Sari Bhool Hamari Thi – Finale

First of all, sorry for the ‘absent’ reviews. Coming back to the serial, well we all know that karma bites back and bites real bad. Areesha was the first victim, but with the help of phopo, Mohsin and especially Abrar, she was able to get back on her feet. Instead of wallowing in self pity, she learned from her mistakes and after much effort, forgave herself and moved on.

It wasn’t so easy for Subhan and his family, however. Even after ruining the lives of Areesha and her mother, there was no hint of guilt in the family. The only people who felt sorry were Fatima and her father, both of whom didn’t have much to do with all the dirty tactics Tai Ami used against Areesha.

The damage started when Maryam’s secret love affair got disclosed. No one minded Subhan’s secret marriage but when it came to Maryam, everyone’s inflated ‘ghairat’ came in action. Her running away was the first blow which resulted in the shocking death of Subhan’s father. Maryam didn’t reach her paradise either because Fahad conveniently decided not to show up. Naturally, her family didn’t accept her when she returned in a shattered state and as a result, phopo took her in as well.

The ever submissive Fatima, who, despite being the sanest person in the family, never had the courage to speak up for herself, finally took a stand and decided to return to her home. Der ayed, durust ayed. Noman and Hameeda begum were left to live in a pool of regret.

Subhan’s ‘anjam’ was perhaps the worst of all and I thought the blow would somehow change him for the better. But some people never change. Sania’s humiliating attitude towards him should have made him realise the true value of family. He did realise what he had lost and wanted it back but without giving up the lavish lifestyle Sania provided him. He wanted everything; his family’s attention, Areesha’s love and Sania’s money, without giving anything up. He cheated on his wife by proposing Areesha, not because he truly loved her, but because he had always thought of her as his possession. After seeing her with Abrar, he got jealous probably because he thought Abrar was beneath him and wasn’t worth Areesha’s attention.

What he didn’t realise was that Areesha had matured a lot after he left. She was finally able to spot the difference between true love and selfish affection. Subhan’s hypocrisy only made her appreciate Abrar even more than she already did. He was the opposite of Subhan in every way; the way he dotted on her, cared about her and was ready to take her responsibility instead of expecting her to make sacrifices for him. For once in her life, she made a wise decision by accepting the latter’s proposal. Speaking of which, I loved the way he countered her hesitation by confidently exclaiming that she won’t be able to find a ‘shehzada’ like him.

Another scene I enjoyed a lot was the one where Areesha literally trapped Subhan with such ease that I was surprised he didn’t smell anything fishy. After all the hostility she showed towards him, it didn’t strike him as surprising when she asked him to take her out, buy her flowers and then cross question him about his future plans with her? Sania’s arrival went unnoticed by him either, even though Areesha clearly passed her a smile when she came in. I guess he was too busy thinking of his bright future with Sania’s money and Areesha. Anyway he totally deserved the public humiliation. It still didn’t change him though. Without any shame he demanded his mother to finance his dream business by selling her house. Good of Noman to kick him out. The only thing I liked about him.

Now, things that I couldn’t quite digest:

Fahad’s family sending a proposal for Maryam. I mean, how??? That is just too idealistic. I also couldn’t get over the fact that Maryam actually FORGAVE that man for ditching her earlier.

Noman didn’t face any consequences after all he did with Areesha. Or tried to, at least. Instead he found himself a bride, married her privately and brought her home to his mother. And she had no objections. Even if Noman was fine with a simple Nikah ceremony in which he bother to invite his mother, how can the girl’s family agree to such an agreement?

Overall, I am glad I watched this serial. Great acting by the 3 leads, Danish Taimoor being the perfect bad boy any girl would fall for, Ayeza Khan as the idealistic but headstrong Areesha and Affan Waheed, the quiet and responsible Abrar. The rest of the cast, both young and old, were amazing as well, portraying their characters brilliantly and making them come to life. I did have a problem with the loud background score but I guess that’s just a trademark of Geo’s serials and
I wished phopo would tone down her Urdu, though. Oh well.

