When drama serial Bakhtawar went on air, many of us compared it to Parizaad and wondered if Bakhtawar will also be another unforgettable drama such as Parizaad. The good news is that Bakhtawar was a memorable drama in its own right; it was a story of resilience and uncharted strength. The ending of both the drama was more or less the same. However, it did not have the same impact which Parizaad had on the viewers. I re-watched the last scene from Parizaad and I must say that it was on a completely different level altogether. The dialogues, cinematography, and performances were mind-blowing. Bakhtawar’s journey stayed true to its basic theme right till the end but the execution of this last episode could have been far better. This drama and the character played by Yumna Zaidi is definitely yet another feather in her cap. The drama also ended on an apt note if not a high one. Even someone like me, who felt that the story was stretched and some elements of the drama such as the production values and the casting were not as remarkable as some of the other dramas from a similar genre were, couldn’t help but truly appreciate how the drama ended.

This review is going to be more of an overview of the entire drama since I left reviewing it weekly owing to some of my reservations with the casting and execution as well as a few of the tracks. Since the main content, theme, and track of the drama were always delivered, I did not want to rant about the things that did not work for me every single week.

The Strengths

Drama serial Bakhtawar had a lot going for it. The main lead definitely was the biggest strength of the drama. The premise of the story was brand new and the way Bakhtawar’s journey highlighted how difficult it was for a woman to make it on her own was the best part of the drama. Even with all the odds against her, the writer never showed Bakhtawar as a victim. She was always the hero in her story. The writer managed to show that and at the same time, the viewers got to watch the vulnerable and more human side of the character. Bakhtawar’s inner turmoil was always an important part of her story. We were ‘shown’ her ups and downs in detail and not ‘told’ what she was going through, which I feel made all the difference. Yumna Zaidi definitely made the right choice when she decided to take up this challenging role. This character had so many different sides yet Yumna Zaidi switched from one to the other effortlessly.

Another strength that might have gone unnoticed by many was Bakhtawar’s relationship with her mother. Bakhtawar’s mother was shown as a docile character; a woman who could never take a stand on her own but when her daughter decided to rewrite her story, she stood by her through thick and thin. The way her character development was shown was also interesting. In the beginning, she merely went with whatever Bakhtawar did because she had faith in her daughter. Later on, she started believing in her daughter despite all the mistakes she made and had a voice of her own. It was wonderful watching her find a voice and using it to tell Dilawar’s mother off. There was a time when this woman could not even imagine thinking on her own let alone confronting another person of such high stature.

Apart from the main lead, Bakhtawar had quite a few strong supporting characters as well. Sheeda’s character stood out because he was such an apt representation of people like him. Sunil Shankar’s performance made all the difference; he played his role exceptionally well. Naveeda’s character development made her stand out in the past few weeks in particular. The way she supported the young girl her husband married was a pleasant surprise. Mizna Waqas is an exceptional actress who always breathes life into all her characters. I absolutely loved her performance throughout and in the last episode, her expressions in particular were priceless. Mohsin played by Shamoon Abbasi was another refreshing element of the drama since we hardly ever get to see such policemen in Pakistani dramas. This was such a good way of showing how much difference a good police officer could make.

The Weaknesses

In my opinion, the production values of the drama were not up to the mark. Malik Dilawar, Hurriya, and their families were such an important part of the drama. On paper, these families represented the most affluent and influential classes of our society but their lifestyles were not depicted convincingly on-screen. Everything from their houses and workplaces looked more like that of a person belonging to the middle class. Apart from those two big cars and a handful of guards, the entire scenario was extremely unconvincing. So many scenes were shot in Dilawar’s office but the whole set-up was so lame that it was almost laughable. There was a big contradiction between what the writer had written on paper and how it was executed on-screen.

Hurriya’s character was a big put-off for me. I am honestly sick and tired of watching these rich, ‘educated’ and modern women running after men like they have nothing better to do. The way Hurriya’s entire existence centered on getting married to Dilawar made me want to forward her scenes. Things just got worse when her focus shifted to Bakhtawar. Even her father was so actively involved in helping her, it made no sense whatsoever. Even though Noureen Gulwani is a great actress, this character did not bring out the best in her. It was really difficult for me to stay interested in this particular track and one of the main reasons why I stopped reviewing the drama.

