Veteran PTV actress Samina Ahmed, who has spent nearly five decades in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, has spoken in support of saas-bahu dramas, calling them a source of empowerment for women rather than shallow entertainment.
Ahmed rose to fame through iconic PTV classics and remains one of the most respected figures in Pakistani television. Her notable projects include Waris, Aahat, Kis Say Kahoon, Family Front, Aangan, Suno Chanda, Ghisi Pitti Mohabbat, the Barat series, and the recent blockbuster Baby Baji, which broke popularity records. The show’s dramatic death sequence, in particular, received widespread praise from audiences.
Recently, Samina Ahmed appeared on Begum Begums, a YouTube show hosted by Nariman Ansari, daughter of Bushra Ansari, and recorded in Canada. During the conversation, she addressed the frequent criticism aimed at Pakistani saas-bahu dramas.
Responding to claims that such dramas are repetitive and lack substance, Samina Ahmed said the criticism does not come from viewers, as audiences continue to watch these shows in large numbers. She noted that much of the criticism comes from within the industry itself, where some argue that household-based stories offer little value.
According to Samina Ahmed, these dramas have played a key role in changing the landscape for women in the entertainment industry. She recalled that earlier in her career, she was often the only woman on set, surrounded by male crew members. Today, women are present across all departments, including makeup, wardrobe, production, direction, and acting.
She emphasized that the stories portrayed in saas-bahu dramas reflect real-life issues faced by women, including cruelty, resilience, and standing up for oneself. “These are real stories,” she said, adding that not everything shown on television is fictional.
