are ready for diverse and bold storytelling. “Our viewers are intelligent when you make good content, they watch it,” she said.

Mira Sethi agreed, saying artists and writers should not shy away from exploring difficult or controversial subjects. Reflecting on her book Are You Enjoying?, she said it faced criticism for tackling themes of identity, love, and survival. “An artist’s role is to tell the truth not to provoke, but to reflect society as it is,” she explained.

The session concluded with a call for originality and creative bravery in the Pakistani drama industry. “When one formula works, it gets repeated endlessly,” Sethi said. “But real art must take risks and challenge what’s familiar.”

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