Shanakht on Hum TV - Thoughts on the first two episodes

Disclaimer:  Religion is a very sensitive topic and is something very personal to each individual.  The following beliefs and thoughts are simply my own and are not meant to offend.

Starting off, I am always instantly attracted to shows with a message of religion.  I consider myself to be fairly religious and really connect to shows like Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishaan, Shehr-E-Zaat, etc.  At the same time, I've been raised in the USA with a good balance of Arab and Pakistani influence, surrounded by people who have always struck a moderate balance between religion and "dunya."  So it is here that I'm finding myself turning up my nose at Shanakht already.

Coming to the show, this struggle that we see Annie facing is real.  In "modern" Pakistan, we have so often seen people turn their nose up at anyone or anything that may resemble a "Fanatic."  Something as simple as hijab can be deemed offensive in such circles.  Even families that are very conservative will draw the line at their girls wearing hijab "at home."  It becomes mildly difficult to embrace religion while still traveling in upper-class society at a marriageable age.  So I'm glad to see this topic touched in a show surrounding a female (as it has been done before with Main Abdul Qadir Hoon from a male perspective).

In the first episode, we see that Annie's friend has influenced her to wear hijab and embrace Islam "correctly."  Annie struggles with her home life, as her mother is disapproving of her decision, feeling that wearing hijab will counter all marriage prospects for her daughter.  She consistently reminds Annie of how lively, well-dressed and cute she was and how her present state is not attractive, especially compared to that of her sister Kashaf.  On the other end, Annie's father is supportive of his elder daughter's decision, understanding that his two daughters are different individuals.  We see a mildly supportive sister in Kashaf as well.

On the other end, we see Annie's extended family members - her Taaya, Taayi Ami and her cousin Hashim.  Everyone feels that Annie's change is simply a "phase," and one that they're hoping she will grow out of soon.  She shares a strong friendship with Hashim, as the two have grown up together and travel to and from college together as well.  However, at school, Annie's friend (and current mentor) Aisha delicately breaches the subject about "mehram" and how it's not appropriate for Annie to travel with Hashim.  It was only here where my personal sentiments spiked a bit, as this seemed to cross that balance of deen and dunya.  Annie actually made a very valid point to Aisha, that she traveled with Hashim in her hijab and within the bounds of decency.  However, Aisha instructed her that she should try to come to school on her own.  In an amusing moment, Annie tries to speak to Hashim about this and he laughs, saying that would it be better that she travel with her equally non-mehram driver (another valid point)?  This sequence of events perfectly illustrated the differences of opinion regarding religion.

Coming to the character of Aisha, I did appreciate that she instructed Annie to avoid causing any disturbances in her own family and guided her to only do her best.

Later, we see that Taaya and Taayi have decided to make Annie their "bahu," and tell Annie's parents as much.  This relieves Annie's parents of the burden of finding a rishta for Annie and they immediately think to buy Hashim a car on his birthday.  On the other end, Taayi breaches the subject with Hashim, hoping for a positive response, but instead Hashim asks for time to think.

Coming into episode 2, we see Hashim struggling with the idea of marrying Annie.  While he likes Annie, he does not believe that they will be able to happily live together with her present "mentality."  On the other end, Annie's mother is determined to rid Annie of Aisha's influence.  She clearly speaks to Aisha and tells her that she is a bad influence on Annie, as she has taught her to rebel against her parents.  Aisha is shocked and leaves, upset.  Hashim tries to talk to Annie in an attempt to see if she would be flexible on her views, especially after visiting Aisha's home with her and seeing the ways of her friend.  He is. however, disappointed to see that Annie is rigid and unwilling to bend her beliefs for anyone else.

Hashim decides against marrying Annie and instead, tells his mother to send a rishta for Kashaf.  His mother is shocked and uncomfortable at this idea, as both families were set on Annie & Hashim's marriage.

That's where the 2nd episode left off.  While I do feel the show is off to a good start, I hope they do manage to show some balance in Annie.  Being religious does not necessarily mean being extreme and Ii'd like to see her character project religion with positivity and influence those around her, rather than see her bullied by others and in return, her preaching to others.

Let's see!  Right now, I'm on the fence about this show.  Though I have to say, the cast is great and everyone is doing a really good job.

Happy watching!