Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Date of Submission

2025-07-15

Advisor

Dr Irfan Muhammad

Committee

Babur Khan Suri

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Hyperreality, Simulation, Gender Roles, Media Representation, Pakistani Dramas, Audience Reception.

Abstract

In an era of constant media proliferation and image bombardment, the line between what is real and what is fake has become increasingly blurred. It is becoming harder to distinguish which aspects of television dramas reflect reality and which are shaping it. This collapse of boundaries has led to what Jean Baudrillard calls hyperreal, a state where the fake does not just mimic reality, it replaces it.

This paper explores how the fictional realities shown in Pakistani dramas are often taken as real by audiences. These representations are internalized and shape how people view the world around them.

Throughout the paper, I use Baudrillard’s theory of simulation, simulacra, and hyperreality as the central analytical framework. Using this lens, I analyze dramas specifically Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Mere Pass Tum Ho, arguing that these shows present a curated, distorted version of reality. Beneath a façade of gender empowerment and emotional complexity, they often reinforce problematic narratives.

This study is based on content analysis of these dramas, along with a review of secondary literature. It encourages viewers to approach such media critically, not as mirrors of real life but as carefully constructed fiction that should not dictate how we see ourselves or others.

Pages

50

Download

The full text of this document is only accessible to authorized users.

Share

COinS