Faisal Qureshi Explains Why Pakistani Dramas Were Banned in India
KARACHI:Senior Pakistani actor Faisal Qureshi has shared his views on why Pakistani television dramas were banned in India, claiming that their portrayal of Pakistani society was challenging the narrative promoted by the Indian government.
In a recent interview, the actor discussed the Pakistani entertainment industry and the growing popularity of its television dramas among international audiences.
Responding to a question about the ban on Pakistani dramas in India, Qureshi said their content was changing Indian viewers’ perceptions of Pakistanis.
He stated that Pakistani dramas portrayed Pakistanis as educated, modern and patient people, which, in his view, influenced how Indian audiences perceived Pakistan.
According to Qureshi, the popularity of Pakistani dramas was undermining the Indian government’s narrative about Pakistan, prompting authorities to stop their broadcast.
The actor further claimed that the ban was imposed when the Indian government found an opportunity to do so.
Qureshi also said that the restriction led to a surge in VPN downloads in India, suggesting that viewers continued looking for ways to access Pakistani entertainment despite the ban.
He added that some Indian viewers had also begun questioning the role of films in promoting political agendas and spreading hatred.
Pakistani dramas have attracted audiences beyond Pakistan, particularly for their storytelling, performances and portrayal of social and family issues. However, Qureshi’s explanation of the ban reflects his personal assessment of the political and cultural factors behind the restrictions.
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