Indian influencer says Pakistani dramas and music are 'unmatched'

Varun Dhawan has sparked conversation online after openly praising Pakistani dramas and music, calling them unmatched in quality and appeal.

Taking to Instagram, Dhawan shared a lighthearted video showing his daughters casually using Urdu phrases in conversation. “When your kids watch too much Pakistani dramas,” he wrote, pointing to how deeply the content has found its way into everyday life across the border.

He doubled down on the appreciation in a comment under a Pakistani media post, stating, “There is nothing better than Pakistani dramas and Music,” a remark that quickly resonated with audiences on both sides.

The reaction reflects a long-standing reality: Pakistani dramas have built a loyal following in India over the years. Shows like Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Mere Humsafar and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum have consistently drawn large audiences, often trending across digital platforms.

The impact was significant enough for India to launch the Zindagi channel in 2014, dedicated entirely to Pakistani programming, before it later shifted to a digital format.

Despite political tensions and restrictions on Pakistani content in India following last year’s conflict, viewership hasn’t disappeared. Many users continue to access dramas through alternative means, underlining the demand that still exists.

Music tells a similar story. Artists like Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan have long enjoyed massive popularity in India, while newer acts are steadily building cross-border audiences.

Dhawan’s comments, while casual, highlight a larger cultural truth — that storytelling and music continue to travel where politics often cannot.