Both the male leads in the drama were disappointing, to say the least. Zaviyar Nauman complete failed at adding any kind of charm or appeal to his character. Dilawar was an impressive and likable character on paper but the execution was so bad that he came across as too sweet, too simple, too plain. The character was well written but the execution was a major disappointment. Zaviyar Nauman was not a good choice for playing the role because he failed to add substance to the character. The production values and camera work did not help either. Ahad was another well-written character but Ali Wasi Kazmi did not have the kind of screen presence which could have made this character stand out. That is the reason why the equation between Bakhtawar and Ahad or Bakhtawar and Dilawar was never the same as the one between Parizaad and Annie.

Final Remarks

Bakhtawar’s last episode had some strong messages which were completely in line with Bakhtawar’s journey. The importance of education and the need for women to support each other were highlighted more than any other. Right till the end, I tried really hard to warm up to Dilawar and Bakhtawar’s relationship but it did not work for me at all. I am glad the romantic angle of this relationship was completely sidelined but it also makes me wonder why it was highlighted so much in the past few weeks! It was obviously a way to keep people guessing but I think it was completely unnecessary because it would have been quite strange if Dilawar and Bakhtawar ever got together in that way. The romance/infatuation element could easily have been avoided. Overall, Bakhtawar managed to stand out because of its novel content; it is always good watching dramas that are progressive and show empowered women. That particular aspect of Bakhtawar’s journey stayed on point right till the end. The final scenes showed Bakhtawar sporting a braid which means a lot of time had passed in between therefore I could not help but wonder if Bakhtawar managed to pass the competitive exams. Bakhtawar was Yumna Zaidi’s show more than any other and I must applaud her for nailing her character even though she had to work alongside actors who could not even give the right expressions!

Did you watch this last episode? Do share your thoughts about it.

This latest episode of Bakhtawar was beautifully penned down and showed everything which I am certain most viewers were waiting to watch. This was the kind of episode that most women could relate to irrespective of their age or struggles in life. Our society expects more from women and judges them continuously, that fact was yet again highlighted in this episode. The bitter fact is that every woman out there needs a male “savior” no matter how strong and for Bakhtawar, Bakhtu has been that savior. Bakhtawar is finally opening up about leading a double life, something which was not addressed in the previous few episodes. Her inner dialogue was presented in the most impactful manner through the conversation between Bakhtwar and Bakhtu.

Yumna Zaidi performed exceptionally well in this recent episode, it is truly impressive watching her pushing boundaries and excelling at it while translating this role on-screen. The writer once again showed the double standards and hypocrisy of the people who claim to be righteous. Hooriya’s character continues to be the most boring aspect of an otherwise exciting drama. The previous episode suggested that everything was being shown for a reason and that reason proved to be the most pleasant surprise. I would love to see Bakhtawar moving forward and reaching her goals with her actual identity, hopefully, we are headed there.

Problems and Determination

Bakhtawar’s life is not getting easier as the story is moving forward. In fact, things are getting more complicated. The opening scenes of the episodes showed how Sheeda decided to get back at Bakhtu by spreading rumors about his sister. The reaction of the people living in the neighborhood said a great deal about whom they believed and that is when Bakhtu decided to take matters into his own hands. Just like before, as Bakhtu, Bakhtawar was confident and was not going to give in to pressure. The first scene with the landlord was brilliant; it showed that even though Bakhtawar was young she knew how to take charge. The landlord and Sheeda both are hoping that Bakhtawar will marry them as a last resort but she made it clear that was not going to happen.

The best part of this episode was Bakhtawar facing the world courageously as a young woman who knew the odds were against her. She gave both the men who were assassinating her character a much-needed wake-up call. The dialogues between Bakhtawar and Bakhtu reflected the inner struggles of the character and also answered a few questions which might have been in the viewers’ minds. Bakhtawar has been using Bakhtu as a shield and it is true that this was supposed to be something temporary which is now turning into a permanent feature and creating more problems for the protagonist. This conversation summed up Bakhtawar’s motives and also reminded her of the person she once was. Bakhtawar has a different plan for the future, it remains to be seen if she will actually be able to execute it.

