These women are changing the game
Gone are the days of damsels in distress waiting to be rescued by their knights in shining armor. Today’s television dramas are taking a refreshing approach by featuring strong female leads who are breaking the stereotype and carving their own paths.
These women are defying traditional gender roles, standing up for themselves and others, and showing viewers that they are more than just pretty faces. In this article, we take a look at five women leads in dramas who are changing the damsel in distress narrative, inspiring women everywhere to take charge of their own lives and destinies.
1. Yumna Zaidi As Meerab In Tere Bin
Merub in Tere Bin is a girl who speaks her mind. She harbors lofty ambitions to get a Law Degree but instead, is rushed into a forced marriage. Albeit the script might seem a tad sensational and stereotypical, Merub’s character isn’t. She storms ahead to get her husband-to-be, Murtasim sign a pre-nuptial agreement that prevents them from consummating the marriage. Sensational much? Yes, but look at it this way. How many young girls have been forced into marriage and have had to commence a lifelong relationship overnight without even knowing the person they have to spend their life with?
But beyond the sensational emerges Merub’s character who is placed in an entirely new, and seemingly regressive feudal household where she questions age-old practices, and attempts to save a village woman from being married off to a person of the enemy clan (although those who watch, know the full story) but above all, it is in Merub’s resilient spirit, her sense of self-respect and her determination to set right to any social wrong she sees around her that makes her an inspiring character. Merub’s character still has a long way to go but in essence, her journey is what viewers are hoping will bring about change in the Tere Bin household.
2. Sajal Aly As Aliya In Kuch Ankahi
Sajal Aly’s remarkable portrayal of Aliya in the show strikes a chord with a broad spectrum of viewers. Aliya’s character exudes a unique blend of traits, including sensitivity, poise, aspiration, and thoughtfulness. It is also refreshing to see a girl working in the field of real estate which is usually dominated by men!
Aliya strikes a fine balance between the assertive, yet feminine, take charge, yet sensitive working girl who is redefining our work spaces. her choice of career – non traditional for females in our society, and her success at making it a force to be reckoned with (by Salman) and also contributing majorly to the running of her household, has made Aliya a role model for many young girls who aspire to take the first step in a world filled with largely male dominated working spaces.
3. Saba Qamar As Rania From Sar e Rah
Saba Qamar’s character in Sar e Rah ignited a spark of hope in the hearts of countless young girls who had been held back by the chains of societal expectations. Her unwavering determination to challenge gender stereotypes, overcome her own self-limiting beliefs, and shatter the illusion that only a man could rescue her from poverty and despair, left a powerful impact on the audience. In a world where women have been constantly told to play second fiddle, Rania’s journey was nothing short of dramatic triumph, inspiring a new generation of women to break free from their shackles and chase their dreams with unabashed passion and vigor.
Rania you are such an inspiration, your strength and your mannerisms draw respect and a quiet sensibility – this too is a woman, and one we can aspire to be!
4. Sunita Marshall As Wajiha In Pinjra
Wajiha is a force to be reckoned with, managing her demanding job as an air hostess while also raising her children as a single parent.
Despite the many challenges that she faces, she never compromises on her responsibilities as a parent. She ensures that her children are well taken care of, providing them with love, support, and guidance. Wajiha’s character is a true inspiration, showing that it is possible to excel in both career and parenting while still managing to keep the house in order.
Wajiha faces multiple challenges, some even from those closest to her (Javed & her ex husband), she is judged, dismissed and threatened but she does not give in. Wajiha also exudes a quiet wisdom in parenting, and although she does slip up at times, that too, points to her being largely human and hence, vulnerable to making some errors in judgement. For now, she is giving single moms an onscreen representation that is both dignified and formidable.
5. Hareem Farooq As Maryam In Sar e Rah
The drama has captured Maryam’s tenacity and fearlessness in the face of daunting challenges. The most significant takeaway from the episode is Maryam’s unflinching stance on her values, even when her career and finances were on the line. It’s a message that resonates deeply with young women who may be forced to abandon their beliefs in their pursuit of success.
Maryam’s character is an embodiment of resilience and unwavering strength. Her story is a beacon of hope for all those who are struggling to overcome their personal and professional obstacles. Maryam’s unwavering commitment to her principles is a true testament to the fact that success must not come at the expense of one’s morals or ideals.
6. Sanam Jung As Mona In Pyari Mona
Mona in Pyari Mona essayed by Sanam Jung is setting exemplary goals in showing that she can hold her own in any situation. Mona is battling a problematic, dominating, opinionated mother, a society that judges her appearance, and a perpetual barrage of criticism from a family who wants her married and settled down.
Her confidence is not bulletproof (the boys who teased her in the parking lot did affect her and disturbed her peace of mind) but that just serves to make her so much more real and relatable. The message is not in how she gets hurt but in how she pulls herself together after every onslaught. This is a testament to the way she reacted when she discovered Irfan’s Nikah – she was dignified, honest in communication, and tried to keep a distance to sort out the emotional turbulence in her mind.
Mona is capable of healthy platonic relationships, just like with Yawar, capable of love, with Ayan, capable of having fun, with Irfan and her dad, capable of being courteous but speaking her mind, with Babar and her mom, capable of having her own career and also capable of being sensitive, with her sister Samiya.
Mona is our ultimate female lead who is certainly NOT your damsel in distress! There, we’ve said it!
Which character resonated with you the most?
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