By Farwa Batool Naqvi

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Tare Ankaboot episode 10 & 11 – Review

Tare Ankaboot is one of the very few serials where no character bores you, you enjoy each and every minute of the show. Though Saboor’s character is at times hard to stomach because of her ugly past and lust for blood but that doesn’t make her scenes any less interesting. The last two episodes kept me glued to the screen. Each scene was equally captivating.

Hazrat Bibi’s Makri ka jaala is now spreading and it is weaving everyone in. I can’t decide whether I should sympathise with the characters or be nauseated. Those living in ugly circumstances evolve to suit their habitat and eventually become as dirty as the environment they live in. Be it Nain Tara or Amoo, everyone is struggling for survival. The point is, if destruction and negativity is adopted as a survival strategy, it doesn’t last long and eventually backfires.

In the 10^th episode, Nain Tara made her move by acting on Hazrat Bibi’s orders. But before her plan could work, Amoo made her move by approaching Hazrat Bibi for help, unaware that the same woman is aiding her enemy too. Baqir is on the road to recovery now and Amoo can’t be more thankful. Hazrat Bibi’s counter magic to break the spell Nain Tara performed on Baqir has brought him back to his senses. On the other hand, Nain Tara lost the ashes that were her weapon to get Baqir. I fell in love with Kiran Tabir’s acting in that scene. She is doing justice to her role.

Baqir has once again started questioning his mother and keeps fearing the outcome of his mother’s actions. Surprisingly, Tabinda had nothing to say this time. She looked scared when Hazrat Bibi came but her concern for Baqir won over her fear and doubts.

Saboor’s mental condition is deteriorating. Coming to Lahore has brought back all the bitter memories of her dark past and she can’t shake them off. Therefore, Hazrat Bibi has decided to go back to the small town, where she was her blood thirsty, ‘sane’ self again. I have a feeling that another reason of this sudden decision is to get close to her neighbour who openly condemns her for doing magic. It is important for Hazrat Bibi to punish her.

A few, short scenes of ZQ and Hina Dilpazir were shown in both episodes and they weren’t much help because we still don’t know their past. I hope that they concentrate more on their characters now, since we are acquainted with others.

On the other hand, Tayyaba, in an attempt to keep her mother away from her beloved Mutahir has promised that she will lead him to his earlier crush, Tabinda. Helpless in front of her ‘love’ for Mutahir, she can’t stop running after him no matter how much he insults her. This time, however, she has his attention. Let’s see if Tabinda pays this offer the same attention. I hope not.

By Farwa Batool Naqvi

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Sari Bhool Hamari Thi episode 18 – Review

I learnt two things from this episode: There is no one more harmful than a self righteous person; and karma is vengeful. Tai Ami’s lack of guilt after all she did with Areesha was astonishing. Surely she must have developed some affection for the girl, after all those years of ‘loving her more than her kids’. Noman was never my favourite but he has sunk even lower (if that’s possible).

Abrar is the only one who has managed to come out of the situation with grace. His ability to see something positive in every situation is what makes him so different from others who only see their benefit.

As for Areesha, despite all the strength she put in to fight the people she once loved, is now broken once again. She is ashamed of everyone, including Abrar whom she doesn’t want to face, for no reason. Though the constant sobbing has subsided, the pain is still there and so is the guilt of mistreating her mother for people who weren’t worth it.

However, she is not suffering alone. Fatima is facing equal repercussions. She has absolutely no say in her mother’s house so she can’t stop them from using dirty tactics and at home she has to digest Mohsin’s extra care for Areesha. In such situations, how long can a person stay positive? So she has started to crack under all the pressure. It is Mohsin’s fault as well, he pays absolutely no attention to her and all he can talk about is Areesha. Fine we get it, she is your ‘zimedari’ now. Repeating it a 100 times in front of your wife will only irritate her. He should be a little considerate towards Fatima.

