Disclaimer: The following list of inspiring and empowered female leads is based mainly on my personal views, out of dramas I watch myself or follow through recaps/previews. Readers are free to disagree and to add their own choice of characters to this list.
Number Five: Aiman (played by Sana Askari) in Khushbu Ka Ghar
I know this is a controversial one as Aiman in the most outspoken out of the four siblings. However, after watching her three siblings being downtrodden by their respective guardians, I actually feel quite satisfied that she can stand up for herself and she certainly isn’t afraid to admonish her relatives. She is keen to unite her siblings as well. Thumbs up, lady, though I do hope you learn from your mistakes too.
Number Four: Kiran (played by Sanam Baloch) in Kuch Pyar Ka Pagalpan
She would have been the number one on this list but I was rather put off by her friendly attitude to Mujtaba after she saw the flashy car and realized he has a rich uncle. Overall, she works hard, tries to support her (ungrateful) family and is apparently the only one whom her father can trust to be the cashier at the family grocery store. And she doesn’t put up with nonsense most of the time. Go girl!
Number Three: Zara (played by Sanam Baloch) in Daam
As Daam is on air these days, Zara is worthy of being on this list. She goes through difficult circumstances, is betrayed by her best friend, and has to sacrifice the love of her life. But she doesn’t spend too much time crying. She goes abroad, becomes a heart surgeon and then ultimately, chooses dignity over love. And she does find true happiness in the end. A true role model, indeed.
Number Two: Khirad (played by Mahira Khan) in Humsafar
Khirad, again, is a true role model. She has to get married as her mother is terminally ill. Her married life starts on a shaky note with her husband’s best friend in the picture. But again, does she mope? No. She learns to accept and love her husband; she wins over him eventually. Then she voices her desire to continue her studies and takes admission in Masters. She is definitely an empowered character and will remain so throughout the serial.
Number One: Asghari (played by Humaima Malik) in Akbari Asghari
I was hard-pressed to choose Asghari or Khirad as number one and in the end, I decided on Asghari. This is because she takes a momentous step and decides to marry someone simply because she wanted to help her sister. She is not afraid to express her opinions even if they go against centuries-old village-based traditions. She is frank, but not rude. She is outspoken but not hypocritical. She daringly decides to expose a peer and succeeds in doing so. So Asghari is my choice of number one GO-GIRL lead.
Written by HA
To the Readers: If you would like to see more of such lists, please indicate in the comments what they should be based on. Thank you!
