The popular television drama Parwarish has struck a deep emotional chord with audiences across Pakistan, tackling the sensitive issue of generational gaps between parents and children and the importance of mutual understanding in overcoming them.
The story centres around a middle-class family, involving Maya (played by Aina Asif) and her parents, Shaheer (Nazarul Hassan) and Sadia (Bakhtawar Mazhar).
The drama explores the tension between tradition and change, duty and freedom.
Shaheer is portrayed as a strict and traditional father, deeply concerned about his daughter’s future.
Believing that early marriage is a safeguard against life’s hardships, he often urges Maya to settle down quickly.
In contrast, Sadia is a gentler, more reserved mother, who prefers not to impose on her daughter’s decisions.
However, the lack of communication and balance between the couple adds to Maya’s emotional struggles.
Actor Nazarul Hassan, who plays Shaheer, shared insight into his character’s mindset, explaining that Shaheer is shaped by his fears and harsh realities of society.
“He’s a typical middle-class father with two daughters, deeply aware of the lack of legal protection and gender equality in Pakistan. His worldview is narrow, and his protectiveness stems from fear.”
Actress Bakhtawar Mazhar, who plays Sadia, admitted she initially had reservations about a controversial scene where Maya is harassed in the kitchen by Waleed while Sadia remains silent.
As a mother of two daughters herself, Bakhtawar said, “I would never stay silent in real life.”
However, the director assured her of the scene’s narrative importance in later episodes — something she now acknowledges was justified.
Both actors spoke about how playing parental roles in Parwarish affected their real lives.
Nazarul Hassan, a father of four sons, shared, “I’ve lived a tough life, but this role made me realise I need to be more emotionally open and gentle.”
Bakhtawar Mazhar remarked, “As a mother, I thought I understood my daughters well, but through Sadia’s role, I’ve come to appreciate the unique challenges faced by Generation Z.”
Parwarish has become a blockbuster, praised for shedding light on a crucial societal issue: the gap in understanding between parents and children.
Its realistic portrayal has encouraged viewers to reflect on their own family dynamics, especially the need for parents to listen more and control less — allowing their children space to make their own life decisions.
With its thoughtful narrative and relatable characters, Parwarish is not just entertainment — it’s a mirror to society, and a conversation starter for households across the country.
