“The Representation of Mental Health in South Asian Dramas: Moving Beyond Stigma and Towards Healing”
South Asian cultures have long been rooted in traditions that discourage open discussions about mental health. This cultural silence, particularly around womenâs mental health, has led to a deep stigma that prevents many individuals from seeking help or even acknowledging their struggles. However, in recent years, OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and regional platforms such as ZEE5 and Hum TV have begun to reflect a shift in the portrayal of mental health in South Asian dramas.
While some series still portray mental health issues as a joke or as a trivial subplot, others are tackling these topics more seriously, moving beyond the stereotypical depictions and shedding light on the complexities of mental health struggles. This blog explores how South Asian OTT seriesâboth Pakistani and Indianâare grappling with mental health issues, and how their portrayals either contribute to or challenge the existing stigma.
1. Mental Health as a Joke: The Problematic Tropes
In some South Asian dramas, mental health is still presented in a trivialized or comedic manner, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and minimizing the seriousness of mental health struggles. For instance, in some Pakistani and Indian shows, characters experiencing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma are often used as comedic devices. Their mental health issues are exaggerated for humor or reduced to quirky behaviors, reinforcing the stigma that mental health struggles are not to be taken seriously.
One such example is the Indian web series Panchayat (2020). While the series is primarily a comedy, there are instances where certain characters are depicted as having mental health struggles that are brushed off for laughs. This type of portrayal, while not overtly harmful, subtly undermines the gravity of mental health issues by reducing them to humor rather than addressing them with depth or compassion.
Similarly, in the Pakistani drama Mera Saeein (2010), the character of Sultana, who faces emotional and psychological turmoil due to personal loss and betrayal, is often made the subject of ridicule. Her mental distress is trivialized, and her suffering is not given the seriousness it deserves. Such portrayals create a disservice to the audience, discouraging meaningful conversations about mental health.
2. Shifting Towards Seriousness: Indian Dramas and Mental Health
In recent years, Indian OTT dramas have increasingly taken mental health more seriously, providing a platform for authentic and empathetic storytelling. One notable example is the critically acclaimed Made in Heaven (2019), an Amazon Prime Video series that delves into the lives of two wedding planners in Delhi. The character of Tara Khanna, portrayed by Shobita Dhulipala, is a prime example of a woman struggling with the psychological toll of societal expectations. Tara’s character arc addresses issues like self-worth, depression, and the societal pressures women face, presenting them not as jokes but as serious struggles.
Similarly, the Netflix series Delhi Crime (2019) touches on the trauma experienced by its characters, including the police officers involved in the investigation of the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. While the show doesnât explicitly focus on mental health, it presents the emotional toll such traumatic events take on the characters, highlighting the importance of acknowledging mental health concerns, especially in high-pressure professions.
Another important example is The Mindy Project (2012-2017), which, although an American show, portrays South Asian character Mindy Lahiriâs struggles with anxiety and self-esteem issues. Although set in the U.S., Mindy’s character provides South Asian viewers with a relatable representation of a woman who openly grapples with mental health issues while navigating cultural expectations, relationships, and career goals.
3. Pakistani Dramas and Mental Health: A More Serious Approach
Pakistani dramas have been relatively more cautious in handling mental health topics, but there has been progress in recent years. Shows like Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay (2021), which stars Mahira Khan as a young woman battling personal and family-related trauma, tackle themes of depression, isolation, and the societal judgment of mental health issues. Although the show doesn’t delve deeply into the psychology of its main character, it does raise awareness about the emotional toll that societal expectations and family dynamics can have on mental health.
A powerful and more explicit exploration of mental health can be seen in Mera Saaein 2 (2011), where the character of Sultana faces a mental breakdown as a result of domestic abuse and psychological manipulation. While her breakdown is depicted as part of the plot, the series doesnât treat it as a joke; instead, it shows the emotional complexity behind her characterâs suffering. This portrayal allows the audience to reflect on the damaging effects of mental abuse and mental health struggles within the South Asian context.
4. South Asian Characters Breaking the Silence:
Several South Asian characters from OTT series have been depicted as actively confronting their mental health issues, breaking the silence around mental health, and seeking help. One of the most notable examples comes from Little Things (2016-2019), an Indian series on Netflix. The character of Kavya, played by Dhruv Sehgal, experiences anxiety and emotional turmoil in her relationship, making it an important portrayal of mental health challenges within the context of romantic relationships.
In Pakistan, the drama Dil Ruba (2020) takes a bold approach by addressing the impact of emotional abuse and mental distress on women. The lead character, portrayed by Saniya Shamshad, deals with depression after experiencing love and heartbreak, and the series touches upon the emotional toll of toxic relationships on mental health.
Additionally, Churails (2020), a Pakistani web series on ZEE5, also highlights the mental health struggles of women in an oppressive society. The characters in Churails are shown confronting their emotional wounds while trying to break free from societal limitations, making it one of the few Pakistani dramas to explore mental health issues from a progressive and empowering lens.
5. Moving Beyond the Stigma: The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions
OTT platforms and South Asian dramas have a unique opportunity to move beyond stereotypes and showcase authentic mental health struggles. By addressing these issues with the seriousness and sensitivity they deserve, filmmakers can help break the stigma surrounding mental health in South Asian communities. These platforms can normalize conversations about mental health, showing viewers that itâs okay to ask for help and that healing is possible.
As OTT platforms continue to grow in popularity, South Asian dramas have the potential to become more inclusive and realistic in their portrayals of womenâs mental health, moving from trivializing or stereotyping these struggles to offering nuanced and empowering representations. These stories can inspire audiences to view mental health not as a taboo subject, but as an integral part of overall well-being.
Conclusion:
The portrayal of mental health in South Asian dramas is at a crossroads. While some shows still reduce mental health struggles to jokes or melodrama, others are beginning to move towards serious and thoughtful representations. By continuing to evolve and embrace a more sensitive approach, South Asian OTT series can become a catalyst for change, helping to break the stigma around mental health and encouraging healing within communities. As more South Asian characters openly grapple with their mental health struggles and seek help, the conversation about mental health will continue to shift from silence to understanding and empowerment.