One billion views on YouTube: Pakistani drama ‘Sanwal Yaar Piya’ excites audiences

Staff Report: PNN

The Pakistani television drama ‘Sanwal Yaar Piya’ has been generating extensive discussion on social media. Its story, production style, and acting have already established a distinct place among viewers. Particularly, actress Durefishan Saleem’s performance as the character Piya adds a unique dimension to the drama.

The show premiered on Geo TV on September 15 last year. Alongside television broadcast, the series has made a significant impact on YouTube. In 2026, it became the first Pakistani drama to surpass one billion views on YouTube. The series has 33 episodes so far, broadcast on the channel ‘Har Pal Geo,’ achieving this massive viewership.

Directed by Danish Nawaz, the central roles feature Durefishan Saleem along with Feroz Khan and Ahmed Ali Akbar, whose performances are receiving equal praise from viewers.

The plot revolves around a love triangle, written by Hashim Nadim Khan, involving three young characters: Aliya, Piya, and Sanwal, exploring their emotions, love, and conflicts. The character of Piya is particularly mysterious, as the story takes unexpected turns amidst romantic tensions. The drama’s cinematic presentation includes tension, violence, and dramatic conflicts.

It has gained popularity beyond Pakistan, including in Bangladesh and India. Social media discussions among viewers continue regularly. One viewer commented that the tasteful story and strong performances make the drama easily captivating. Another noted that the three main characters did not just act, but brought emotions to life on screen.

Audience reactions indicate that ‘Sanwal Yaar Piya’ is not just a successful drama, but could become a symbol of emotion over time. This drama also marks a significant milestone in Durefishan Saleem’s career, as evidenced by its popularity.