Ruling the Roost Series: #3 - Udaari

Udaari is a show that not only tells a compelling story, but also sheds light on the issue of sexual abuse in Pakistan - a "taboo" subject that so desperately needed to come to light.

After weeks on air, PEMRA pushed to ban Udaari for inappropriate content.  "Humaare bache kharaab hojaayenge."  "This is not our culture."  The stupidity police was on a roll with that one, because #1) I don't believe Pakistani dramas with their realism and depressing themes (or even themes of love) are meant for children.  And 2) Culture?  Come again?  So two wife shows depicting men being dishonest and house-hopping is culture, but showing an accurate depiction of relationships and how abuse occurs....isn't?  Fail.  Regardless, that was dismissed quickly and fans are happily continuing to watch Udaari.

What is great about Udaari is how the show has balanced happy, endearing themes with the heavier one.  While Sajjo (Samiya Mumtaz), Zebo and Imtiaz (Ahsan Khan) carry forward a heavy story of child abuse, Meera (Urwa Hocane), Rasheeda (Bushra Ansari) and Arsh (Farhan Saeed) have a lighter story arc about the acceptance of "mirasis" in society.  The way the two stories are woven together is brilliant and the entire cast has put forth a great effort to make this show what it is.

Coming back to the storyline with Zebo, Sajjo and Imtiaz, I just want to take a moment to discuss how brilliantly this storyline has been carried out.  Sajjo married Imtiaz and things seemed too good to be true until.....they were.  Sajjo was not brainless for a moment and when things started going wrong, she picked up on them, slowly but surely.  Her suspicions were slowly confirmed and to her horror, she was completely taken back by what her daughter had been put through and was going through emotionally.  I HAVE to give due credit to all three of these actors.  Samiya as Sajjo is perfect - I cannot imagine anyone else playing this role as well.  The role of a hardworking household cook with a daughter who suffers at the hands of her step-father transitioned to a confident businesswoman is carried with such ease and natural finesse, you can't help applauding Samiya for yet another role well-done.  On the other end, Ahsan Khan has taken up one of the most hated, slap-worthy characters on television in years.  Imtiaz literally makes the viewer want to strangle him and vomit at the same time, he's such an intensely horrible human being.  However, that's what made this role such a great one for Ahsan Khan - it's not only the chance of a lifetime for an actor, but also one that is so very important for people to see.  He has done an amazing job as Imtiaz, the man who married a woman and earned praise for being a caring husband, only to take advantage of her young child.  Kudos to the little girl who played young Zebo - absolutely brilliant the way she makes you cry for Zebo and want to simply hug her for what she's been through.  You have to wonder what the dictation is to child actors when they're told to act out these scenes though?

And then we have the lighter arc, the one dealing with the incredible, amazing, fantastic Bushra Ansari as Rasheeda.  Rasheeda and her family are "Mirasis," musicians and entertainers by profession.  Pakistani society tends to look down upon this group of people and this show depicts the injustice created by this mentality so well.  Rasheeda, her daughter Meera, her son Ejaz and her brother are a beautiful, thoughtful, kind-hearted family that come through for Sajjo and Zebo over and over again.  The way their transition from village to city has been shown is heart-warming, because they didn't try to make it a quick change.  At heart, they are still from their small village, but their lifestyle has changed with Meera's discovery and singing success.  Bushra Ansari has a panache for taking up roles that other people may not even be able to pull off.  Rasheeda is such a character - loud, but lovable, she instantly puts a smile on your face in the comedic scenes, but is fiercely loyal and protective of her loved ones, showing that spark when dealing with Imtiaz and his crooked ways.  Bushra Ansari deserves applause.  Urwa Hocane is sweet as Meera and has played her role so perfectly that I am having a hard time remembering her in any other role!  She has become Meera.  Farhan is good as Arsh, but his role doesn't demand much of him - and this is a trend with him.  He is not a great actor, but just manages to get by on the shoulders of others.  However, this time, he had a little more ego to display, a little more anger, a little more insecurity, so the role of Arsh has been a step in the right direction for him.  Well done.

Genuinely, I love this show and what it stands for, what it promotes and what it seeks to do in educating the masses against these atrocities.

That being said, the current arc is not settling well with me.  With only two episodes to go, I am relieved that the show will not be drawn out or dragged unnecessarily, keeping it straight to the point.  But the return of Imtiaz, though amazing for ratings and excitement, is heart-breaking as a viewer.  It only goes to show that an already mentally and physically tortured woman and sweet, innocent child are still being put through unnecessary grief.  I found myself yelling "HOW MUCH MORE CAN  A PERSON TAKE?" with Imtiaz's return and the following episode.  I hope for a positive ending with a positive message, one that makes the subject of abuse less "taboo" and opens the door for discussions and honestly dealing with the subject.

Kudos to Udaari.  I'm expecting great things from the next two (and last) episodes!  Happy watching!