While I wasn't sure what to expect from the "Pehchaan" finale, considering the heaviness of the last few episodes, I can happily say that this show ended on the note that it should have. I winded up the episode feeling completely satisfied and happy. Pehchaan is one of those near-perfect shows from this year. I'm not saying it was a flawless show, but it tugged at all the right strings in my heart, put forth realistic situations and didn't rush itself towards a quick, happy wind-up for all. Realistic yet beautiful.
The episode started with Mansoor urging Laila to come back to him as they are a family with their daughter. Laila was not as convinced and asked Mansoor to give her time, telling him that she's moved forward in life. The following day, we see Saadi asking Laila to meet his mother, to which she hesitantly accepts, knowing the task will not be easy. What followed were a series of stand-out scenes.
Laila happily goes to meet Saadi's mother, baking her a cake with the hopes that she'll look past her divorcee status and accept her. However, Laila's fears were confirmed when she arrives and overhears a heated discussion between Saadi and his mother. His mother re-iterates every fear that Laila had into words, telling Saadi that he's too good for Laila, Laila is a divorcee with a child, "Log kya kahenge," and so on. Saadi spots Laila standing there and is stunned as she runs off.
Meanwhile, at home, Mrs. Khan is caring for the baby when Mansoor drops by to speak to Laila. Mrs. Khan lets him know that she will be out for a while, to which he says he'll wait. A moment here to remember is when Mansoor says "Bachi kabhi roti nahi hai. Doctor ke paas jaana chahiye. Yeh roti kyun nahin?" ("This girl never cries. I should take her to a doctor. Why doesn't she cry?") to which Mrs. Khan responds "Yes, she doesn't cry. She doesn't cry so there must be something wrong with her. She needs to see a doctor. She doesn't cry. Just like Laila." This scene really touched me as our society tends to see strength in a woman as weakness.
Laila arrives home and tries to avoid breaking down in front of Mrs. Khan, who senses something is wrong. She informs her that Mansoor is there and quietly leaves. Mansoor, almost like a predator, senses Laila's grief and pounces. He begins to tell her that they will go back to their married life as if nothing ever happened. They will be a family again. Laila almost falls into his trap, however, Mansoor takes it a step further. He says that he will never protest to her friendship with Saadi if she wishes to continue it. "Har kisi ko kabhi na kabhi aise dost ki zaroorat hoti hai. Mujhe bhi baad mein ho sakti hai." (Everyone needs a friendship like that at some point in their lives. I may need one later as well."), which INFURIATES Laila and she kicks Mansoor out. Yes, Mansoor suggested an "open marriage" for the sake of his "izzat." Hypocrisy at its best.
With Laila finally putting her marriage with Mansoor behind her after asking for a divorce, she stumbles across a conversation between Saadi and Mrs. Khan. Mrs. Khan asks Saadi if he's serious about Laila, while he proceeds to explain to her that all his life, he's done nothing but listen: Listen to Laila, listen to his mother, listen to society - he never felt able to discover himself and make his own decisions...have his own "pehchaan." Knowing that Laila is there, he tells Mrs. Khan that he will always be there for Laila whenever she is ready for him, but until then, he's leaving on a trip of self discovery. This scene was great, because it showed that Saadi wanted to be more than just Laila's "backup" or "savior," he wanted to actually have relevance in her life.
We're then treated to a monologue by Kuku, who is in touch with and writing to Khurram. Kuku tells Khurram that Laila and Saadi are together, planning their wedding, postponing their wedding and then planning their wedding. While this chain continues, they're very happy together. She tells of Mrs. Khan, who is still forever out to please her inconsiderate husband. She tells of Mansoor, who there is no news of other than news of his remarriage - but is that really news?
She tells of Laila's mother who is now her client, a woman who makes hair appointments in the hopes of seeing her daughter and bringing toys for her granddaughter: A mother's attempt at forgiveness and feeble demonstration of love.
And she writes about herself - alone, yet happy. And yes, missing Khurram.
There was so much in this episode, yet nothing felt rushed. Every scene, every moment, every gaze had meaning and purpose. Was this a female-oriented show against males? Absolutely not. If anything, if Mansoor represented the male chauvinist with his hypocritical views, Saadi represented that "new age" man with liberal thoughts while still set in the good aspects of culture.
Each character was given their version of a "happy ending," while those endings may not necessarily BE happy. Life goes on, continues and people move along with it. What's important in this world is to have your own identity, whether as a woman or a male.
Pehchaan, throughout its run, was an emotional journey for the viewer and a treat to watch, due to the incredible performances. Alisbha Yousuf, Iffat Omar and the oh-so-known actress who plays Mrs. Khan but I can never find her name are the STARS of this show, not only showing a realistic story of female bonding, but also showing how three different women going through three different life situations all come together to support one another.
Beautiful. That's all I have to say about this show. Please do watch it.
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