KARACHI: A leading Pakistani actor, Maria Wasti, has described child marriage as “the highest form of abuse,” as her drama serial, “Mayi Ri,” prepares to release, aiming to highlight the issue and raise awareness about its disastrous consequences.
The practice has long remained prevalent in Pakistan, which, according to UNICEF, is home to about 19 million child brides. Statistics compiled by the UN agency reveal that one in six young women in the country is married during her childhood days.
“Child marriage is the highest form of abuse that prevails in our society,” Wasti told Arab News during a recent conversation. “We brush it under the carpet, but we know it is taking away someone’s right to live. It is a way of controlling someone which is very inhuman.”
The undated picture shows a scene from the set of Pakistani drama 'Mayi Ri' being filmed in Karachi, Pakistan. (Photo courtesy: Maria Wasti)
The new drama serial revolves around a household with two brothers, Zaheer and Habib, along with their families. Ailing Zaheer’s final wish is to see his daughter, Ainee, married, and he insists on marrying her off to her brother’s son, Fakhir. The drama unfolds as this decision dramatically changes the lives of both families.
Wasti portrays Hareem-e-Samina, a victim of child marriage herself in the play, who is compelled to accept her circumstances. She will appear on the screen as Fakhir’s mother who is forced to marry her cousin at a young age.
Wasti emphasized the importance of the topic and expressed her satisfaction with production houses and channels working on such meaningful subjects.
“It will at least leave something for the viewer to ponder on and may prevent them from [following the practice],” she added.
Wasti pointed out that there are laws in Pakistan to prevent child marriages but expressed her disappointment over their inadequate implementation.
Samar Jafri, who portrays Fakhir, shared his satisfaction in confronting a social practice that has devastated many lives in the country.
The undated picture shows actors Aina Asif and Samar Jafri posing for a picture on the sets of Pakistani Drama 'Mayi Ri' in Karachi last month. (Photo courtesy: Samar Jafri)
“Marriage is a very beautiful relationship but at the right age,” he said. “Child marriage puts an end to childhood.”
“Mayi Ri” will mark Jafri’s debut in a drama serial in the lead role. In the past, he has been a part of Anwar Maqsood’s theater plays, like “Pawney 14 August” and “Sawa 14 August,” along with short films, telefilms, and over 50 television commercials.
He is also a musician who writes, sings and performs songs.
“It is extremely important to highlight such themes on television because people look up to actors,” he added. “If it is a good message, it will give food for thought to the audience.”
Produced under the banner of Big Bang Entertainment, the director of the play, Syed Meesam Naqvi, said “Mayi Ri” was based on a real-life incident and highlighted several other themes in addition to child marriage.
“The drama is not just about child marriage,” he said. “We have tried to put forth a big issue in a simple manner to make it easier for the audience to digest. It revolves around an ordinary home where people have plenty of other issues too.”
However, Naqvi pointed out that child marriages were as prevalent in urban areas as in rural settings, adding this was one major aspect the drama wanted to highlight.
“It’s not just about girl but also the story of the boy who is married at a young age,” he continued. “His career is also at stake. Child marriage leads to several issues, including medical problems, psychological challenges, and educational issues. Our focus is on education.”
