THE WEEK THAT WAS

Ibne Huwa | Hum TV, Tuesdays 8.00pm

Ibne Huwa or Son of Eve has a theatrical touch with writer Saji Gul’s signature thread of dark, gothic betrayal running through the story. Shehzad Shaikh plays Zahid, whose hatred of women is reinforced by his father’s constant recriminations against the wife and mother that abandoned their family for another man. Shaikh’s character is a classic misogynist, his anger at his mother manifesting in small-minded suspicion and suppression of the women in his sphere, even his own sister.

Rich and poor are shown leading parallel lives in this show and Zahid’s neighbourhood includes Mahjabeen (Hira Mani), a wealthy, conservative widow who is known for her charity and good character. When her servant plans a robbery, Mahjabeen is trapped, but the passing Zahid and his friend hear her cries for help and manage to save her. Instead of punishing the criminal, the naïve young woman forgives her without pressing charges.

Mahjabeen is a simple, troubled person whose past holds many secrets. Other pivotal characters are played by Nadia Afghan as Mahjabeen’s outspoken servant Shabban and Aymen Saleem plays her daughter Aliya, a girl with a crush on Zahid.

Mere Humsafar | ARY, Thursdays 8.00pm

This tale of abuse and neglect is moving on to the next phase with Farhan Saeed finally making an entry as Hamza. Hania Aamir plays the neglected Cinderella-type Hala with such a heavy hand (where she should tremble, she shakes as if the earth is moving), it’s hard to empathise with her at times. The endless humiliations and cruelties Hala suffers seem more like misery porn geared for ratings than an essential part of the narrative.

The lack of nuance in all the main characters and their motivations make this hard to watch for a more thinking audience. Not a single character is allowed any kindness or understanding, and even Hala’s only friend turns on her. After similar themes in dramas such as Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay, this scenario looks a bit stale. The real stars of this show are Samina Ahmed, the capricious drama queen of a grandmother, and Hamza’s villainous parents Shah Jahan (Saba Hamid) and Raees (Waseem Abbas), who have carried the story so far.

Aye Mushte Khaak | Geo TV, Mon-Tues 8.00pm

Dua’s (Sana Javed) and Bobby’s (Feroze Khan) marriage has reached the train wreck level it had promised to be from the day they met, because of the many basic questions they failed to ask before committing to each other.

Dua’s twin brother Dayaan (Asad Siddiqui) is in the hospital hovering between life and death but Bobby’s irritation with Dua’s constant prayers and dependence on religion leads him to challenge her faith. The final straw for Dua comes when Bobby visits her pir/imam and disrespects him.

This story raises a lot of critical questions about the superficial way many marriages are contracted, without truly matching the life goals and moral values of couples. Unfortunately, the melodramatic treatment detracts from this important message and only highlights the gaps in both writing and direction. Sana Javed was less believable as the naïve girl bowled over by Bobby’s charm campaign but the more assertive young woman of the recent episodes is impressive. Feroze Khan has gone all out with Bobby, adding a sliver of vulnerability and genuine confusion to the usual toxicity and lack of impulse control his characters are known for.

What To Watch Out For

Badshah Begum | Hum TV, Coming Soon

Exciting new teasers for this production show us it centres on the feudal tradition of leaving daughters of certain families unmarried, for supposed religious reasons and to keep inheritances within the family.

Published in Dawn, ICON, February 20th, 2022