‘Kuch Ankahi’ destroys toxic in-law trope with wholesome scenes

In a recent episode of the well-liked Pakistani drama series Kuch Ankahi, a touching scenario was shown to viewers in a medium where disputes and strained relationships between in-laws are frequently the focus.

Viewers were given a breath of new air by the astonishing connection between seasoned actress Asma Abbas, who plays Zareena, and the gifted Mira Sethi, who plays Samiya. This was because it showed an extraordinary bond between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law, something one rarely gets to see.

In the scene in question, Sethi’s character discovers a long-lost photograph that belonged to Abbas’ character. The priceless photograph is found wrapped in Zareena’s clothing. Abbas’ character asks Sethi’s character, “Should bad times come upon us, you won’t leave us, will you? ” in a portrayal that is quite uncommon on Pakistani television. You are now my ally. The honesty and frailty of Abbas’ character’s appeal set the stage for the subsequent sad moment.

Samiya says, “Aunty, there won’t be any more bad times,” without any hesitation. She assures Abbas’ character that she will be there for them through thick and thin with a tone of sincere affection and empathy.

This conversation illustrates a renewed sense of trust and unity among the ladies in the family, departing from the conventional representation of heated relationships between them. The conversation continues as Abbas’ character says, “Yes, you’ve changed the whole house,” acknowledging Sethi’s character’s contribution to the household.

You’ll also alter my son’s course of events. These statements stress the lasting depth of their friendship and the transformational impact Samiya has had on the family dynamic. The sequence not only enthralled viewers with its emotional profundity but also marked a notable change from Pakistani television’s frequently conventional portrayal of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships.

Instead of maintaining the perception of continual conflict, Kuch Ankahi highlighted the possibilities for great understanding, support, and love between these two essential family members.

This is not the first time Kuch Ankahi has deviated for the better from television norms. Previously, the show highlighted the importance of divorce, custody and other relevant clauses in the nikahnama that are often deleted or crossed out from the marriage agreement during weddings. The show also tackled fat-shaming in an earlier offering.

Actor Sajal Aly, who plays Aaliya, previously spoke to Fuschia about the show. “We’re talking about women empowerment and this project has so many women at the centre of the story with their own individual narratives,” stated Aly. “We’re not just supporting each other in the script but even on the set. All of us, Vaneeza [Ahmed], Mira, Qudsia [Ali], we’re all there for each other. The feeling when you actually, genuinely support women is the best feeling and that comes out in its best form in the serial.”

Speaking about how Kuch Ankahi is a throwback to the kind of television that was once celebrated, Aly stated, “This is the kind of old-school PTV family drama that you still remember. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and you’ll celebrate with us. It’s a lot of emotions together.”