2013 was not quite the bumper year 2012 was. It wasn’t that there were not any good dramas, there were, but that level of consistent quality that a drama needs to maintain in order to be memorable seemed lacking. With no clear cut blockbuster serials a curious thing happened: we noticed quite a few smaller serials blooming in the wide open spaces left behind.Though sometimes low on budget most of these dramas were high on quality, proving that funding needs not be a limiting factor. Serials such as Talkhiyan and AunnZara managed to punch above their weight by sticking to the basics: a good script, focused direction and actors who take their work seriously, not forgetting a DOP who can make a ruin look like a palace and editors who are not afraid to actually do their job.
The viewer’s choice polls were conducted at www.dramapakistani.net and gave out some surprising results reflecting the lack of consistency in many of the dramas seen this year. Though many of us were expecting HumTv’s magnum opus Zindagi Gulzar Hai to steal all the honours, the viewing public proved that it is more thinking and appreciative of quality than is often assumed.
The reviewer’s choice awards are the culmination of a year of analysis and discussion, not only of dramas being reviewed on our site but every drama we found worth watching. The reviewers choice is about highlighting excellence where ever we find it simply because in the end we are nothing if not fans.At Dramapakistani we take our dramas seriously and by extension we hope you do to. We hope this end of year Mega review gives some feedback to both the viewers and the makers of Pakistani dramas and plays some small part in decoding that seemingly great Mystery “what makes a good drama?”
BEST DRAMA SERIAL
People’s Choice: REHAII
This came as a complete surprise to us not because it wasn’t a good drama but because it was a very difficult subject based on the harsh realities of child marriage and the very real lack of control a lot of women in Pakistani society have in their lives. Congratulations to the director Mehreen Jabbar who managed to tread the very narrow line between depicting the cruel reality of the situation while keeping any crudeness at bay. Needless to say she did not please everyone but as I said it was a difficult subject. The other highlights of this serial had to be the writer Farhat Ishtiaq’s wonderful happy ending , Samina Peerzada and Maria Wasti’s magical performances but most of all Nauman Ejaz who keeps proving what a fabulous actor he is to us lesser mortals.
Reviewer’s Choice : AUNN-ZARA KANKAR TALKHIYAAN
There was an even three-way split between our reviewers and the vote which should have been the deciding factor went all on its own to Aik Naeey Cinderella.
AUNNZARA Because it had the perfect blend of comedy and emotional depth in the story .Beautifully directed by one of the industry’s best directors Haissem Hussain, well written and well-acted: it was one of the highlights of this year-Sadaf
KANKAR Because Kankar did something that a lot of other dramas failed to do. It brought the discussion of domestic violence to our living rooms. The writing was one Umera’s best. Yes it was repetitive but many many dialogues were memorable and all characters were balanced and yes a very powerful and purposeful heroine. If we look at all the scenes and dialogues we remember, they are mostly coming from Kankar- Maria K
Talkhiyaan Deserves the award more than any other play for a very different and intriguing story line, amazing performances, superb direction and most of all for keeping me hooked right till the end.-Fatima
BEST DIRECTOR
People’s Choice: Kashif Nissar for Ullu Baray Farokht Nahin
No surprise here, Kashif Nisar did complete justice to Amna Mufti’s complex and deeply nuanced script: like an invisible guide he lead the viewer through a maze of characters and storylines without once losing his focus on the main narrative. There were no lavish sets or amazing locations but he managed to keep the melodrama intriguing and compelling.
Reviewer’s Choice: KHALID AHMED for Talkhiyaan MEHREEN JABBAR for Coke Kahani
MEHREEN JABBAR Because in Coke Kahani she made the word refreshing seem inadequate to describe the wonderful , modern styling and ambiance of this light and breezy drama.She brought out the best in each and every actor and the framing was fantastic!-Sheeba
Khalid Ahmed Because he has such a strong directorial presence with the ability to evoke amazing performances from the entire cast. A special shout out to the stars of the show- Sagar and Sabina-who gave childlike yet mesmerizing performances. Any director who can work that well with children deserves applause-A Musing Muslim
BEST WRITER
People’s Choice:FAIZA IFTIKHAR for AunnZara
Again, no surprises here: Faiza Iftikhar wrote a serial with heart and soul, of everyday people who laugh and cry, who do something foolish and selfish one minute but manage to redeem themselves the next, with an act of kindness or love.Faiza has again proven herself to be a master storyteller weaving several story lines into a compelling narrative which showcased the talents of a fantastic cast, DOP and director. The one liners alone made the entire serial worth watching.
