Yakeen Ka Safar: Wading Through Life and Love

In the past few weeks, I've seen many articles come out about Yakeen Ka Safar, praising the show and drawing in new viewers.  Despite being a viewer from day 1, I refrained from writing about this particular show in detail.  This the excerpt from the last time I wrote about this show (back in June):

Intense.  Grim.  Painfully real.  Depicts the true reality of our society.  These are the first things that come to mind when describing this drama.  "Gumaan ke baad yakeen ka safar" - so far, there is so much gumaan and I'm still clinging on with my fingernails for some yakeen to begin. 

Sajal Ali's story as Zubia is interesting, but I'm waiting for it to really take off.  While I'm glad her once-evil father has had a change of heart, it goes to show that your children end up being a mirror of their parents.  To see her once-loving brother Rehan turn against her thanks to their upbringing (and her evil Bhabi) is disheartening and absolutely realistic.  I'm looking forward to watching her interactions with Asfandyar (Ahad Raza Mir).

On the other end, we've been seeing Daniyal (Shaz Khan) fighting to defend the honor of his client - however, he's taking on the son of a politician and that's put him in a dangerous position.  In the latest episode, we witnessed a huge twist with Daniyal being shot.  Will he make it?  Did he die?  That's what I'm waiting for anxiously.  Shaz Khan's chemistry with Hira Salman is seriously adorable, so I am hoping this isn't the end for the duo.  Things are looking grim though....

All in all, this is an intense drama and not for anyone looking for something light-hearted.  The story is solid though and I'm expecting for it to only get better from here (hopefully).

Since then, the show has leaped forward by heaps and bounds, changing directions entirely while still remaining tied to the plot.  When this show began, it was heavily action-packed, full of social messages, namely the fight of the oppressed vs. the oppressors.  The characters were idealistic, full of passion, energy and youth.  At present, the show is much more subdued, more emotional than action-packed, dealing with the long term effects of grief and loss.

When Yakeen Ka Safar first began, it felt like wading through shallow water in a river with uncertainty as to when the floor would drop.  From the get-go, Yakeen Ka Safar moved with a quiet calm towards a ragingly powerful yet subtle story.

What is Yakeen Ka Safar about?  The effect upbringing has on children, social injustice, the corrupt system in Pakistan, marital abuse, social stigma that women face, feminism, the importance of female education, mental health, the different ways people grieve and how they deal with that grief, forgiveness and, finally, love are all themes that Yakeen Ka Safar touches upon.  However, there is not a single moment of preaching in the show, rather these themes are presented so naturally and realistically.

However, at its very core, Yakeen Ka Safar is about the predictable:  it's a love story.  What makes this love story so unique?  I honestly could not see this love story emerging between these two characters until over half the show had gone by.  Yakeen Ka Safar kept me on my toes, yet moved with such an unpredictability, much like life - and that is what's refreshing.

For those who have not seen the show yet, first of all, I'll say what are you waiting for?  I've been recommending this show to anyone willing to listen, but with the disclaimer that it is not a fast-paced show that follows a predictable path.  That being said, it's beautiful and easily the best thing on television after "Baaghi" and "Mujhe Jeene Do."  It has been a long time since a drama has kept me waiting for each week to pass in order to watch a new episode.  Wednesdays have fast become my favorite day of the week thanks to YKS.

Getting to the story, let's do a quick recap.

The story tells the tale of two families - one being Zubia's family (Sajal Ali).  Zubia's family consists of an abusive father, a docile yet loving mother, a brother and her bhabi.  An abusive husband, Zubia's father accidentally kills Zubia's mother in a domestic dispute and then covers up the abuse by threatening his children.  While her father later repents and changes his focus in life towards Zubia's happiness, his previous behavior has already left its imprint on Zubia's brother Rehan, pushed further by his practically-evil wife.  During a low point of her life, Zubia makes a questionable decision that leads to her to disgrace, only to be rescued in a chance encounter by Asfandyar.

Asfandyar's family is a well to do, educated family headed by lawyer Usman.  His foreign educated son Daniyal (Shaz Khan) followed in his father's footsteps and is also a lawyer.  Daniyal is married to his cousin and childhood sweetheart Geti (Hira Salman), while Asfandyar (Ahad Raza Mir) - who is in med school and very fun loving - is engaged to another cousin, Faryal.  This tight-knit family is shown as a very happy, loving family - until Daniyal takes on a case with an NGO, fighting for a poor woman gang-raped by a politician's son.  Daniyal is directly framed for attempted rape by said politician, in an effort to ruin Daniyal's reputation, and the story reaches a heightened level at this point.  Lawyer Usman's family moves to a small town to escape the pain life has dealt them.