Dilawar and Hooriya’s scenes are more or less the same in every episode. Hooriya continues to be herself; shallow rich spoiled brat with no values. And Dilawar makes sure he lets her know that he does not even like her yet she continues to ignore the fact that they are poles apart. Dilawar and Bakhtawar’s scenes in this episode were meaningful. Bakhtawar wants to come out clean but she has seen Dilawar telling people off for lying to them. I hope that Bakhtawar will eventually tell Dilawar the truth herself instead of this entire development turning into one of those misunderstandings that linger on.

Final Remarks

The pace of the drama has slowed down and some of the scenarios are repetitive at times but overall Bakhtawar still continues to be a quality drama with a protagonist that holds your interest. Unlike many other dramas nowadays, Bakhtawar does not have the best sidetrack. Bakhtawar’s track continues to be the story’s biggest strength and appeal.

Did you watch this latest episode of Bakhtawar? Do share your views about it.

This recent episode of Bakhtawar highlighted the hardships faced by the main protagonist. The decision Bakhtawar took when she decided to be Bakhtu was not an easy one and now it is only logical to show its repercussions. She was shown having a difficult time keeping her secret now because everyone around her seemed to be more interested in Bakhtu’s sister than anything else. Some of the dialogues in this episode were beautifully penned down and Yumna Zaidi’s performance was outstanding as usual. I was expecting things to go in Bakhtawar’s favor therefore the way the story progressed in this episode definitely came as a surprise. The one thing which has kept me hooked on this drama right from the start is the fact that the story is unpredictable. The entire situation regarding Bakhtawar’s whereabouts and people’s reactions was ironic, to say the least, and went to show how conveniently everyone judged Bakhtawar. Bakhtu, Dilawar, and Hooriya track is not the best thing about the story. I don’t find myself invested in this particular track and it is serving as a “distraction” for now. The story could have gone forward without introducing the “prince charming” at this point.

Determined To Succeed

The story opened with Sheeda making his way inside Bakhtawar’s rented place and that is when everyone from the landlady to the neighbors got involved in the situation. Since the landlord had already asked Bakhtu where Bakhtawar was, it was even more difficult for Bakhtu to make an excuse. However, one thing is certain so far Bakhtawar’s confidence skyrockets every time she faces these men as a man! She does not have the same courage when she is confronting them as a female. Watching all these characterless men accuse Bakhtawar like that was unfortunately extremely relatable. This was as close to reality as it gets! Very often men, who cannot convince a woman to date or marry them, turn to character assassination as a control tactic. Unfortunately, our society is filled with such men.

Bakhtawar’s conversation with her friend was just what the doctor ordered. I had been waiting to hear her internal dialogue and what she actually felt about this situation. Whenever she talks to her mother, she is never honest and always sugarcoats. We have only seen her crying when she is alone. This was the first time that she actually voiced her opinions. Hooriya and Bakhtu’s scene yet again showed just how controlling this woman is. She really needs to get a life! The fact that Dilawar is not even convincing as a trophy husband makes this track even more annoying.

Bakhtawar and her mother’s scenes are always my favorite. Their relationship has been the highlight of every single episode. Bakhtawar’s advice to her mother was the best, the writer managed to say a great deal through that one dialogue. I also liked the scene covering Dilawar taking a stand for Bakhtu and for himself. He is a wise boy but unfortunately, his father sees things very differently. It was however a pleasant surprise when his mother voiced her concerns.

Final Remarks

After watching this episode, I am wondering if Bakhtawar and her mother will end up leaving this place and somehow move closer to Dilawar’s family. This drama has only been on air for 8 weeks and so much has happened already. There is a lot more to look forward to. I am waiting to find out what turn Bakhtawar’s story will take and when and how will Dilawar find out the truth about Bakhtawar.

Did you watch this episode of Bakhtawar? Do share your thoughts about it.

Bakhtawar’s journey continues to be filled with surprises and some of these surprises are hard to accept especially initially. Her focus shifted in this episode and by the end of this episode, I couldn’t help but wonder if her mother’s illness perhaps will put her back on track. Although, it was somewhat disappointing watching Bakhtawar going astray, at the same time it is good to see that she is not an epitome of perfection but she has all fundamental human emotions which made her do something which she knew was not right. So far, Bakhtawar was completely focused on her goal but her attraction toward Dilawar has, at least for now, made her go off track. She thought about her father as she smoked, I felt that this was such an intelligent way of showing why she was so adamant at staying away from these boys and wanted to live a purposeful life, other than the obvious reasons. For the first time, Bakhtawar disappointed her mother and these scenes were executed brilliantly as well. The flashback scenes were integrated well in this episode and I felt it was important to show them since so much has happened in these past few weeks that the viewers needed to be reminded of this background.

