KARACHI: As the clever saying goes, if you’ve got it, flaunt it – and our Pakistani drama serials are doing exactly that across the border.

With the launch of Zee Network’s Zindagi TV channel last month, Indians are being treated to the best of new-age Pakistani TV dramas on offer. Hum TV’s booming success Zindagi Gulzar Hai and A-Plus’ Aun Zara have earned much praise and appreciation in Indian newspapers and social media, with the former drawing to a close with its season finale in India tomorrow (Friday).

On-screen couple Kashaf (Sanam Saeed) and Zaroun (Fawwad Khan) were the subjects of adoration and amazement, as fans tweeted their respect with no praise barred.

Bollywood actor Divya Dutta is just one who was blown away by the duo:

Another Indian actor, Kamya Punjab expressed the desire to work for Pakistani dramas. Kamya tweeted:

Actors and film directors from Bollywood also showed their appreciation for Pakistani soaps.

With its tagline ‘Jodey Dilon Ko’, Zindagi TV is fast becoming a platform radiating Pakistani art and culture to a receptive Indian audience.

A report published by Caravan Daily said, TV shows on Zee’s Zindagi channel were shattering misconceptions and stereotypes about Pakistan and Pakistani society.

Another report in India.com listed seven reasons why Zindagi Gulzar Hai was a smashing hit, listing suave Fawad Khan and brilliant Sanam Saeed as top reasons. Other factors behind the general success of Pakistan TV shows in India are the number of fixed episodes, their closeness to reality, nicely-woven sub-plots, and a brilliant supporting cast.

The Caravan Daily also quoted an Indian filmmaker Kunal Kohli as saying that the technical side of Pakistani soaps is superior. “Must say the quality of shooting [and] writing of the shows on Zindagi is [very] refreshing.”

A scene for drama 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai'. – Publicity photo

Sanam Saeed is overwhelmed

According to Indian media reports, the 29-year-old is ecstatic and "grateful" that Zindagi Gulzar Hai has turned out to be the "first drama to have broken the ice across the borders in current times".

In an interview with IANS, she said, "India uses Bollywood, rather cinema, to tell its stories. It is one of the largest filmmaking nations in the world and so your talents get to tell stories about politics, love and drama through films. In Pakistan, our medium is the small screen.”

"We don't make many films, and hardly have theatres. A majority of people seek entertainment while sitting at home and TV gives it to them, so we excel on that part," Sanam said, stressing that since the command over language and gift of the gab are "strong", and that Pakistan has some prolific writers.

Regarding India and Pakistan, Sanam said they are not very different. "I don't understand why we are considered different. We were one nation. We are not different. In fact, there is so much similarity between us culturally, in terms of food, clothes, family, bonds and language. So, I have never been under the impression that we [India and Pakistan] are different. Nevertheless, I'm glad that the shows are having a positive impact on people in India – it's the same effect that they had on people here [in Pakistan]," she said.