Pakistani television dramas have always reflected the cultural, emotional, and social realities of everyday life in the country. Continuing that rich legacy, ARY Digital introduced Shikwa in 2025—a family drama filled with love, betrayal, sacrifices, and emotional confrontations. With its gripping storyline, intense emotional scenes, and star-studded cast, Shikwa has quickly become a viewer favorite.
Where most dramas rely on surface-level romance or action, Shikwa offers something deeper: a painful, emotional journey that feels personal to anyone who has experienced heartbreak, betrayal, or family complications.
Drama Details
-
Drama Name: Shikwa
-
Channel: ARY Digital
-
Production House: iDream Entertainment
-
Producer: Abdullah Seja
-
Writer: Nadia Ahmed
-
Director: Muhammad Danish Behlim
-
Genre: Romantic Family Drama
-
Air Days & Timing: Monday to Friday at 9:00 PM (PKT)
The Stellar Cast
What makes Shikwa stand apart from other serials is its ensemble cast of seasoned actors and rising stars, all of whom deliver powerful, heartfelt performances:
Main Cast:
-
Sami Khan as Zaroon
A deeply family-oriented man with strong values, Zaroon’s life is turned upside down when love, responsibility, and betrayal collide. Sami Khan has once again delivered a compelling performance, adding emotional depth to every scene. -
Maria Malik as Sania
Sania is portrayed as a woman carrying the scars of a broken home. She enters marriage hopeful for love and companionship but is soon faced with harsh realities. Maria Malik’s delicate portrayal of vulnerability mixed with strength has won viewers’ hearts. -
Yashma Gill as Kiran
Kiran is beautiful, ambitious, and manipulative. Her hidden motives and calculated moves threaten everything Zaroon and Sania are trying to build. Yashma brings the perfect balance of charm and danger to the role. -
Asim Mehmood as Faseeh
Faseeh’s character is a clear example of how external manipulation can destroy even the purest relationships. Asim Mehmood makes this negative character so convincing that audiences love to hate him.
Veteran Supporting Cast:
The drama also features legendary actors including Javed Sheikh, Atiqa Odho, Usman Peerzada, Seemi Pasha, Nida Mumtaz, Saife Hasan, Salma Zafar, and many others, each adding class and weight to the drama.
The Storyline – What Is “Shikwa” About?
Shikwa tells the deeply emotional story of a young couple caught between their love for each other and the harsh realities of life. The drama explores how secrets from the past, family pressure, and hidden enemies can break even the strongest relationships.
Plot Highlights:
-
Zaroon and Sania’s arranged marriage begins with love but is soon surrounded by jealousy and manipulation.
-
Kiran, with her selfish ambitions, works to destroy their peace for her personal gain.
-
Faseeh’s cunning moves put Zaroon in situations that test his patience, love, and sense of justice.
-
Family interference plays a major role in complicating Zaroon and Sania’s married life.
-
The meaning of “Shikwa” (complaint) is perfectly reflected in Sania’s emotional journey, as she begins to question her fate, her relationships, and her own strength.
The OST & Music
The title track “Shikwa”, sung by Ahmed Jahanzeb and Natasha Baig, is soulful and emotional. It captures the very heart of the drama’s theme—pain, longing, and unanswered prayers. The OST has been widely praised for adding emotional power to dramatic moments, making it one of ARY Digital’s most memorable soundtracks in 2025.
Audience Reaction – Social Media Buzz
Since its first episode, Shikwa has been trending on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Clips of emotional dialogues and intense confrontations have been widely shared.
-
“Sami Khan’s acting gives me goosebumps every time. He makes Zaroon feel real.”
-
“Maria Malik deserves awards for this role. Sania’s pain feels like our pain.”
-
“Yashma Gill is slaying the role of Kiran. Love to hate her!”
-
“ARY Digital is winning with Shikwa—finally a drama that’s not just about love but about real family problems.”
TikTok users, especially, have created emotional edits of Sania’s breakdowns and Zaroon’s helplessness, while Instagram fan pages are constantly updating character edits, BTS pictures, and teaser breakdowns.
Themes & Social Messages
-
Love vs. Betrayal – Even the purest love can be destroyed by jealousy, lies, and manipulation.
-
Broken Homes – The pain of growing up in a fractured family never truly leaves a person.
-
Second Chances – Can broken trust ever be repaired? The drama constantly plays with this question.
-
Women’s Strength – Despite betrayal and heartbreak, Sania stands tall, showing the resilience of Pakistani women.
-
Family Interference – Often, it’s not strangers but one’s own family who break marriages.
What to Expect Next?
As the episodes continue, audiences can expect:
-
Explosive confrontations between Zaroon, Sania, and Kiran.
-
Major secrets to be revealed that will change the course of the story.
-
Character growth—especially for Sania, who will rise from victim to survivor.
-
Possible redemption arcs for some characters—but not without sacrifice.
ARY Digital has promised that Shikwa will deliver unexpected twists and an ending that will leave a lasting emotional impact.
Final Verdict – Why You Should Watch Shikwa
If you’re tired of repetitive storylines and are searching for a Pakistani drama with emotional intensity, meaningful performances, and strong social messages, Shikwa is the drama to follow in 2025.
It’s a modern story with traditional heart, offering romance, betrayal, family feuds, and powerful acting all in one package.