Latest Developments and My Thoughts

This latest episode opened with a dismayed Bakhtawar doing exactly what she had been successfully evading for the longest time now. Dilawar and Hooriya’s engagement made her realize more than ever just how strong her feelings for Dilawar were and how difficult it was for her to suppress them. Although, Dilawar is a sweet boy, so was Ahad therefore it is a little difficult to guess why Bakhtawar fell for him and not Ahad. This particular aspect of the track could have been taken forward slowly. Such vulnerability in a character gives it the kind of human traits which are inherently present in each one of us. Therefore, I am definitely not saying that what Bakhtawar did was illogical but I felt it was too soon. For that reason, Bakhtawar’s reaction came across as a little too extreme. This was obviously the writer’s way of showing Dilawar’s intense emotions for Dilawar but it definitely caught me off guard.

For the first time, Bakhtawar’s mother was shown thinking about her other daughter. Her thoughts resonated with me; it was easy to understand why she felt scared all of a sudden and could not cope on her own. So far, she had been calmly going along with everything Bakhtawar had been doing. However, more than once she shared her actual feelings and fears with Bakhtawar in a subtle manner. Her reaction made perfect sense, Bakhtawar’s regret and the apology were also covered beautifully. This mother-daughter duo continues to be my favorite because of the performances in particular. Bakhtawar finally decided to tell Dilawar the truth after her mother asked her to do so but Hooriya’s controlling behavior stood in the way and Dilawar never found out the truth.

Hooriya is turning out to be one of those rich and modern characters we often see in dramas who could do a lot more with their life but end up investing all their time and energy on a man who is not interested in them. There is nothing interesting about the character so far. Noreen Gulwani is an ace actress but this role doesn’t have enough going for it. Dilawar’s role so far is quite plain as well; I would have liked to see more of his assertive side. When it comes to Bakhtu he is a little too laid back. Trusting him enough to not check her id card is one thing because he saved him but the fact that he did not even have his phone number was strange. Also, the entire setup of the office does not make it look like Dilawar is running a big business enterprise. Hooriya and Dilawar’s scenes yet again showed how different their personalities and goals were. Hooriya wants to “own” Dilawar and run his life for him. Dilawar has shown his actual feelings and impression of Hooriya more than once. But, like Hooriya’s father said “shadi ke baad sb theek ho jaye ga” is the reason why all of this is being brushed under the carpet by the girl and her family.

Final Remarks

Bakhtawar went through so many different emotions in this episode and Yumna Zaidi switched from one emotion to the other effortlessly. She made me feel for her character even in these circumstances. My favorite scene was the one in which she calls Dilawar as Bakhtu, asking for help. Huma Nawab was equally exceptional as the mother who had so much faith in her daughter and was extremely disappointed as well as hurt by her actions. Sunil Shankar also stands out as Sheeda even though there’s nothing new or outstanding about the character but the acting definitely has made it noticeable. Good actors make even the most basic characters stand out and actors who are still learning the craft tend to make even the most likable character appear plain on screen as is the case with Dilawar.

The episode ended on an exciting note and the preview of the next episode was even more interesting. I am really looking forward to the upcoming episode.

Did you watch this latest episode of Bakhtawar? Share your thoughts about it.

Bakhtawar continues to move forward at a steady pace. The screenplay and dialogues in these 3 episodes were just as meaningful as before. The writer has for the most part kept Bakhtawar’s story as realistic as possible. The main protagonist’s life did not instantly change and all her problems did not disappear after the change of identity. This new identity brought with it new problems which have so far been covered convincingly. These episodes focused more on Malik Dilawar and Bakhtawar’s relationship than anything else. Bakhtawar seems to be falling for Dilawar which I feel is an interesting addition because he is the kind of person anyone would find attractive. Bakhtawar is a young girl who did not get a lot of love and appreciation in life so it is natural for her to fall for someone who is giving her just that.

