The political relationship between India and Pakistan has been unstable for many years, this is no secret. However, beneath the harsh talkers and yelling television reporters, there is a more nuanced reality. One that's hardly ever discussed openly. India secretly has a lot of affection for Pakistan, despite popular belief.

No, it is just the quiet appreciation that common people have for history, art, music, and cuisine; it is neither romantic idealism nor political betrayal. Here are ten things about India's next-door neighbor that it may never formally acknowledge but secretly adores.

1. Pakistani TV Dramas

When the Zindagi channel started airing shows like Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, and Dastaan in 2014, they quickly gained enormous popularity in India. These dramas resonated because of their powerful narratives and profound emotional depth. In fact, a BBC Urdu report emphasized how Indian viewers valued the shows' realism and restraint, which are frequently absent from their own daily soap operas.

2. Coke Studio Pakistan

The music coming out of Coke Studio Pakistan is in a league of its own. Artists like Atif Aslam, Abida Parveen, and Ali Sethi have huge fan bases across India. Even Indian legends like AR Rahman have praised its creative genius. Some of the bangers of Coke Studio Pakistan in 2024 are Jhol, aayi aayi, Piya Piya, and more.

3. Poetry and Literature

Indian readers, authors, and students are still motivated by Pakistan's literary lights, from Parveen Shakir to Faiz Ahmed Faiz. In particular, Urdu literature acts as a powerful intellectual and emotional link between the two nations. Pakistani poets continue to be taught in universities in Hyderabad, Aligarh, and Delhi.

A friend of mine is now studying at Delhi University. She has completed her Master's in literature. She is very fond of Urdu. She once stated,

The words of Urdu have their own rhythm within themselves. Urdu has its own terms and meanings that people can't describe with their words. I love to read it and I love the poems that have an aesthetic demonstration. For me, Urdu defines love and sadness together in a form of poetry and prose.

4. Food Culture

Let’s just be honest, no biryani, except for Kolkata and Hyderabadi, can quite match the Karachi-style. Lahori chargha, Peshawari kebabs, and that creamy, rich nihari always make Indian's mouths drool. Indian food lovers know the magic of Pakistani street cuisine and the nostalgic taste. YouTube is full of Pakistani food vloggers with fans in Mumbai and Delhi. People often try to make the cuisines at home, but somewhere or the other, people couldn't match the taste of it.

5. Wedding Looks That Steal Hearts

Every Indian bride who has ever spent hours browsing Instagram has likely saved a picture of an outfit designed by a Pakistani designer. The beauty, the flow, the craftsmanship of Maria B., Elan, and Sana Safinaz. Even my sister made her wedding Lehenga inspired by Pinterest. The design was made by a Pakistani fashion designer. I asked her about the lehenga, she excitedly said,

It was inspired by Pinterest. I love the design and the aesthetic of the dress. The embroidery work was done so fine and it made me feel more prettier on my most precious day.

6. Cricketing Rivals, Secret Role Models

Yes, we applaud when India defeats Pakistan. But when a smooth cover drive is played by Babar Azam? We respect it, admit it. A picture of Babar and Virat Kohli cuddling went viral following the 2022 World Cup. NDTV Sports called it “a moment of grace in the middle of a battlefield.” That’s the kind of silent respect cricket still holds.

7. Social Media Stars Who Cross Lines (and Hearts)

Do you remember "Pawri Ho Rahi Hai"? That Dananeer Mobeen clip went viral all over India. Everyone jumped on memes, remixes, and even police campaigns. We adore anything humorous, genuine, or endearing. Nationality has no bearing on that. Even a dance video on a song called "mera dil yeh pukare aaja", where a girl was dancing at a wedding, went viral. People got crazy and started doing the hooked steps, followed by the video.

What This Means

While leaders exchange cold looks and flags glide in rivalry, something much softer stirs in the hearts of people on both sides. It's not too loud. There are no headlines about it. But it is there, in the songs we sing together, the recipes we borrow, and the poetry we utter to ourselves when no one else is around.

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