Reviewer’s Choice: BEE GUL for Talkhiyaan FAIZA IFTIKHAR for AunnZara
BEE GUL has reworked the book “the God of Small Things” in a really poetic way that still is a nod to the original without being a ‘middlebrow washout’. An excellent adaptation barring a few false notes, it was really a great piece of work. – A Musing Muslim
FAIZA IFTIKHAR for this perfect blend of pathos , humour and just the right amount of romance –Sadaf
BEST ACTOR
People’s Choice : FAHAD MUSTAFA for Kankar
After a slightly shaky start FAHAD MUSTAPHA managed to give a strong performance as Sikander, Kiran’s abusive husband in Kankar. He brought such nuance and depth to a character who should have been an out and out villain, we should have hated him but in the end we pitied him.Despite his confusion at Kiran’s reaction to his abuse and his total failure to take responsibility for his actions, we could feel his pain at losing her. There were some of us who should know better that were hoping he would somehow reform and they would reunite. So Yaay ! Welcome back to the actor who wowed us in Mein Abdul Qadir Hoon and Mastan Mahi!.
Reviewer’s Choice :NAUMAN EJAZ for UBFN
NAUMAN EJAZ was his usual amazing self this year, we say UBFN but it could have been for Kami Reh Gaeey or Rehaii or Bari Appa .The man is a powerhouse of talent and screen presence….. we are in awe. His portrayal of the strangely twisted Mian Ghulam Farid had us glued to the screens, evil except when he was good ;cruel except when he was oddly kind and if not admirable at least understandable. Such a subtly shaded performance is a rare event and deserves every accolade –Sadaf
BEST ACTRESS
People’s Choice :SABA QAMAR
Reviewer’s Choice: SABA QAMAR
SABA QAMAR Because Gul e Rana was no ordinary mazloom aurat married to a bad man. At times she gave as good as she got and at others she seemed strangely vulnerable. She wanted Ghulam Farid’s attention but soon realized her lot in life was only one degree higher than his kept women. She was disgusted with her in laws ‘immorality’ but didn’t hesitate to help her husband cheat his sisters out of their inheritance.
She was a good match for Ghulam Farid, in her own way she was just as ruthless and hard. A simply brilliant portrayal by a brilliant actress: Saba Qamar, one of the best actresses in the industry and the most versatile. Whether she is playing a woman stuck in a feudal hierarchy or a socialite in urban Karachi she does each role complete justice.-Sadaf
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
People’s Choice :FAIZAN KHAWAJA
Faizan Khawaja played the simple but sweet and sensible type of guy every girl should meet. He delivered a memorable performance as Roman who despite the presence of a handsome ‘prince’ manages to win the heroine’s heart because he is kinder, nicer and generally a better character. Despite this being a relative newcomer he seemed he gave a fantastic performance that won a lot of girl’s hearts.
Reviewer’s choice : MUKARRAM KALEEM for AunnZara
MUKARRAM KALEEM-for his deadpan delivery, fabulous comic timing and the ability to deliver the worst advice in the world as if he got it straight from Moses. –Sadaf –Because everyone should have such a credible, cute and clueless but always willing and helpful friend- A Musing Muslim
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
People’s Choice IRSA GHAZAL
Because her performance was above and beyond the usual metaphors we need to describe a good portrayal. Subtle, clever and incredibly genuine Irsa Ghazal made her character come alive in so many ways. Her character arc went form hopeless widow to rebellious lover to disturbed murderess of her own nephews and yet throughout this journey Irsa won the audience’s sympathy for her less than lovable character.
