Fazila Qazi gives visibility to the fast-growing “heroine syndrome” among brides of today!
At a time when television drama shapes psyche and social etiquette, the inimitable Fazila Qazi asks just the right question: is the bride of today losing her identity to a screen fantasy? Her candid remarks during Nida Yasir Good Morning Pakistan have triggered a debate on how marriages today are increasingly dwarfed by flawless, celluloid images of perfection.
The Rise of the ‘Heroine Syndrome’
Qazi says more brides consider their wedding day not as a milestone but as a stage to play the role of a perfect “drama heroine”. And all this is instigated by glamorous wedding depictions in popular dramas, which feed into inflated expectations and mounting pressure.
She claims that media has created an environment where young women feel compelled to look, act, and celebrate just like the perfect characters portrayed on screen. These are characters designed for entertainment, living in a world where every moment is perfect-an illusion far from realistic.
Fantasy vs. Real Life: The Dangerous Disconnect
Dramas show a perfected, exaggerated version of life: very lavish weddings, very emotional moments, very expensive outfits, and spotless makeovers. Qazi emphasizes that this display lacks actual representation of real situations, which easily lures a bride into living in a fantasy world.
It automatically makes a bride feel compelled to look a certain way, carry a particular attitude, and orchestrate a wedding that appears Instagram-perfect in every single detail. This is not all; the pressure does not remain confined to the bride herself, as there are families weighed down by expectations they never asked for nor can easily meet.
The Heavy Cost of Unnecessary Rituals He says it is the obsession with being the “perfect bride” that has driven extravagant rituals, unnecessary traditions, and over-the-top planning. A simple, heartfelt celebration is turning into a highly choreographed production. This shift overshadows the real essence of the wedding: two souls, two families coming together. Misunderstandings and disputes over these unrealistic expectations from guests create rifts that sometimes may prevail long after the guests have gone. Losing the Purpose Behind the Celebration Weddings in South Asian culture are a deeply emotional, spiritual, and familial affair. Yet, it would appear that brides today are most concerned about how the day will look rather than its inherent meaning. Phrases like “It’s my day and I want it perfect” become increasingly common; Qazi believes this shift moves the celebration away from its true purpose. She implores brides and families to change priorities-to focus more on real moments than on some contrived ideal of perfection. Simplicity, sincerity, and emotional connection, she maintains, will always win out over fancy accessories or viral shots. A Call for Cultural Reset Qazi’s strong words remind us that true happiness does not come from pretending to be your favorite heroine; it comes from authenticity, it comes from caring, and it is from imperfections that make moments more memorable. As media continues to influence society, her message does call for one to stop, reflect, and go back to the true meaning of marriage: a celebration of togetherness, not of spectacle.
