Zindagi Gulzar Hai: Navigating Feminism and Patriarchy in Pakistani Television

For the longest time "Zindagi Gulzar Hai" has held a special place as a must-watch for Pakistani audiences. However, beneath its popularity lies a complex narrative that raises questions about its true stance on women's empowerment. While initially the drama was celebrated for its representation of feminism, the show's portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics suggests a more nuanced examination is needed. Moreover, it ultimately questions that does the show fits women into society’s cast of preconceived notions.

At the core of the narrative are the lead characters, Kashaf and Zaroon, who have visible differences in class, values, and ideologies drive the story. On one end, the drama emphasizes the importance of educating girls and challenging gender biases, while on the other end, it falls short in acknowledging women's roles in a male-dominated society. Kashaf does emerge as a strong-willed, ambitious character challenging societal norms and her decision to prioritize education over traditional expectations showcases a fierce self-reliance uncommon in a conservative, patriarchal setting. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn when she is paired with Zaroon, an entitled man-child who embodies double standards and reinforces patriarchal values. While he has lived a luxurious life, and his entire social circle comprises of ‘modern women’ he still despises them for being opinionated and independent. He perceives feminism as a tool employed by women to subordinate men, interpreting women's liberation as a rivalry of egos between the two genders.

For me, it was unsettling how on the surface, ZGH appears to champion women's empowerment, yet its underlying message subtly reinforces patriarchal norms. Kashaf, a self-made woman dedicated to her education, ultimately gains societal approval through her marriage to Zaroon, underscoring the societal notion that remaining unmarried is not a viable choice for women. The show perpetuates the stereotype that modern and liberal women, who embrace Western clothing and liberties, are simply not capable of being good wives or mothers. Characters like Asmara, Zaroon's sister, and his mother, all portrayed in such a manner, experience relationship failures or struggles in their roles as wives, mothers, or fiancées.

Similarly, Zaroon's character exemplifies double standards, where his ideal woman must balance ambition with adherence to tradition. The narrative explicitly states the man as the "head of the family," maintaining traditional power dynamics. Kashaf is consistently urged to compromise, reinforcing the societal expectation that women must endure mistreatment for the sake of family honor. Phrases like "apne ghar ki hona" further add to the discrimination women face, highlighting how even female characters even someone as educated as Kashaf shown in the drama enable such discrimination through years of conditioning.

Zindagi Gulzar Hai has garnered immense popularity, particularly among women, for its attempt to portray independent women and advocate for their education and employment. However, the complex interplay of feminism and patriarchal values within the narrative prompts a critical examination of whether the title truly aligns with the experiences of the women characters. As the characters navigate societal expectations, the show leaves audiences pondering whether life in this 'gulzar' is truly a bed of roses for its female protagonists or a complex terrain where they reluctantly accept their circumstances.