سیاسی ٹالک شوز اچ پنجابی تھیٹر دا تڑکا

Abstract

Comedy talk shows are one of the most popular genres on Pakistani news networks, in which famous comedians of Punjabi theater are performing. Pakistan Television (PTV) has a history of comedy shows; however, Loose Talk, by Anwar Maqsood, is first comedy show aired on a private television network in June 2002. The formula; an anchor asking some serious questions and a comedian responding to it in a funny way, is picked. "Hasb e Haal", by Aftab Iqbal and Sohail Ahmed became the first show with a Punjabi theatre artist. The acceptability of Sohail Ahmad has opened the path for Khalid Abbas Dar, Amanullah, Iftikhar Thakar, Nasir Chinotti, Agha Majid, Honey Albaila and several others. The high rating of these comedy talk shows reflects the popularity of Punjabi theater. These programs highlight the domestic and international issues in a light-hearted way and try to make the non-political viewers aware of the socio-political issues. In these talk shows, political issues are presented in a hilarious way, and the political parties and their associated political leaders talk in a comical style. This means these talk shows have been decreasing the intensity of some of the serious issues. This research paper analyzes the content of specific segments of these shows and identifies their role in diluting the major issues. These talk shows have also divert the role of a jester and do not allow him to raise his voice on the real issues of the society or the government.