I still find myself comparing this drama with Parizaad because both the stories have a few things in common. The big difference between the two dramas has to be the overall production values. Apart from this, the performances in Parizaad blew me away every single time. While most of the actors are performing exceptionally well in Bakhtawar, the main lead Zaviyar Nauman does not bring anything extraordinary to the table. There are some scenes in which he does well but most of the time he does the bare minimum. Like most newcomers, it will take Zaviyar some time to polish his acting skills. Any other actor his age with polished acting skills would have made this character stand out because it has been penned down beautifully. Dilawar’s character is likable in more ways than one but the charm this character clearly holds was lost in translation. Yumna Zaidi owns her character and the experienced actors in the drama never fail to impress.

Bakhtawar’s New Journey

Bakhtawar got a job offer from Malik Dilawar right after she decided to leave the job at the dhaba. Dilawar’s character is pretty straightforward; he is kind and polite but also assertive in his own way. His interactions with Bakhtawar would have been far more impactful if a more experienced actor was playing the role. Malik Sherzaman, Dilawar’s father, is the complete opposite of his son. His character is somewhat clichéd but Qaiser Khan Nizamani makes his scenes worth watching. This basically goes to show how much of a difference an actor can make. When Behroze was introduced a business tycoon in Parizaad, his status was clearly visible from his material possessions; the grand house, guards, and everything else did not leave much to the imagination. However, in this particular case, both rich families do not have that aura. Obviously, the production house did not invest a lot into bringing their status to life on screen.

Bakhtawar continued to move forward with the same determination as before but tonight when Dilawar was about to announce his engagement, she found it difficult to control her feelings. She is gradually falling in love with this man even though she knows that he is inaccessible and not to forget the fact that he is not even aware of her actual identity. I am glad the writer has added those dialogues in which different people make fun of Bakhtawar because of her antics when she is presenting herself as a man – it makes the whole scenario more believable. Also, the light-hearted scenes such as the one in tonight’s episode when the landlord comes with the rishta, break the monotony. Bakhtawar’s relationship with her mother is always the highlight of every single episode. Huma Nawab has managed to strike the perfect balance here therefore Bakhtawar’s mother always comes across as gentle and loving and not unwise. Even though there are times when you want this mother to put her foot down and make a few decisions on her own, you understand why she does not do so.

Bakhtawar’s weak and vulnerable moments were translated on screen faultlessly by Yumna Zaidi in these episodes. Even though she puts up a brave face, this is not easy for her. Showing Bakhtawar’s inner struggles makes her character human and relatable. Tonight, when she stood in front of the mirror and thought of everything she was missing out on because of this false identity, I am certain everyone could relate to her feelings. Most of the time she hides her feelings from her mother but the mother always understands how her daughter is actually feeling.

Final Remarks

Bakhtawar is an interesting drama with a unique storyline. The fast pace with which the story is moving forward adds to its entertainment value. Yumna Zaidi and Huma Nawab are the stars of the show. The actor playing Sheeda’s character is also performing his part really well. The preview of the next episode was intriguing. I hope nothing happens to Bakhtawar’s mother. I am waiting to watch how the story is taken forward in the upcoming episodes.

Did you watch these episodes of Bakhtawar? Share your thoughts about it.

This third episode of Bakhtawar was fast-paced just like the previous two. It covered a few days in Bakhtu’s life and ended with an incident that might just prove to be a complete game changer for the protagonist. Zaviyar Nauman’s character was also introduced in this episode but it is evident by now that Yumna Zaidi/Bakhtawar is the star of this show. Everything and everyone else is simply going to be an extension or addition to the main track so far that seems to be the case. The name Bakhtawar and the character’s journey so far have great contradictions; I am sure this is not coincidental. The girl whose name implies that she would have great luck supporting her throughout her life is swimming against the tide ever since the drama started. She continues to be determined but she has her weak moments as well. Bakhtawar’s dialogues in this particular episode truly stood out.

Bakhtawar’s story is difficult to “believe” even for someone who knows it is inspired by true events. Since this story is novel and does not only show how difficult it is for women to live and breathe freely but also highlights that even as a man life is not a bed of roses. This novelty coupled with impressive performances makes Bakhtawar a must-watch even though at times the execution of some of the scenes and developments is not as convincing as you would want it to be.