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Sari Bhool Hamari Thi episode 17 – Review

It was an interesting episode but the promos gave away most of what happened and that lessened its excitement. Areesha, despite her newly found confidence powered by her anger and vengeance for Subhan’s family, still has a soft corner for him and is still looking for excuses which will justify his betrayal. Mohsin and phopo’s support has given her more strength.

However, while that is good for Areesha, it is Fatima who has to suffer. Mohsin is too worried about Areesha to care about his wife and at times, he even gets angry at her for things that aren’t her fault. She is good at heart and cares about Areesha too but if Mohsin’s behaviour remains the same, it won’t be long before she starts holding grudges against Areesha.

Noman and his mother, despite Fatima’s constant requests, stooped down to new levels to get hold of her property. But this time, they weren’t dealing with the Areesha who would steal jewellery from her mother. The girl facing them was just as angry as they were greedy and she has no intentions of stepping back. But in our society, no matter how strong a girl is, she is over powered by dirty tactics. Luckily for Areesha, Abrar was just in time to save her from Noman’s filthy intentions. In the process, however, he couldn’t protect himself and Areesha from Tai Ami’s allegations.

The scene in which Noman forces her to sign marriage papers was brilliantly choreographed and the actors did a great job. Areesha’s walk around the house, reliving memories of her mother was full of quiet emotions. Her regret was palpable. Subhan, selfish as he is, was missed in this episode.

By Farwa Batool Naqvi

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Adhoori Aurat Last Episode – Review

Climax of any serial or movie is the most important and the hardest part to decide. It is the ending that actually determines the success of a project, since that is what makes it memorable. The much awaited showdown between Zayan and Maryam was worth waiting for. Though the last scene was a little disappointing, overall the episode was interesting and full of intense moments; just what a final episode should be like. The best part is that, some mysteries were withheld and were revealed in the last episode so the viewers had a lot to look forward to.

The episode started with a tense confrontation between Maryam and Zayan, both determined to have their way. Arshiyah was stuck in between and though she wanted to meet her father, she couldn’t embarrass or hurt Maryam, especially in front of a man she obviously hated. But despite Arshiyah’s meek exclamation that she wouldn’t meet Zayan without her permission, Maryam still felt hurt and betrayed. After all she went through at the hands of this man and everything she did to protect her daughter from him, he had still won her daughter’s approval. Partly, it was Maryam’s fault as well. She should have told Arshiyah everything before.

Anyway, once again, Maryam gave in, this time to her daughter’s wishes. She had mixed feelings; on one hand she was happy that her daughter was happy and on the other hand she was scared that Zayan will take her away. As for Zayan, he seemed to think that ‘taking care’ of his daughter means spending money on her since that is all he did while he was with Arshiyah. He still had little time on his hands, with the constant meetings and all.

That Zayan and Faiza had a mentally challenged son came as a huge surprise. I thought they didn’t have kids! Neither one of them showed any concern about him, both Zayan and Faiza went on recreational trips without even mentioning what’ll become of their son. It almost seemed like the writer had this idea at the last minute. Anyway, the condition his son lived in just highlighted how much of a failure Zayan is as a father. He abandoned his daughter to save his reputation and doesn’t spend time with his son because, for Zayan, he is an embarrassment. He is not his son, he is a punishment.

Faiza’s entry was another highlight of the episode. Maheen Rizvi is an extremely talented actress. She completely embraced Faiza’s character and made her look elegant as well as evil. No small feat. She is dominating, but she doesn’t have to raise her voice to make herself clear. Arshiyah’s arrival, though, brought out the worst in her and after years of ruling her house with a composed mind, she lost it. And it was good that she did, no one else could have made Arshiyah see her father’s real character.

A glimpse of the old Zayan was seen once again, when Faiza tried to tell him to stop meeting Arshiyah. He used to order Maryam around with the same air of superiority with which he reminded Faiza that she owed her status to him. How typical of Zayan. As long as her authority didn’t get in his way, he obeyed. But when it interfered with his interests, he took no time to remind her who made her boss.