Reviewer’s Choice : SAMEENA PEERZADA
One of Pakistan’s most beautiful and versatile actresses she played Kashaf’s mother in ZGH and by the end of the play seemed the more admirable character. A wonderful, very popular performance which stole a lot of hearts with its emotional depth and true to life portrayal.
REVIEWER”S CHOICE CATEGORIES:
Best Newcomer( Male): OSMAN KHALID BUTT for Aik Naeey Cinderella
Best Newcomer (female):MEHAR BANO
BEST TELEFILM REMAKE :
ARMAAN –For Vassey Chauhdry’s amazing script ,Anjum Shehzaad’s surprisingly great direction ,Fawad and Vassey wonderful ‘Bromance” and the sheer pleasure of making us believe in Pakistani Movies again. Fawad’s star power shone throughout this fun, well-made movie
ANJUMAN-for bringing back that traditional South Asian cinema that we had thought was gone with the wind. Despite an unbelievable plot , fabulous acting by both Imran Abbas and Sara Loren combined with a beautifully written script by Zanjabeel Asim and Noor ul Huda Shah along with controlled ,focussed direction by Yasir Nawaz made this one of the best.
And now for some Fun :
Cutest couple:
Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed in ZGH
Nusrat Aunty and Mutmeen Uncle from Coke Kahani
Osman Khalid Butt and Maya Ali in AunnZara
Disappointments :
NUMM
Husbands from Hell:
Murtaza (Waseem Abbas) in ZGH
Murad (Fahad Mustapha) in Daagh
Needlessly Mazloom Aurat
Mahjabeen (Sanya Saeed) in Numm
Bride from Hell
Natasha (Mira Sethi) from Silvatein
Most Satisfying Slap of The Year :
Neelam (Kanza Wyne) from Wali Bakht (Fawad Khan ) in Numm
Sikander (Fahad Mustapha) from Kiran (Sanam Baloch) in Kankar
:Memorable Dialogues
“Shadi krte waqt koi aurat se thori kehta hai ke apni bhi izzat ka khayal rukhna bus yehi kaha jata hai ke shohar ki izzat ka khayal rukhna” Kankar (Fatima)
“Main Bahadur nahi hoon Arzoo, main insanoo ki tarhan jeena chahati thi” – Kiran from Kankar (Maria K)
“ Aap ki kissi nai Nazar uthari hai from Anjuman (Sadaf)
“Teri Khabasat kissi shanakht ki mohtaaj hai ?” fom AunnZara (Sadaf)
SCENES WE CANNOT FORGET
Kankar:When Kiran Slaps Sikander and then asks simply: “Dard howi? Aurat ko bhi hoti hai”
UBFN When Ghulam Farid tells His father in law that his son is dead. Both know who is responsible .
Aunn Zara : When Aunn tries to sing his way into Zara’s heart .
Armaan: Fawad Khan saves the day in a white Sherwani
ZGH: Kashaf wakes up to find Zaroon sleeping beside her
Kankar: The scene in which Kiran goes to get her books from Sikandar’s house
Anjuman : when Iffat Umer begs Anjuman for her ‘son “ back
SCENES WE REALLY WANT TO FORGET:
Mahjabeen and her Hairpin from Numm
Murtaza and Nigar eating fruit /drinking Chai on a bed in ZGH
Some technical awards for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes:
BEST EDITING
Coke Kahani: Muhammad Razi Afaq and Waqas Pasha
Talkhiyan: Faizan Imtiaz
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Nominees: Khizar Idrees for Rehahi, Irfan Resham for Dil-e-Muztar, Naveed Malik for Talkiyan, Farhan Alam for Coke Kahani, Ilyass Kashmiri for Aik Nayee Cinderella, Shahzad Kashmiri for Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Naeem Mustafa for Kankar
Award goes to:
Aik Naye Cinderalla ( Ilyass Kashmiri )
Talkhiyan (Naveed Malik)
Honorable Mention: Farhan Alam for Coke Kahani and Rashid Abbas for Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi
BY THE TEAM AT DRAMA PAKISTANI
ALSO READ US AT THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE AND LISTEN TO US ON RADIO AZADhttp://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/20351/the-award-for-best-pakistani-drama-of-2013-goes-to/
