To be honest when I first heard Ma’am Sultana Siddiqui was directing my heart sank because I had never seen her work, and the word PTV conjured up long drawn out scenes of dialogue. Happily, so far my fears have been proved unfounded. The direction and editing have been smooth and flawless, carrying the story with ease. The sign of a good director is always how the audience is caught in the ebb and flow of the story. One minute I was excited for Kashaf getting into such an elite University on a scholarship, the next I was angry and disappointed at her father’s negativity and finally as all those students were entering their classrooms I shared that wonderful surge of excitement for their first day.
Kashaf and Zaroon’s meeting put me in mind of Elizabeth and Darcy’s first meeting in Pride & Prejudice. Darcy says “she is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me” when his friend Mr. Bingley asks him to dance with Elizabeth Bennet, which ultimately prejudices her every thought against him. Kashaf is afraid to look at the admissions list but ever confident Zaroon pushes past her to see exactly how well he has done. Surprised at coming Fourth he makes some disparaging comments about this Kashaf Murtaza person who came in first probably being a charail/witch. Just like Eliza Bennet, Kashaf takes silent offence and this is probably going to colour her opinion of Zaroon‘s every action.
Sameena Peerzada was again simply brilliant, I love her nuanced portrayal. She is not bitter but she knows when to call a spade a spade. The spade in this case is of course Kashaf’s father, who can share in no joy with his first family. Today we saw his slightly younger second wife and found out that yes he has a son but also two other daughters. I am hard put to understand this man or his mentality. Worse still is his brother who feels Kashaf’s going to college will put their Khandan’s izzat in danger. Funny how such people are terribly concerned with Khandan or family image but never actually fulfill any obligations of support or help that also come with the word family. Like most girls poor Kashaf has the weight of the world’s expectations on her shoulders. That conversation between Kashaf and her mother about maintaining boundaries when you go to college must be familiar to so many girls.
Then we have the other extreme of the beautiful Hina Bayat playing Zaroon’s elegant but cold mother whose crimes include not taking care of her husband’s wardrobe, being lax with the servants and careless with her daughter’s supervision. Seriously these two characters are like children’s cartoons not a shade of nuance in either. Since they are such pivotal roles shaping the lead character’s attitudes and reactions, I hope they develop into something more than easy stereotypes .
The patterns of the two households leave little to surprise us. Kashaf’s family is struggling to make ends meet but there is no shortage of love and care in their house. In complete contrast, Zaroon and his sister lack for nothing but the care and attention of their Mother. Despite Zaroon’s “modern elite class” upbringing, he seems like a rather simple, almost conservative person who does not like the way his family is drifting. He worries about his sister and her relationship with her fiancé; he challenges his mother over her lack of guidance and is actually concerned about achieving the best position in his class. All of which does not sound like the irresponsible fun lover his father and his “close friend” Asmara keep saying Zaroon is. Fawad was perfect as Zaroon. He lightened up some of those too serious for a twenty two year old dialogues and sang his way through what might have been the most annoyingly familiar conversation on Earth with Asmara in his car. Monologues can be difficult for an actor as they can come off as monotonous and preachy to the audience. Fawad managed to carry off the diary writing speech about women and feminism without sounding bitter or angry but sad and confused instead. As usual Fawad khan carries the day.
I must mention the other characters such as Kashaf’s sisters who were part of one of the sweetest scenes today. I just loved how they surprised Kashaf with a new suite and shoes on her first big day. There was also the entry of what might be a friend for Kashaf right at the end by the actress who was Anjuman in Bilqees Kaur.Someone, please tell me her name, I loved her in that drama and I am looking forward to seeing her in this. I hope we get to see more of Sheheryar Munawer and Mansha Pasha too and that they are not just left in the background .Last but not least we have the two “mod “ladies Aisha (Zaroon’s sister) and Asmara (Zaroon’s friend, but not girlfriend). I was pleasantly surprised by Aisha who actually made her role as a silly spoiled younger sister work without me wanting to hate her. The same goes for Asmara, I was all set to be bored witless but Mehreen Raheel did her best and came off as UN Madiha like as she could given the circumstances. We have all heard rumors ,or maybe it is wishful thinking , that she might be the one to dump Fawad Khan’s character (yeah, I know in what universe is that possible?) this time. At this point I just feel sorry for her and I feel in the interests of common humanity let us just support her through this whole train wreck she is sure to go through ;).
Written by SADAF
Normally Maria will be reviewing ZGH but I am covering for her. God willing she will be back next week. I will be posting a review for Daagh later this week :). This week I am Team Zaroon.
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