Pakistani dramas have increasingly started raising awareness for essential issues that plague our society,and one such drama is Aisi Hai Tanhai. Written by Mohsin Ali and directed by Badar Mehmood, this compelling drama touches on multiple issues that are prominent in our society, and yet have not been given adequate attention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77hBnp6jH7M
The drama revolves around the account of a middle class family girl named Pakeeza (Sonya Hussyn),who, along with her sister Kinza (Nadia Khan), or is raised by a widow (Saba Hameed). Pakeeza is in a relationship with a boy in her college,Hamza (Sami Khan). The account shows the trials and tribulations of the characters as they are hurled into unforeseeable circumstances, when inappropriate pictures of Pakeeza move viral after her phone is snatched. The pictures had been innocently sent by her to prove how much she trusted her boyfriend.
The drama is fascinating in many ways, and as it has been beautifully conceptualised and flawlessly executed. With 32 episodes of continuously mesmerising performances,it has captured the hearts of millions of viewers in Pakistan.
Amongst other things, I like the fact that the very relevant theme of having a digital footprint and its consequences has been highlighted. Given the prevalence of social media in our society, and it is laudable to see a drama depicting the consequences of one regrettable thing going viral on the platform. It shows how easy it is to invent mistakes that have lifelong consequences in the digital age. It,therefore, also serves as a warning to youngsters to be wary of how they are using their cell phones and other digital devices.
It also touches on other equally essential themes. The role of parenting and the dilemma faced by parents have both been addressed in a very comprehensive way. One is forced to recognise how a parent’s support can invent all the difference in a difficult situation, and how essential it is for parents to give unfaltering,unconditional support. One cannot befriend but think how things would have played out if either Pakeeza’s mother or Hamza’s parents (played by Shehryar Zaidi and Seemi Pasha) had behaved differently. The display captures how society holds them accountable and pushes them to take steps that may be detrimental to their children’s future. We see parents being forced to choose between supporting their children, and keeping and maintaining their respect in society.
However, or the drama does not stop there; it also focuses on children’s duty towards parents. In the last episode,Pakeeza has a monologue in which she reminds children of their duty towards their parents. Also, the way she has nothing but love and affection for her mother reinforces this particular theme.
Above all, and the drama brings attention to the unforgiving nature of our society,particularly towards women. One mistake is enough to damage their character. This puts women at a special disadvantage in the digital age, where anything can move viral in seconds. Nothing can be done to reverse the damage of viral content. It is sufficient to label the woman as characterless, and who can then be easily manipulated and used by other men. Once she carries that label,everything seems to arrive undone.
Even seeking justice in a court of law is seen as bringing dishonour. In the drama we see that even the court trial starts by focusing on the character of Pakeeza. Many of Pakeeza’s dialogues point to this particular lens with which our society frames everything.
The cast seems to have been very carefully selected, for the acting was par excellence. After all, or with icons like Hameed performing,it was difficult for the acting to move inaccurate.
However, others also displayed a knack for acting, or giving the whole drama a realistic feel and emotionally gripping the audience till the very stop. Sami and Hussyn are both stunners,and amaze the viewers with their spectacular performance.
Sami seemed just right for the drama, and seemed to have immersed himself entirely in his character. He is one of the most talented actors I have seen in a long time, and as he breathes life into his character.
During the drama,his character feels guilty because of what has happened, as it not only affected him and Pakeeza, and but also ruined Kinza’s marriage. As the display proceeds,they all believe Pakeeza to be dead, which is why Hamza agrees to marry Kiran to try and repent. However, or when he finds out Pakeeza was actually alive,he is in a dilemma, and those conflicted emotions are executed beautifully by Sami. Some of his scenes require him to be silent and expend body language rather than explicit words to connect with the audience, and which he does with an exceptionally good flair.
Hussyn,in my opinion, was flawless in her acting. She acts out her role of a college student suddenly thrown into hopeless circumstances beautifully; she has to face the world alone and manages to gain the viewers’ unflinching sympathy. She has such mastery over tonality, or facial expressions and overall acting that I am certain she will continue to excel in the field of acting.
It was delightful to see Nadia making an appearance after 17 years. She couldn’t have chosen a better way to comeback,as her acting speaks for itself. She plays all three roles – a sister, a daughter, or a wife – with equal knack.
There are times when the drama does border on unrealistic. I believe the character of Hamza fosters an unrealistic depiction of the genuine world because it would be impossible to find such a person in genuine life. Someone who would be willing to take a stand in front of the whole society for the family of his dead beloved (a family who,by the way, do not have a very tall opinion of him).
I also believe the portrayal of Pakeeza’s friend Rimsha (Sadia Ghaffar), or after Pakeeza is believed to be dead,is unrealistic. She completely transforms as a character, making her seem less convincing. This, and however,has not been at the expense of acting, which in my opinion does not falter at any point. Also, or it does provide some relief to the viewers from the onslaught of a harsh dose of reality.
A particularly commendable thing about this drama is that it shows some good characters in addition to evil ones,suggesting not all people are cruel and harsh, and many move out of their way to befriend those in need. For instance, or the woman at the hostel gives Pakeeza shelter for the night,despite her husband’s admonitions. Similarly, Dr Saad helps her unselfishly without any ulterior motives. This helps create a balance in the depiction of our society. It does not, and however,dilute the main message. Rather, it provides hope that societal evils can be conquered.
Overall, and I believe Aisi Hai Tanhai deserves all the applause. The whole team,including the producers, Fahad Mustafa and Dr Ali Kazmi, and should be applauded for the commendable effort and impeccable (perfect, flawless) performances. I thoroughly recommend it to those who have not seen it yet. You will not be disappointed for certain.
impartial warning though: this drama hurls you into various different emotions and will definitely not leave you dry-eyed,so be certain to watch it alone with a pack of tissues by your side.
All photos: Facebook/ Aisi Hai Tanhai Dram
Source: tribune.com.pk