|
|
|
Love triumphs
PTV has a history of making its mojo work specially on Eid and other festivals with family-oriented productions. One such venture, the romantic long-play Tum Hi To Ho was aired as part of its special transmission this holiday season. Written and directed by Riffat Humayun, the musical drama starred Ali Haider (Shiraz) and Azra Siddiq (Sitara) in a love story that works for all ages.
Set against the backdrop of a village, Tum Hi To Ho tells the story of Sitara, who as a child is forced to live with her maternal aunt after surviving a natural disaster which claimed the lives of both her parents. She is considered a harbinger of bad luck and scorned at by her uncle and cousin, Shiraz. When opportunity knocks, Shiraz’s parents pack him off for the city to seek his fortune and as time goes by, Sitara grows up into a shy, thoroughly domesticated young woman.
It is then that fate again deals her a raw deal and she loses her aunt and uncle in another devastating flood. Left utterly alone in this world, she seeks refuge with her only remaining family, Shiraz, and is whisked away to the city. Little does she know he harbours hatred for her, believing that she is responsible for his parents’ death.
Once in the city, Sitara makes herself quite at home at Shiraz’s place, getting along quite well with Amma (Zaheen Tahira, the caretaker/guardian). Shiraz is now a musician and when a new girl, Komal (Beenish Chohan) walks into his life, he is bowled over by her looks and high social status. Sadly, her voice is the only hurdle in the way of her dream to become a singer. It is not long before the two are romantically involved.
Meanwhile, Sitara dreams of a future with Shiraz, despite his relentless scorns and cold attitude. The plot gains some texture when Shiraz’s friend gives him an eye-opening speech about Komal’s fickle, jealous personality and Sitara’s gentle, caring nature. But it is all in vain. Finally, when he proposes to Komal, she tells him to choose between marrying her or giving a home to Sitara. When he refuses to yield, Komal breaks up with him. Frustrated and hurt, Shiraz heads home and lets his anger loose on Sitara. In the darkness of the night she slips away, seemingly never to return again to him.
Partly relieved and somewhat guilty, Shiraz goes back to Komal, pleading her to have him back but comes acroos some startling revelations. The severity of his loss finally dawns on him and Shiraz realizes how he has wronged her.
While the plot is pretty hackneyed, Tum Hi To Ho is an enjoyable watch. A number of gentle situational songs by Ali Haider carry the story around descriptive corners, giving it adequate texture. It is also a relief to see natural-looking makeup and costumes when most TV plays are striving to make tarts out of the actresses. One finds a distinct maturity in Ali Haider’s acting, while Beenish Chohan can include Tum Hi To Ho as the first feather in her cap very early in her acting career.
|
|
|
|
