BilalWrites

Have you been noticing how our dramas have become regressive and downright irritating? Personally, I think television is releasing the same old repetitive junk. However, a drama serial released in 2010 named "Daam" defied all norms. How? You may ask. It features a simple yet moralistic storyline and developed characters who are going to win your hearts for sure. Directed by Mehreen Jabbar and penned down by Umera Ahmed, I think this drama is a model for drama makers today. People like you and me have no interest in the annoying and archaic "mother-in-law against daughter in law" drama. We wish to see something we can connect with. Am I right? The drama revolves around two friends named Zara and Maliha from entirely different social backgrounds. They are supportive and have each other's back. But conflict arises when Zara falls in love with Maliha's brother. You might be thinking that what is so unique about this plot. It is the same old story about broken he...

 With TED talks on the rise, people are browsing through the internet to find countless videos to get ''motivated''. They yearn to garner the ''burst of  strength'' to finish tasks. Procrastination is a worldwide epidemic and millions hope to find a way out. Consequently, these motivational videos gain millions of views due to many individuals being frustrated and hopeless. Well, I am here to burst your bubble. Motivation is a hoax and you would not accomplish anything if you entirely depend upon it for completing tasks. Being dependent upon emotions to get things done sounds like a very superficial and warped mentality. Realistically, you do not feel ''driven'' or ''pumped up'' all the time and it is unrealistic to expect yourself to be that way. The way these ''motivation gurus'' on the internet portray life to be amalgamation of organized tasks and spontaneous bursts of ''conquering the world...

 ''Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard''-Tim Notke Typically, my mind is conflicted between two sides. I have grown up constantly hearing the phrase ''hard work will make you successful''. This reiterated phrase might have some verity in it but is hard work all you need? Is success entirely dependent on how many sleepless nights and worrisome days you have spent on the given task? What about the people who work day and night to achieve the unachievable but do not get what they desire? On the other hand, some say that it is the inherent capability of an individual is the key to success. They state that there is no need for a person to sweat himself if he is a gifted individual in what he does. Moreover, it is vital that a person does what he is capable of doing and what he is skilled at. I personally disagree with this as a person is required to hustle no matter how inherently skillful he is. Though to some extent, inherent talent is nec...

 ''Contentment prevents one from catching cold'' Ever heard of the phrase ''money cant buy happiness''?. When a phrase becomes ''trendy'', people just imbibe it without understanding its context. First, let us all define happiness first. Happiness is a momentary emotion which is basically a burst of joy. So technically, money CAN buy you happiness since happiness is nothing but a momentary emotion which is often short- lived. Should we be seeking happiness?. Countless individuals exhaust themselves in search for eternal joy. They engross themselves in the pursuit of finding happiness and when they do not attain it, they become frustrated and despondent. Well I am here to burst your bubble. Personally, I perceive happiness to be occasional and circumstantial. It is definitely not something one should stress upon as it is not regular. Toxic positivity will drag you into an endless circle which will be mentally excruciating. It is not necess...

  Since the last three to four months, everyone has been sharing their two cents regarding the Dua Zehra case. I would comment that the case is quite perplexing to say the least, so forgive me if I comment something false or fabricated. However, this discussion is not about the details of this specific case but it is regarding the deep rooted issue of human trafficking and the consequences of it. Though the subject is a huge taboo in our society but it is something which can affect anyone particularly the marginalized and subjugated. Dua Zehra is from a very simple and typical middle-class family who went missing after going downstairs to throw the garbage. Mayhem travelled across the country as Dua's parents appealed to everyone to find their daughter. At last, Dua was found in Lahore and married to a guy. Let me remind you that this girl is only 14 years old. Subsequently, our society did what it does best. You guessed it right, VICTIM BLAMING. Everyone gave their all when it cam...

''We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails''- Dolly Parton Life is an amalgamation of unforeseen events and unpredictable characters. Being a mentally strong person means navigating through all the unpredictable stuff and finding your way out. I know it sounds way easy and effortless than it actually is but I assure it is worth the hustle once you commit to it. Do you really think things are always going to be the way you desired? If no, then what should be the mindset of tackling those issues?. Being adaptable means to adjust yourself in the most strenuous situations. It means to sieve through the most onerous times by accepting your fate. You cannot be adaptable if you are a whiny person who loves to complain about everyone and everything.  Think of it this way. Being adaptable means that  you are invincible. Since you can ace through the most gruesome situation, it means you are mentally strong and mould yourself into unique situations and scenarios.  It...

 ''Fill your life with experiences not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show'' With the rising inflation, people have been aggravated and infuriated to say the least. Moreover, the thought that our nation is in the hands of unprincipled and amoral leaders elevates the hopelessness of our citizens. However, the rise of capitalism has unleashed a wave of  ''brand-consciousness''. Though many people can afford such luxury, others do not possess hard cash and thus struggle to fit in.  Let me state\that there is nothing wrong in wearing or using brands if that is what gives you joy and you can afford it. It is problematic, however, if you pressurize or excruciate yourself into buying things you cannot afford. Ask yourself this question, are the people you are trying to impress supportive or empathetic. If yes, then you do not need to engulf yourself in going an extra mile to impress them as they are already so loving. If no, then you desperately nee...

''Self love is the state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth'' Since the beginning of time, we have been instructed to love, support and be pillars for each other. Although these acts are vital for a harmonious society, I wonder why people thought it was necessary to be self sacrificial. We are not really taught to love ourselves despite all our drawbacks, grievances and frustrations.  How can one be empathetic and supportive towards others when the person has no emotional bond with themselves? How can one reciprocate the feelings of another individual when he has no sense of self worth? All these questions are mind boggling and strenuous to say the least. I would also like to state that the process of self love is not simple and effortless. It takes time and several relapses. However, the journey is worth it despite being mentally excruciating. In the day and age of digital media, we are surr...

Ever since MCU introduced its first ever female Muslim and Pakistani Superhero, brown kids from all over the world felt a wave of pride. For the first time were Muslims acknowledged as capable individuals. However, issues arose when people took note of the one sided and biased representation of Muslims by the western media. They were either shown to be bloodthirsty and vengeful tyrants or timid and suppressed individuals. Many Pakistanis were concerned about Ms. Marvel falling into the same old category. However, all misconceptions were set aside as soon as I watched it. Ms. Marvel does an excellent job in representing Muslims as ordinary yet strong and resilient individuals. The main character, Kamala Khan, is a youthful MCU fan who also happens to be a Pakistani-American teenager. Not only have they showed her to be a practicing Muslim, she is also shown as a headstrong yet laid back teenager willing to get whatever she wants. A person lost in mere fantasies, Kamala aspires to be mor...