Change of Identity

The opening scene of this 3rd episode was the perfect beginning to an episode that was both entertaining and meaningful, overall. Bakhtawar’s response to her mother when she started crying went to show the mindset with which Bakhtawar was raised. The dialogue Ansoo tu betiyun walun ke muqaddar mein likhe hote hein, tm bete ki maa ho tumhein kabhi rona nahin pare ga said a great deal not just about this character but unfortunately it is also a statement that holds true for a majority of the people in reality as well. I found it rather surprising that Bakhtawar was more than willing and ready to go outside and face the world immediately after this transition. What we saw in the previous episode suggested that Bakhtawar’s decision to live her life with this new identity was impulsive. Therefore even though her frame of mind was shown subtly through suppressed tears, the sudden confidence did not work for me. This was one aspect of the story that shouldn’t have been covered in haste. Since Bakhtawar did not plan all this beforehand or at least the viewers were not shown that she did, her new wardrobe was also a mystery. Having said that, Bakhtawar’s story resonated on so many levels as the episode progressed and the troubles she faced with her new identity were shown realistically.

At first, the transition brought with it the kind of confidence that Bakhtawar couldn’t display while she was living her life as a female. However, as the story progressed, the downside of this transition was also shown. She was offered jobs that were meant for men and she had a really difficult time fitting in with the male crowd. This was such a remarkable way of showing the kind of peer pressure men face and how they are forced to do certain things because of their gender. Men are expected to toughen up and be rebellious otherwise they don’t fit in the crowd, especially at such a young age. One of the unconvincing elements of this episode was Bakhtawar’s new ‘friend’ taking her to a place that was meant for the rich. However, this turned out to be a turning point for Bakhtawar who had more realistic expectations now after being rejected by multiple employers. She was clearly disappointed but knew that she had to start working in order to earn a living.

Bakhtawar’s mamu’s search for her and the close call added a thrilling aspect to the story. There is a constant threat that he might find them and all of this could end which makes this story exciting. Bakhtawar’s scenes with her mother were acted out so well that I found myself looking forward to them. Huma Nawab is exceptional as the soft and terrified mother who has enough faith in her daughter to let her make all these choices. Yumna Zaidi carried herself so well throughout this episode and she did especially well in scenes when Bakhtu had to face situations that were brand new and made her uncomfortable.

Zaviyar Nauman’s character was introduced at the end of this episode as an affluent young man who lived most of his life abroad but came back to live in Pakistan. The viewers got to know a little bit about his character through Iqbal bhai. The dramatic events that followed went to show that this particular track will also be moving forward at a fast pace.

Final Remarks

This latest episode of Bakhtawar was not ‘perfect’ but it was meaningful, entertaining, and fast-paced. We have watched many dramas which highlight the problems faced by women in a man’s world but this story gives a completely different spin to that particular storyline. Bakhtawar has my undivided attention. I am looking forward to watching how the story will be taken forward in the upcoming episodes. We have a protagonist with tons of potential therefore even though some of the dynamics might not be executed in a perfect manner; her story holds your interest.

Are you watching Bakhtawar? Share your views.

Written by: Nadia Akhtar
Directed by: Shahid Shafaat
Produced by: Momina Duraid
Schedule: Every Sunday 8 pm on Hum

Bakhtawar is one of those dramas which aired without prior marketing or excessive promotions. After watching these two episodes, I can safely state that sometimes dramas that are not hyped-up tend to pleasantly surprise the viewers. Bakhtawar’s first two episodes were just what the doctor ordered, I had been waiting for such a drama to air on Hum in particular because every season, the channel airs at least one such drama that is unconventional and stands out for that reason. These two episodes of Bakhtawar were fast-paced, meaningful, entertaining, and exceptionally well written. The casting couldn’t have been better; Yumna definitely stole the show. Bakhtawar is a beautifully etched-out character who has a really interesting story to tell. It is always refreshing watching a drama with a female protagonist who breaks stereotypes. Such a drama is an actual success when the viewers do not feel like they are being lectured while watching the show.

