This episode means a lot to me, not only because it aired on the same day as Pakistan’s 63rd birthday, or because it makes us reflect on our current state in Pakistan and what we doing with the sacrifices made for us but also because today Bilal Khan (one of the cast in Dastaan) passed away. May Allah SWT bless his soul. Ameen.
The climax of the story is here… Episode 8 as expected, starts off with the most highly anticipated scene of this episode- the “last” Hassan/Bano scene. The purity of their relationship, the affection that they feel towards each other and the pain of their separation is made clear by their gestures, body language, tears, dialogues and tone. Everything about this scene is perfect. Kudos to Samira Fazal for bringing this beautiful and touching scene to life. In all reality, the relationship that Bano and Hassan have is so different than the vulgarity and chichorapan that we seen in Pakistani films and dramas today. What they have is what any relationship of this nature should… sharmana, muskurana aur chup chup kay milna.
Every scene is well calculated, the delivery is well timed and the actors have done an brilliant job. There are 2 in particular that have won my heart in Episode 8.
Saleem’s character is a beautiful one- negative initially yet pure. His affection for his wife; be it intolerant at times, yet to have the ability to listen, change and apologise is definitely admirable. We saw a different Saleem in this episode. Despite being such a strong Congress supporter and having the desire to make everything OK, he slowly realizes that everything is not going to get better; he uses his brain before emotions and defends his family and fellow Muslims. He is the man of the house, is in command and I loved it! Ahsan Khan’s portrayal of Razia Butt’s Saleem is perfect- period! He did not turn his eyes away from obvious, he take the challenge head on as seen in the scene with his family as he instructs Faheem to prepare for “battle”. Yet Saleem has a soft side, the one that we see as he talks to Suraiyya Khala, and cries. Ahsan Khan… I salute you! (thanks yaar!)
Mein kis tarha karoon bayaan kay kiye gayee hai sitam yahaan… the bloodshed, the pain, the sacrifice, the horror of seeing your own children die in front of you, your daughters, sisters, mothers, killed and abused… is not something that we as Pakistani’s are unaware of. Haissam Hussain: You have made us think of what this all means to us… your efforts are appreciated and I must congratulate HH and Samira ji for recreating the atmosphere of newly divided India. Truly, I don’t think anyone who watched this episode didn’t have tears in their eyes. Mr H- you have done it- the setting, placement, lighting, costumes, makeup, facial expressions, body language, absolutely everything about Episode 8 was perfect- an absolute masterpiece!
Every scene had power, passion, jasba and had a message to it. Bano and Suraiyya Khala’s feelings and explainations as to what Pakistan would do for women and Muslims in India was remarkable. I felt truly sad when I heard those words from these ladies and thought kay hum kya kar rahai hain in logoon ki qurbani ka?? What was their vision and hopes and what have we done??? HH… we get your message loud and clear. We get it… all of us do!
The second person who deserves a standing ovation is Anita ji… the last scene of Episode 8 was maddening. I am still crying. Ya meray Allah…. THAT was some delivery! Her pain can still be felt in my body. The pain of losing both her daughters yet saying that “Humnay pakistan kay liye jaan denay key liye saath diya tha”! Your passion is what has made Pakistan survive 63 yrs and inshaAllah it will keep going, ab hum sab saath hain!
I have tried really hard to find something to criticize about in this episode, and I couldn’t! Truly the Dastaan cast and crew have yet again delivered a brilliant performance. Hassan, Bano, Suraiyya Khala, Faheem, Anita ji, Bibi, Baji and of course Saleem have out performedbeyond our expectations- and as I have said before, behind any successful actor is a strong,committed director- Haissam Hussain!!! You have waken me up stronger than ever… ab kuch karna hai, kar dikhana hai… the people of Pakistan, wake up, smell the air of independence, love it, appreciate it aur apnay jaan aur maal say is ko badalnay kay liye tayyar ho jao.
Thank you Dastaan team- we love you! This was the best Independence Day gift ever. I will treasure it till the day I die. As a drama, you are #1 (without doubt), but as Pakistanis who have done so much for us to bring us to this realization, you are far beyond that.
Happy Birthday meri jaan… Pakistan Zindabad!
PS. my apologies to those who will find this review too long. I still think I can write pages as no mater what I say or do it will not do justice to Episode 8 or Dastaan.
Jewairia (aka Desigirl)
[youtube FfFKBLt6xlo]