On the other end, Zubia has graduated from med school, but is unable to escape her past.  At every turn, she finds blame being thrown her way and people looking at her with suspicion, being labeled a "ghar se bhaagi hui ladki" (a woman who once ran away from home).  In an effort to escape this label, she takes up a job at a hospital in a small town - a hospital run by Dr. Asfandyar.

It is here where the story truly begins, healing begins and we see the light at the end of the tunnel.

At present, the story finally gave the viewers a sense of relief and closure regarding one storyline, only to throw us into grief once again in the most recent episode.  Once again, I am waiting with baited breath for the next episode, wondering what course this show is about to tread.  Will our main characters, Zubia and Asfandyar, find peace in each other?  Will Geti get the happy ending she so deserves?

Coming to performances, there isn't one performer here that outshines anyone else.  Everyone has done a commendable job.  That being said, Ahad Raza Mir is a gem.  While he had presence in "Sammi," here he shines brighter than any other star on television at present in the character of Asfandyar.  Asfandyar, as a character, has become the sort of heartthrob role that Fawad Khan's Asher had been in Humsafar.  A role that turns an actor into a star- Ahad Raza Mir is well onto his way of being a star.  His subtle performance as Asfandyar is endearing - whether it's the youthful, spirited Asfi or the serious, brooding Dr. Asfandyar, Ahad plays this role as a natural.

Sajal Ali as Zubia is perfect for the role.  Quiet and self-guarded, Zubia has learned to keep to herself and protect herself from those around her.  Sajal's acting only adds to the brilliant writing, displaying Zubia's pain with her eyes, namely as she guards herself from her own feelings towards Asfandyar.

Hina Salman as Geti is a complete natural.  Her anguish is displayed with a quiet calm, masked by a sad smile.  Shaz Khan shines in his role as Daniyal, a role so prominent to the story and his presence is felt throughout the show.

Sabiha Somar and Farhan Ali Agha excel as Asfandyar and Daniyal's parents, emoting so well that you can't remember them in any other role while they are on screen.  They ARE the parents of these two boys, broken-hearted and grieving.

The side characters are equally endearing, especially Mani as Dr. Haroon and the rest of the hospital staff.

While the show is inching towards a conclusion with only 2-3 episodes left, I am already beginning to feel a void "Yakeen Ka Safar is the sort of show that doesn't come around that often.  Each episode leaves behind an emotional impact and teaches you to really appreciate the relationships in your life - and to extend your hand to others, as everyone has a past, feels pain and needs support.

I'm eagerly waiting for the remaining episodes of YKS and hope you are too.  If you aren't already watching, you should be!  Happy watching!

(Pictures courtesy Hum TV)

Aadhi Gawahi - Social Statement or Illogical Fluff?

Aadhi Gawahi is a show that I made an active decision not to watch right when it began.  Why?  Well, in my past experience, shows featuring Sohai Ali Abro and Azfar Rehman tend to tether the line between reality and fantasy.  Mind you, both of these actors are really great, natural actors that always display their talent in each and every project they work in.  However, despite delivering great performances, the shows they choose to associate themselves with always seem overly melodramatic and fall under the title of "mediocre."

Why did I begin to watch this show then after 26 episodes had already gone on air?  Social media, of course!  I began seeing all these declarations of what a great social message the show had, what a strong female lead the show boasted of and how the issue touched upon in the show is such an important issue in Pakistani society.  "What IS this show about?" I thought, still sticking to my decision of not watching.  Then, last week, a friend openly began raving about the show and insisted that I must watch it.....so I did...

The summary of the show on the official Hum TV site is as follows:

"Aadhi Gawahi raises questions on the sensitive issue of "Nikah" and highlights how the subjects of "divorce" and "nikah" should not be taken lightly. Aadhi Gawahi is an interwoven story of Salwa, Saad, Hamdan, Soha and their families and depicts how an assumed "joke" amongst Salwa and Hamdan transformed Salwa and her family's lives into a bad dream. Salwa and her cousin Saad like each other, however when they are going to get married, their batch mate Hamdan approaches with pictures and video of his "Nikah" with Salwa which was recorded at a play as a joke when Hamdan declined to play her significant other in the play since she was not a “mehrum.” What takes after is an account of regret, battle and repercussions of Salwa's evil idea design." (Source:  www.hum.tv)

I'm not sure what is being described as a summary of this show is what I'm actually watching.  In fact, this summary sounds even more illogical than what actually happened on the show.  They certainly didn't get married as a "joke," rather it was an added scene in a play.

