FEMINIST PORTRAYALS OF WOMEN IN PAKISTANI DRAMAS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INKAAR AND TERE BIN

Abstract

The succeeding paper presents a comparative feminist critique of the representation of the women characters in two widely popular Pakistan dramas: Inkaar by Zafar Mairaj and Tere Bin by Nooran Makhdoom. Further, complex women's autonomy, resilience, and struggles are considered in the wake of the patriarchal framework. A discussion is held on how the authors have projected themes of justice, victim-blaming, power dynamics, love, and societal expectations. While Inkaar revolves around the woman's brave fight against sexual harassment, abuse of power, and victim-blaming by offering a critique of societal norms, most Bollywood films marginalize or completely silence women's voices. Tere Bin Lent focuses on the women's struggles for self-determination and identity within the context of both the family and romantic relationships. This analysis proves that Inkaar cements women's strength in rebellion against systemic injustices through subverting the traditional gender role, while in Tere Bin, such female empowerment is both enabled and constrained by love and traditional norms. This paper critically analyzes dialogues, character arcs, and key themes through a feminist prism to look at aspects setting these dramas apart in reflecting and influencing societal perceptions about women in Pakistani media. The findings underline a continuing tension within Pakistani television between portrayals of female characters who are empowered and yet succumb to traditional expectations, with an increasing call on viewers to ruminate upon the broader socio-cultural ramifications for changing women's roles in South Asia. Consequently, this piece invites a deeper reflection into the state and implications of women's representation in Pakistani dramas within the gender discourse through such an analysis.