An extraordinary drama’s very captivating, powerful Episode 20. A mark of excellence in Sanam’s career, a moment of glory for the entire Dastaan crew- the heartbeat of Razia Butt’s novel.
The object of my review is not to summarize this episode but to shed light on some of the most moving and powerful messages of this episode. Our most confused personality: Hassan… he is appreciative of the fact that Rabia is taking care of Bano, tying to bring a positive change in Bano’s life. He apologizes to her, then tries to cheer her up and then after realizing that Rabia might be taking advantage of Bano, gets upset again. I understand that he thinks that Bano is his responsibility but I am sick and tired of everyone treating her like a sick child needing help. This woman is stronger than all of these “Pakistanis” put together. Stop treating my Bano as if she needs rehabilitation!!! Had Bano not met Hassan after coming Pakistan, I am quite sure her life would have been much more happier by Episode 20. This brings us to the point that the Pakistan that Bano had dreamt and hoped for is not what it has become or ever was. Her vision of Pakistan and its people is naturally that of what anyone at partition thought of Pakistan. Saleem, Faheem, Suraiyya Khala gave up their lives for a better more coherent Pakistan, not the one that has people like Sultana and that man who tries to take advantage of Bano. Bano’s innocence is the reality that thousands of people believed in, in 1947 and years prior to it. Bano is the reflection of Iqbal’s dream and Quaid’s vision. Her hopes are a reality but unfortunately we never let it come to life. L
”Tumhein kya lagta he main akeli hun, main to apnay Pakistan men hun Hassan, yahan har ghar mei Faheem bhai bastay hain ,Saleem bhai bastay hain, yahan pe to har ghar mera ghar he,to phir main sirf tumhari zimedari kuon hun,main to is qoum ki zimedari hun yahan har baap mera baap he har bhai mera bhai yahan pe koi basanta nahin he”.
Bano was the responsibility of all Pakistanis. Yes, she is right. Quaid would second her statement. Before she even leaves Hassan’s home, she is sadly manipulated by Sultana… not surprising but unfortunate. Right after she leaves, her so called Pakistani brother tries to take advantage of her. Bano is not stupid. If anyone of you thinks that she is… reevaluate your thinking. This girl’s entire family died for the creation of a PURE nation. In fact, even Saleem would have not doubted that man’s intentions. That is how much these people trusted their decision to give up everything and die for Pakistan. They honestly believed that Pakistan was the land of the pure… and sadly enough it never was, we have polluted it from Day 1.
Bano cannot seem to get over the fact that Gulam Ahmed, her son is Basanta’s reflection where the reality is that her own brothers and sisters are more ruthless than Basanta. We are out to kill each other at every opportunity we get, to pull the other down, to stop them from success. That is the truth of Pakistan today. Hamara Basanta kya bigharay ga, hum to apnay hi dushman hain!
“Mein to kayee saal tak Ranbeer aur Basatay kay mailay kapray dohtay aye hoon, ye to meray apnon kay kaabray hain, ismein mail kahaan” – shame on us! Shame that Bano’s sacrifices never seem to end and she gives up everything for Pakistan… everything… hum Bano aur Bano jaisi kitni larkiyoon ka khoon choosain gai? Kab tab apnay akhoon pay parda dalay, apni zindagiyoon mein magan zinda rahain gai? Why are we constantly only thinking of what will benefit us and not to our nation or its people? I see this at every level in every aspect of life in Pakistan. I could write pages of how each and every one of us has manipulated Pakistan and its treasures. But really- shame on US!
Rabia’s character has been unsatisfactorily performed by Mehreen. Sorry to say but this character could have been outperformed by Mehreen at several levels but hasn’t been. Firstly, the body language and facial expressions do not correlate with the character itself. There is a lack of emotion and enthusiasm which makes me want think that this role should have been acted by someone else. Rabia’s innocent character, the all giving lover, the helpless friend… it seems that Mehreen’s acting wasn’t able to deliver that to the audience. Sorry HH, I know you will disagree with me on this but Episode 20 hasn’t changed by mind but affirmed my belief that this role in particular could have been much more creatively tackled and improved. The burden of excellence that Fawad and Sanam seem to be carrying on their shoulders since Episode 1 should have been shared by Mahreen but it hasn’t been the case.
Award of extraordinary excellence for Episode 20 goes to Farhan Alam for picturizing the scene where Hassan is praying in he mosque just minutes away from where Bano stands thinking of him. That scene is heartbreaking… itnay kareeb ho kay bhi kitnay door hain… when you love someone let it free… if it comes back to you it was yours, if not, then it was never yours to begin with. Bano came back to you, Hassan, but you lost her again!
Great effort by the entire team to bring us this moving and captivating episode. Fawad Khan has made fans by the thousands with his recent performance, I am humbled by his talent. I would be lying if I were to say that I am looking forward to Episode 21, as I cannot see Bano in any more pain and suffering but it seems that we Pakistanis have lots more torture in stock for my dearest Bano.
Jewairia AkA Desi Girl