I absolutely agree that the general knowledge and education on the rights of women regarding Nikkah in South Asian society is highly lacking.  This is a situation made even worse by Pakistani media, depicting divorce as "talaaq, talaaq, talaaq" and, despite their intentions, showing situations like "accidental Nikkah" in this particular drama.

It has been shown that the "accidental Nikkah" between Hamdan & Salwa was orchestrated as an ill-intentioned plan by Hamdan himself (as he likes her), followed by a "fake" Fatwah issued by a hired Maulana Sahab.  If that's the case, then why did Salwa's Maulana Sahab also agree that this Nikkah was "jaayaz" (valid)?  In what world would anyone consider a Nikkah done without INTENTION valid?  This aside, what kind of sound-minded adults would partake in an act consisting of a Nikkah, using their real names, complete with signing of papers?  The basis of the show alone is illogical.

On the other end, we have Salwa's once love-of-her-life Saad.  Saad and Salwa are cousins and understand each other incredibly well, highly in tune with the feelings of the other.  When Saad injures his foot, he finds himself unable to act in their media arts class project opposite Salwa.  Hamdan uses this to his advantage and takes Saad's place - and this is when the "fake Nikkah" takes place.  Salwa informs Saad of the situation and they even have a fight over it.  Why then would Saad go on to distrust Salwa over the nikkah situation when the entire incident was put in front of him immediately?  How do characters that had a solid understanding suddenly morph into completely different people?  It's frustrating to watch.  

It's amusing to watch the difference between Salwa and Hamdan's families.  While Salwa's family is supposed to be an "izzatdaar khandaan" (respectable family), educated and broad-minded, their actions tell a completely different story.  They are quick to judge, make impulse decisions, are rude to their guests and conduct themselves without class.  On the other end, Hamdan's family is comprised of landlords and are described as "jaahil" (uneducated and ignorant).....however, their behavior is much more dignified, compromising and intelligent.  It's almost difficult to sympathize with Salwa and her family's situation, because of the haphazard way they conduct their lives.

The ensemble cast does a decent job with their roles, but there are two actors specifically worth mention.  Ayesha Sana and Saleem Sheikh play their roles with the utmost dignity and exude charm each time they appear on screen.  Despite being from the "bad family" on the show, they are two of the more likable characters.  I also have to give credit to Usama Khan who plays the role of Usama.  He is written as a side character, but he is highly memorable and leaves an impression on the viewer.  Ironically, he leaves a stronger impression than our lead "hero" Saad (played by Ali Josh).  Ali is a decent enough actor, but his character is so poorly written that it's difficult to really find him endearing.

Coming to our two main actors - Sohai Ali Abro is always a treat to watch on screen.  She has a natural flair about her, as though she's just a normal girl and isn't acting at all.  This show is so intriguing partly because of her performance - had it been any other actress, this show may not have had the same pull.  Sohai looks beautiful and her character has personality, so the idea of two men being in love with her isn't at all unbelievable.  

Azfar Rehman's role is much more difficult for the viewer to wrap their head around.  Here's why:  Azfar Rehman is supposed to be our "villain."  He's rude, he's blunt, he's insensitive, he's a male chauvinist.  He forces the heroine to marry him under false pretenses, tries to control her life, physically threatens her family members, is rude to her mother......he should not be appealing to ANYONE.  The problem?  He's played by Azfar Rehman, who is a bigger actor than any of the other males in the show.  He's great looking.  Add to that, how Bollywood and Pakistani shows have played on our hearts and brains for decades - the "bad boy" chases the girl and the girl eventually gives in.  The "bad boy" will eventually reform and become a good guy.....no matter how he has gone about getting his way and forcing himself on the girl, depriving her of her own basic rights.  Unfortunately, I see that at play with this show as well in the viewers, myself included.  I find myself thinking "They look so sweet together" or finding Hamdan's behavior appealing in a strange way.   

It's pitiful and I do wonder how the show intends to wrap up.  Will Hamdan change his ways and we, once again, be forced to lap up this idea of "Aggressive force is OK, because she will change him for the better" or will Hamdan actually be held accountable for his bad behavior?  

I will be honest.  Despite this show's lack of logic, despite the insane characters and the ludicrous situations, there is still something almost addictive about this show.  I find myself looking forward to every episode, despite it moving at a snail's pace and being almost Indian soap-like in its presentation.  The chemistry between Sohai & Azfar definitely helps things.  All things considered, I do agree that the subject of how Nikkahs are meant to be conducted is something our society needs to be made aware of and educated on.  I hope this show holds true to its claims and actually goes on to address the problematic things being depicted so far.

That's it for this week!  Happy watching!