So long 2013, it was fun while it lasted and hello 2014 you look good. So far it seems like an exciting year for Pakistani dramas, there are several Mega projects which the team at WWW.Dramapakistani.net is looking forward to. Perhaps I am just infected by that optimism common in January but a lot of these upcoming projects have me excited. Here is a list of some the brightest and the best coming to our screens this year:

We discussed most of these dramas on our Radio show 20/01/2014 but did not have time to cover them all

Bin Roye Aansu

This serial has been the subject of much speculation since its inception and although a lot of people were disappointed at the casting of Humayoon Saeed instead of Fawad Khan it looks very promising. Haissem Hussain is a master storyteller and under his guiding hand this promises to be a magnum opus for HumTv. Closely based on Farhat Ishtiaq’s beautiful novel, the adaption to the screen is taking the form of a movie and a serial. This is in every way a mega serial, with a huge budget and the shiniest of stars in the form of Mahirah Khan, Humayoon Saeed, Atiqa Odho and the relatively new Ameera Rana.You can expect romance and even a little song and dance ,add to this Shehzaad Kasmiri’s finishing touch in the American part of the shoot and this should be on everyone’ must watch list this summer. The movie is releasing around Eid ul Fitr .

Uff Yeh Mohabbat

This promises to be a blend of light comedy, fun romance and wonderful music that only Faiza Iftikhar can write. Starring Mehar Bano as the bubbly, fun loving Dilkush and the singer Gohar Mumtaz as the more seriouse minded Samir, this is another mega serial form A&B productions. The serial is directed by Amin Iqbal and includes Hina Bayat and Jugan Kazim in the cast. This looks like a serial for all the family with a little laughter, a little mischief and a lot of love. Watch out for this in February which seems to be the month for romance

BASHER MOMIN

A soon to be released Mega serial from A&B productions with what looks like another signature performance from one of the best actors in the industry Faysal Qureshi .It also stars lovely Ushna Shah and Sami Khan .It is written by Zanjabeel Asim who co-wrote Anjuman (one of the nest of the telefilm remakes last year) and the wonderful serial Ek Nazar Meri Taraf and Saat pardon mein. Zanjabeel is not shy of touching on the lives of people most of us wish to ignore. Most of her stories touch on redemption and compassion for those in situations far from the mainstream of society, who may live their lives in the periphery of what we consider right but have just the same feelings and dreams as us. Directed by Syed Ali Raza (Usama) this maybe one of the most expensive Pakistani serials made yet.

Malika Aliya

Though not a serial this soap might just be more interesting .The writer is Nadia Ashfaq and the director is Asim Ali, the same team who made the fascinating soap Nikhar Gaey Ghulab Sarey. The story is a light hearted look at the life of Malika played by the ever versatile Maria Wasti who wants to live up to her name and rule.Her attempts at dominion lead to spectacularly unexpected results after her marriage to Sultan. Also starring Imran Aslam , Beenish Chauhan ,Sumbal Iqbal and Noman Habib. Watch out for this on Geo in mid-January.

Mirasim

Written by Zanjabeel Asim and starring Saba Hameed , Ahsan Khan, Urwa and Sonya Hussain , this Aplus serial is part of the channel’s steady rise in quality and depth. The story highlights how sometimes the victims of abuse can perpetuate the same injustice simply because they cannot grow or break free form a certain mindset, even as a mother. This will be playing on Aplus by the end of Febuary.

Manto

It was called “Main Manto”, then “Manto, Not Main Manto” and I probably got that wrong too. This serial has been floating before us like a tempting vision but has yet to materialize on the small or big screen. This project is said to be one of Sarmad Khoosat’s finest works which after Humsafar, Jalpari and Sheher e Zaat that is an achievement in itself. Hopefully A&B productions will muster enough confidence to release it despite its lack of mass appeal. Just like Saadat Hassan Manto himself, this serial /movie may not be understood by everyone but that does not decrease its value or significance.

Jackson Heights

Apart from her contributions to the series “Zindagi Udhas Hai Tu “, another of Pakistan’s great directors , Mehreen Jabbar will be presenting us with a story based on the lives of non-resident Pakistanis in America. Written by Vassey Chaudhry, the serial will be named: Jackson heights after the famous area of New York which is hub for people from the Indo Pak subcontinent. I have high hopes of this project because Vassey knows how to blend the serious, the sublime and the ridiculous in one compelling storyline while Mehreen understands the real lives of expatriates. I am hoping for the wonderful, fresh treatment given to Coke Kahani last year.

Mere  Humdum Mere Dost

Written By Farhat Ishtiaq, who proves herself to be the queen of romance again and again, this serial stars Sanam Jung as the lonely Sajeela  who is befriended by  Haider played by Adnan Siddiqui who is sent by her father to take care of her.  This is the story of a young girl alone in the world and how her friendship with her mentor turns to love.

Qudrat

This Drama stars the always amazing Nadeem Baig , Saba Hameed, Ahsan Khan and Sajal Ali . Can a person really tell the future?  Such ability would probably create more dilemmas than it would resolve. Watch out for this on Ary digital.

Baiman Mohabbat

Again, on Ary Digital. The cast of Saba Qamar , Nauman ejaaz , Agha Ali,Uzma Hussan and Tipu Adnan should be enough to attract the average viewer. This serial seems to be a powerhouse of talented actors and actresses but the cherry on the top has to be the director Kashif Nisar who has amazed us all last year with Ullu baraey Furukht Nahin.

I want to add Ru Baru and  Bunty I Love  You  But they have already started but should be on the watch list .

By Sadaf