The end was bitter sweet. I still think Maryam should not have forgiven Zayan. Would he have forgiven Maryam if she had wronged him? No. Then why shouldn’t he be treated the same way? He had been cruel to Maryam, he cheated on her, ruined her life and her family and yet, after shedding a few tears he is worthy of forgiveness? But at least he admitted that it was actually him who was a failure.

The team work was awesome. Faysal Qureshi, being the versatile actor that he is, once again delivered his best. Ayeza Khan and Maheen Rizvi, both managed to keep up with him. It was obvious that they gave their best. Though the starting of the drama was a bit of boring and seemed typical, the way the story progressed and ended has made this serial a memorable one for me. Congratulations to the entire team.

By Farwa Batool Naqvi

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Adhoori Aurat episode 26 – Review

I understand that it is hard for her to relive the moments she wishes she can scratch off from her memory, Maryam still owes her daughter the truth. Arshiyah should know about her father and the reason why she can’t meet him. Depriving her of the truth and trying to make her happy by bribing her with trips to Murree or Dubai will not satisfy her. She is not a kid any more and though she loves her mother more than anything and refuses to do anything that will hurt her, if she doesn’t get to know what really happened between her parents, she will eventually rebel.

The way Arshiyah dealt with the situation was definitely admirable. I must say that she seems much more mature than both her parents, who cannot get over their hatred for each other. I thought she’d stomp her feet and act like a spoilt kid, but she disappointed me…in a good way. Despite all the rubbish she heard from her grandmother and aunt, she didn’t blame her mother once. Instead she told Zayan that she won’t be meeting him any more.

Zayan, on the other hand, haven’t changed a bit. He is still arrogant, selfish and still has no respect for Maryam and her family. The way he spoke to Ajji and told her to pass his message to Maryam shows how much he has changed over the years.

The confrontation between Maryam and Zayan was very interesting. Maryam, for once was not defensive and stood strong as she told him to stay away from her daughter. This time it was Zayan’s turn to fidget and struggle to make his point. Though he says he is guilty for all he the pain he and his family inflicted on Maryam, he has a funny way of showing it. He doesn’t want her to repeat anything because he is too afraid to listen to her allegations, he still expects her to obey him and let him meet Arshiyah and now that she has refused, he is trying to use Arshiyah to convince her. Where these dirty tactics will lead him is anyone’s guess. For now, let’s just hope that Maryam doesn’t lose her daughter to him like she lost everything else.

By Farwa Batool Naqvi

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Tare Ankaboot episode 9 – Review

Stories have started to unravel in Tare Ankaboot. Now that almost all characters have been introduced, their past has started to open up. While each character is still shrouded by their numerous secrets and questions, Aali’s character is by far the most mysterious one, perhaps because we have seen very little of her. I was expecting to find out more about her in this instalment, but once again, there was just one scene of her.

That didn’t make the episode any less interesting though. Saboor’s past was reflected upon, which showed her in a different light. The circumstances in which she met Hazrat Bibi were also shown, however, there is much more to their relationship than what was revealed this week.

Nain Tara is fully intent on getting Baqir back, but now her motive has changed. Love is not the only reason now. There is an obsession to over power him, to control him. Therefore, now she is not ready to wait patiently. Hazrat Bibi tells her a way out, a dark and creepy way out but one that would lead him to her easily. Anger burned in her eyes as she obeyed Hazrat Bibi’s commands. Whether she’ll succeed or not is yet to be seen.

The main attraction of this episode was Tabinda. This time, it wasn’t just her anger and frustration that we came across. Though she cursed Baqir as usual, she also showed a soft spot that she has reserved for him. Apart from that, she also expressed her guilt for being involved in black magic to stop him from going to Nain Tara. It is a bit hypocritical of her to put the entire blame on Baqir’s mother though, since she admitted that something is compelling her to visit Hazrat Bibi in the last episode.

