Mr. Weeda!! What a disaster you’ve created! First, you betrayed Sanjha’s trust, singlehandedly destroying her one chance to reunite with her sister. And, later, adding to the mess, your angry young hero type argument with Mumtaz pretty much put an end to Sanjha’s chances at ever getting out of this situation unscathed. After ensuring that the police raid was unsuccessful, why couldn’t you just leave well enough alone? Did you think that Mumtaz would let you get away with threatening her? Didn’t you realize that she would go to any length to show you down? Aargh! God save us all from such self-centered and quick-tempered lovers!!
Such was the emotional high on which this latest episode of Sanjha opened. Weeda’s blind passion for Sanjha and his hot-headedness were beautifully juxtaposed against Mumtaz’s fury and injured pride. Imran Aslam and Resham were both superb in the confrontation scene. Matching their emotional intensity was Suhaee Abro – heartbreakingly vulnerable as Sanjha, as she uncomprehendingly turned to confront a now repentant Weeda, first unbelieving and later furious about the missed opportunity to be with Naseem.
On the other end, the Seth, Nauman Ejaz, who has now bought Sanjha, further complicated Sanjha’s life by bringing his vindictive wife, Ayesha Alam, in to the picture. Though used to seeing her husband casually consort with girls, she is not happy to see her husband so smitten by this young dancer. Sounding ominously grave Ayesha Alam orders her servant to get rid of Sanjha. Whether the servant carries out his mistress’ order remains to be seen. Unfolding simultaneously is the drama of yet another police raid, this time at Mumtaz’s kothi-khana. Sanjha’s already gone, but what happens if and when Mumtaz confronts Naseem remains to be seen.
A couple of minor issues, but given the attention to detail, puzzling: Why doesn’t Naseem/Sara change her clothes – surely Shabana would have lent her an outfit or two by now? Also, could somebody please explain the reason for Naseem’s seemingly random name change?
With the number of characters entering and exiting in almost every episode there is always the potential for the viewer to get lost, but the way the narrative unfolds on screen, every character has its well-defined place, and all have their moment to shine. While the story itself is a complex one, delving in to many social issues and hinting at several others, it is simply told. The dialogues are meaningful but not preachy. Samiraji deserves a round of applause for her writing. Director Farooq Rind continues to shine. He has maintained his hold on the narrative; nothing seemed hurried, yet the pacing of the story remains brisk. Twists and turns unfold at regular intervals keeping viewers hooked. Looking forward to the next episode in Sanjha’s life.…
