How Chai is a must in Pakistani dramas

When was the last time you saw a Pakistani serial and did not notice a cup of steaming tea? It’s always there; when a mother asks for a cup of tea after getting tired of house chores and sometimes a cup of tea is hiding in the nook of the side table while the character is having an existential crisis. There is a glimmer of hope and that’s the positive-tea.

Whether it’s a woman dancing to un-coordinated perfection to promote an ad or a lavish wedding going in a full swing during a movie, tea is the definitive mainstay. As a matter of fact, our industry truly utilizes creative-tea.

1. No proposal is complete until the tea is not offered.

   Advertisement

The tea-trolley culture is a societal phenomenon in our real life. In the same manner, it is also evident in the drama industry as well, where every girl brings a tea trolley to serve to her in-laws. It’s cliché but it’s reali-tea. Moreover, it is often seen that whenever a proposal comes for the girl or the boy, the hosts immediately prepare for tea and serve it before initiating their conversation. The proposal gets approved or not, but tea is a must!

2. It’s always a women’s job to make tea

   Advertisement

‘Chai banana aurat ka kaam hai’  is a notion that is very commonly communicated in our dramas. A male character demanding tea from his wife after a tiring day of work is a cliché scene in every Pakistani drama.

3. Chai vs. Coffee; Rich vs. Poor

   Advertisement

The choice of a beverage sometimes hints towards the class of a family – middle, rich or poor. Most of the time, we see lower and middle-class households consuming chai whereas wealthy families are shown to prefer coffee as if chai is for the poor while coffee is for the rich.

4. Hospitality is only limited to a cup of chai

   Advertisement

Pakistan is famous for its hospitality all around the world. Be it in form of delicious cuisine or flavorful beverages. However, in Pakistani serials, the case is quite different, where only tea is offered and served to un-announced guests and especially those who are unwelcomed.  It’s a cheap, good and reliable fix after all!