Baqir and his mother are not the only reason of her suffering though. Her Khalu’s visit explained a lot. Hazrat Bibi’s comment about her long lost virginity wrung in her mind and all the recollections of her abused childhood came rushing back to her. Underneath the tough act, there is a lot of pain and bitter memories that can ruin anyone’s life. That she remained sane after everything she went through shows her strength and will power. Her history with Mutahir is still questionable. We have yet to see if she was one of those who broke Tayaba’s trust. Resham’s acting was undoubtedly, brilliant. She was the show stealer this week.

By Farwa Batool Naqvi

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Sari Bhool Hamari Thi episodes 14 & 15 – Review

The story has taken a sharp and interesting turn. Subhan have shown how far he can go to achieve his goals. He doesn’t care how many people he hurts and that he might lose his family is not a big deal for him. Sania is the only person who matters to him. Her blunt proposal brought forward all those opportunities that he would miss if he turned it down. Her visit to his house and admiration of his family, made him appreciate her as a person as well. The acting of the girl who played Sania, however, is a huge turn off, with all the useless hand gestures and fake accent.

Areesha, blindly in love with him, didn’t see it coming. Subhan bringing Sania home clearly indicated the change in Subhan’s intentions but Areesha, being the simpleton that she is, or should I say an idiot, didn’t even confront him about this. Instead she heard him insult her and later went to apologise for her rudeness. At times, I feel she deserves what she is about to get. She has hurt so many people for this ungrateful man, who doesn’t even care about her. She lied to her mother and broke her trust for a man who didn’t even look back once he found his way out.

Though Subhan had qualms about his decision and he did refuse Sania’s proposal. But the lure of money and lavish lifestyle silenced his conscience. He accepted her help and quietly made all the arrangements. Once abroad, Subhan was free to do whatever he wanted, without anyone’s pressure and the first thing he did was marry Sania. He is now out of Noman’s way as well, who is vigorously pursuing Areesha now. That is extremely irritating for her, who refuses to hear anything against Subhan.

She has started to suspect Maryam, though, who is secretly meeting her boyfriend despite being engaged to someone else. Things are about to get ugly for both Areesha and Maryam, let’s see how each one of them take it.

By Farwa Batool Naqvi

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Adhoori Aurat episode 25 – Review

Finally the moment we had been waiting for all week. Zayan met Arshiyah and now things have started to tangle up. Once again, Zayan and his family (excluding Faiza this time) have started to make life difficult for Maryam. To an extent it is Maryam’s fault as well. She should have told Arshiyah something about her father and the ‘happy’ days she spent with him. She had a right to know.

Though Arshiyah doesn’t see it, Zayan is a very irresponsible father. It is understandable that he wants to meet his daughter. But he shouldn’t encourage her to bunk school and lie at home. If Maryam didn’t tell her, he should make an attempt to go and talk to her to sort everything out. He knows he wronged Maryam and yet he is letting his daughter go home with a bad image of her mother. Instead of telling her the truth, of which she has been wrongfully deprived of all this time, he let her imagine what must have happened.

Naturally, Arshiyah was shocked but happy to find out that Zayan was her father. She accepted it a bit too readily. She was completely at ease when she met her grandmother; it was hard to tell that they were meeting for the first time. I was surprised to see her so normal about all of it. In just one day, in fact a few hours, she got so close to her father that she called him up just to tell him that she was sick. From the phone Zayan bought her. Knowing that it could land her in trouble at home. He is being really selfish.

Things got worse when he left her alone with his scheming mother and sister. All I have to say about them is ‘makafat-e-amal ne kahan pohncha dia lekin phir bhi chaalain chalne se baaz nahi ayein’. They fed her all the lies they could to completely turn her against Maryam. Since Arshiyah already considers her mother wrong, she believed them easily.

The downside was Maryam finally finding out that Arshiyah has been bunking school to meet someone. Arshiyah can’t hide where she has been going, now that matters have gotten so worse. And they won’t only get worse for Arshiyah alone, Zayan and his delusional mother and sister will get a reality check as well, once Faiza is back.

By Farwa Batool Naqvi

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