Noor-us-Sabah
Zard Patton Ka Bunn, a compelling drama aired on Hum TV, highlighted the severe lack of medical facilities in Pakistan’s rural areas. Directed by Saife Hassan and penned by Mustafa Afridi, the series struck a chord with audiences through its powerful storytelling. With stellar performances by Sajal Aly and Hamza Sohail, the drama became a massive hit — not just in Pakistan but also across the border in India.
However, the current political climate has complicated media exchanges between the two nations. Following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, India launched a banning spree targeting Pakistani entertainment content. Several Pakistani drama channels and celebrity Instagram accounts have been restricted or blocked in India. The move sparked criticism, especially since these bans came without thorough investigations and seemingly aimed to blame Pakistan outright.
Despite the restrictions, Pakistan’s creative influence appears undiminished. An upcoming Indian web series titled Gram Chikitsalay recently released its trailer, drawing instant comparisons to Zard Patton Ka Bunn. Viewers quickly noticed striking similarities in both storyline and presentation.
Social media users didn’t hold back. One netizen remarked, “They banned Pakistani dramas, and now they’ll air poor copies instead.” Another joked, “They even cast a Hamza Sohail lookalike!” Comments like “Copywood at it again” echoed across platforms, pointing out the irony of banning original Pakistani content while allegedly borrowing heavily from it.
The controversy has reignited discussions about originality and creative integrity in South Asian entertainment. While official statements from the makers of Gram Chikitsalay are yet to be released, the resemblance hasn’t gone unnoticed.
This incident serves as a reminder that talent and stories can transcend borders — but copying without credit invites criticism rather than appreciation.
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