Parwarish director calls for open conversations between parents and children

Director of the Parwarish drama Syed Meesam Naqvi, opened up about the challenges he faced in portraying a bold and sensitive storyline on screen. Speaking during a recent podcast, Naqvi said that while society may find such topics uncomfortable, it’s essential to acknowledge that the younger generation is changing, and parents must adapt with it.

He emphasised that parents should build trust through open communication with their children rather than resorting to excessive strictness.

“Talking about relationships is still considered taboo,” Naqvi said. “We refuse to accept that kids as young as 15 or 16 are having affairs. I’m not saying whether it’s right or wrong, I’m just saying it’s happening, and we’re in denial.”

Naqvi pointed out that many parents remain unaware of what their children do outside the home, or what they’re exposed to online and on social media platforms. This lack of communication, he said, forces children to hide things from their parents, often out of fear.

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“If we at least acknowledge that this is happening, then we can discuss whether it’s right or wrong. And if it's wrong, we can guide them instead of pushing them away.”

Naqvi said that through Parwarish, he aimed to depict the reality many families face when dealing with teenage relationships.

He highlighted how parental strictness often backfires, leading some children ‘to run away, rebel, fall into the wrong crowd, or in worst cases, commit suicide.’ He also spoke about how in extreme cases, such ‘strict behavior can even lead to honour killings.’

He urged parents “to soften their approach where necessary and foster an environment where children can share personal matters without fear.”

“If your child is in a relationship, wouldn’t you rather they come to you for guidance than hide it completely?” he asked.

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Naqvi also criticised how many parents fail to even discuss basic topics like consent or the concept of good and bad touch, leaving children uninformed and vulnerable.

Addressing the controversy around his show, he admitted that he feared backlash for bringing such themes to television, and “indeed, some viewers were offended.”

However, he believes that sparking these difficult conversations is the only way to challenge societal norms and encourage healthier parent-child relationships.