Nadia Akhtar let her characters tell their stories instead of relying on preachy dialogues. The writer took inspiration from at least two well-known real-life stories while penning down these two episodes which I felt was quite intelligent since the premise of the story is such that it could invite a certain kind of criticism. Most of the time viewers find such stories unbelievable because they cannot relate to them but when you have seen interviews of a real-life woman who spent half of her life on the streets of Lahore disguised as a man, you cannot call the writer out for penning down fiction which might be too far from reality for many!

Thrilling, Adventurous, Emotional Journey

The opening episodes of Bakhtawar did so much more than simply introducing the viewers to the characters. They took the viewers on an unexpected heartwarming adventure led by Bakhtawar herself. Bakhtawar’s journey started with losing her beloved sister to a bad decision made by her father and losing her only brother because of the lack of finances. The exploitation at the hands of people who were supposed to protect her started from the first episode and continued till the end. Right from the beginning, the writer established the fact that even though all the odds were against her, Bakhtawar wanted to make a difference by educating herself and standing on her own two feet. That one scene with her sister in which she tells her not to settle for the same fate as hers was the highlight of the first episode. It made an already determined Bakhtawar even more so. Yumna Zaidi played the role of a strong girl who wanted to educate herself and change her destiny even in Ishq-e-Laa but that particular character was not as well written as this one. Bakhtawar only spoke out for herself or her mother when there was a need to do so. Sometimes our writers tend to confuse strength with batameezi, I am glad that was not the case here! Her strength was shown through her swift decisions and actions and not the fights she picked with those who wronged her. Apart from Yumna Zaidi’s performance, her makeover couldn’t have been better. She looked younger than ever before which I believe was an important requirement for the role. Her expressions definitely add to that impression as she brings out a certain innocence of her character even though Bakhtawar’s strength is her main personality trait.

Another aspect of the story which stood out for me was Bakhtawar’s mother’s support for her. This mother-daughter duo is a team that I feel is rare and makes all the difference. Most often the mothers in such situations do not “team up” with their daughters the way Bakhtawar’s mother has. She trusted her daughter more than once and willingly went along with some of her lies as well when it suited the situation. Bakhtawar did not choose to run away on her own but this was something she was doing for both of them. This makes her journey more meaningful and compelling. It also adds that heartwarming bit to the story which would have been missing had Bakhtawar left her house on her own. Huma Nawab fits the role perfectly especially because she did not even once overdo any of the emotional scenes. Her performance has been subtle yet it leaves an impression on the viewer.

Another aspect of the story which impressed me was that even though Bakhtawar has come across so many people who tried to exploit her, she has never been portrayed as a victim. I found myself rooting for her more than anything else. And then there was Ahad’s character which broke the monotony and showed that the writer penned this script down with an open mind. The message sent through this character was that all men are not the same. He helped Bakhtawar even after she rejected his proposal. This character reminded me of Kaamil’s character in Sinf-e-Aahan. We definitely need to see more such male characters in dramas. Ahad’s role in these first two episodes was to the point but pivotal nevertheless.

Most of Bakhtawar’s journey focused on how difficult it was for a girl to get her basic needs met in a society that was constantly putting pressure and limitations on her. This was definitely something that hit home because most women have faced similar situations more than once. By the end of the second episode, Bakhtawar had decided that she could not make her dreams come true without hiding her actual gender and identity. This was indeed sad, especially considering the fact that Bakhtawar was so determined to prove herself as a beti and not a beta!

Final Remarks

Bakhtawar definitely has a great deal going for it, it can be this season’s Parizaad if it continues moving forward with the same pace and the content continues to be as good as it was in these two episodes. Shahid Shafaat is a gifted director who excels at translating meaningful scripts on screen. However, there were times when I felt that certain aesthetics seemed out of place. The bed in Bakhtawar and her mother’s room when they were staying in her friend’s house and the curtains in their new rented room looked too stylish and modern for the setup that was being shown. Other than that, the makeovers of the actors were visually pleasing as well as realistic. Also, these two episodes were overall the most well-put-together fast-paced ones we have seen in a long time. I felt the first episode was slightly rushed at first but the second episode had so much to offer as well which means the writer is keen to tell the story and has enough content to keep the viewers hooked. The premise of the story is brand new, the performances have been on point and these two episodes were visually pleasing as well. The script also has a definite purpose and meaning, which is something I personally prefer.

Did you watch these two episodes of Bakhtawar? Share your views about them. And if you missed them, go watch ;)