Pakistani dramas have found yet another admirer across the border, with Indian actress Shehnaaz Gill expressing her love for the country’s television industry and calling its portrayal of romance unlike anything else on screen.

During a conversation with entertainment journalist Faridoon Shahryar, the actress spoke candidly about her admiration for Pakistani serials, revealing that their storytelling, emotional depth, and subtle depiction of love continue to leave a lasting impression on her.

Shehnaaz also shared the names of the Pakistani celebrities she enjoys watching, listing Hania Aamir, Bilal Abbas Khan, and Fahad Mustafa among her favourites. The actress praised not only their performances but also the quality of projects they have been a part of over the years.

While discussing the dramas that have particularly stayed with her, Shehnaaz singled out Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum and Meri Zindagi Hai Tu, saying both serials beautifully capture the emotions that make Pakistani television so popular with audiences beyond the country’s borders.

According to the actress, what truly separates Pakistani dramas from other television industries is the way they portray romance. Rather than depending on physical intimacy, she believes the stories focus on emotions, expressions, and meaningful moments that allow relationships to develop naturally.

She explained that the affection shown between characters feels genuine because it is communicated through emotions instead of physical contact. In her view, that understated style gives Pakistani love stories a unique purity and emotional appeal that is becoming increasingly rare in modern entertainment.

Shehnaaz further noted that the slow-paced storytelling and gradual development of relationships make viewers more invested in the characters. She described the emotional restraint seen in Pakistani serials as one of their greatest strengths and concluded that, in her opinion, no other television industry can compete with the standard set by Pakistani dramas.

The actress first became a household name after her appearance on Bigg Boss 13, where her cheerful personality and close friendship with the late actor Sidharth Shukla earned her immense popularity across India. Since then, she has steadily expanded her career beyond reality television.

She made her Bollywood debut opposite Salman Khan in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan before appearing in Thank You for Coming. Alongside acting, Shehnaaz has remained active in the music industry and has also built a strong digital presence through celebrity interviews and online content, further strengthening her connection with audiences.

Read more: Shehnaaz Gill urges artists to confidently demand the pay they deserve

Syed Mohammad Ahmed is one of the most brilliant artists of Pakistan. He is an actor and a writer who has been a part of the industry for decades now. He is the most favourite on-screen father and fans love how natural he is on the screen. He just appeared on a podcast and opened up about the industry’s truth.

Syed Mohammad Ahmed spoke about recently Nadia Khan mocking Sajal Aly and the other two judges on Kya Drama Hai i.e. Atiqa Odho and Marina Khan. Mohammad Ahmed said that back in the day mimicry was done with permission and it was dine very tastefully. He does not understand how someone who is not even Sajal’s caliber can do this.

Speaking about Marina Khan, he said that she is so great and she never even backbites. He understands that she just has to work in a show like this as running kitchens is important. He also called Atiqa Odho well-learned and he is not sure why she would also join such a show. He added that channels run such content because they want ratings.

PTV is Pakistan’s oldest television network, which began its transmission in November 1964. The entertainment channel was once widely admired for its classic dramas, quality productions, and educational content. Over the decades, PTV witnessed many highs and lows as different political governments and military regimes influenced its programming and policies. During the tenures of leaders like General Ayub Khan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, television experienced a relatively modern outlook. However, under General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule, PTV adopted a much more conservative approach. The cultural impact of that era remained so significant that many believe Pakistani television never fully returned to the level of creative freedom it once enjoyed.

Recently, a clip from the 1970s PTV play Parchaiyaan has been making the rounds on social media. The scene features both older and younger women wearing bold sarees, with sleeveless blouses that have surprised many viewers from the current generation. The vintage fashion has sparked widespread discussion online, as many Pakistanis believe such attire would be considered too bold for television today.

Social media users were quite surprised by the modern and progressive television programming of that era. One user wrote, “There was so much obscenity back then.” Another asked, “Was that really PTV? Did this actually air on television?” A third commented, “Pakistan Television was so modern at that time.” Another wrote, “PTV was quite bold and almost near to nudity back then.” Many users also appreciated how gracefully the actresses carried the sarees. One commented, “The lady in the black saree is wearing it so elegantly, even though her blouse is quite short.” Another wrote, “It was the 1970s, when Pakistan was moving towards modernism.”