What a beautiful piece of artwork today’s episode was. Flawless direction, spot-on dialogues and above all tremendous performance by each and every artist in this play.

Pari’s “chachundar” Azam (Danish Taimoor) made his entry today .Despite of least expectations from him,I was eagerly waiting for his entry in the show. The reason of least expectations from him might be because I have never seen him performing serious roles. And now that I have seen him, I must confess that I am truly impressed by his charismatic personality, expressions and dialogue delivery while doing his job as Azam.

Pari and Azam’s first encounter was quite interesting. At first, she seemed comfortable with him but her insecurity for Rukayya is upheaving to maximum with every passing day. And for that when she observed  Rukayya engrossed in chit chat with Azam all the time, she felt as if she was getting ignored by Rukayya. Consequently, developed a sense of envy for Azam.

It adds another level to the show whenever there is heated exchange of words between Pari and Azam; Pari being ultra-insecure of Azam while Azam enjoying every word that Pari utters and responding calmly and intelligently.

Salma’s part is always fun to watch. Her ever confused nature, silly reasoning with Aapa Bi always put a smile on my face. It’s solely because of her husband’s death that she never seemed to be satisfied and happy. Her husband’s death mystery is still an unsolved riddle for all us and I hope when it will get revealed it won’t be of “Khoda pahaar nikla chooha” kind.

Pari took it as her insult when she was asked by Rukayya that she owes an apology to Azam. How can our Rukayya Aapa tolerate that her very own Pari is not ready to talk to her. At the very moment when Pari was upset, Rulayya went to her ,tried to make her move a step ahead of what she was feeling about Azam and every word that came from Rukayya’s side worth million dollars. “Pari mai kya houn terai lyai,koi khilona houn jis sey na tu khud khailti hai,na kisi ko khailnay daiti hai”. That whole scene was the most intense scene of the episode and in true meaning was “Moment of The Episode”.

Aapa Bi is getting more and more worried and concerned about Rukayya’s marriage with every passing day. At one side Aapi Bi cannot bear Naseeban interference in her family matters but on the other, she knows that no one can fill her space in their family. I found Aapi Bi and Naseeban’s interaction really touchy and the way Naseeban got convinced to go back home proved that she values Aapa Bi and her family more than anything.

Azam is not at all fond of his mother because they have nothing in common.Azam is completely family oriented person whereas his mother is fond of partying and hanging around all the time.For her, PR values more than her own son. With all that, her complains that Najma (Azam’s step mother) is applying some cheap tactics to snatch away her son are not at all justified.

Indeed,it was a well packaged episode with a blend of emotions, shades of love and what not.Kudos to the whole team of Sannata!

Rabia Basharat.

Sometimes certain events in our lives change us forever and that was what happend to Shauqi when he met Gul Mina. His Taaya (old enough to die) got married to a young,beautiful girl who played with Shauqi’s emotions and his honesty. Deeply submerged in her affection, Shauqi did what he never thought to do; he murdered his own Taaya and as soon as he got to know that it was merely a game that Gul Mina played just to get rid of her husband and to get united with her lover; he felt as if he was betrayed by Gul Mina. She gave him reality check when he questioned the reason of betrayal.

Tum ne bhi tou apnay baap jesay taaya k saath faraib kya jesay meray baap ne meray saath kya.

That was the moment when Shauqi was filled with remorse and shame. His bitter memories were more enough to restrain him when he was about to kill Azam;Gul Mina and Pari part was related so well.

Rukayya’s reaction to what Aapa Bi thinks of Pari was justified; this is the reaction one expects from a mother who loves her child without any bounds. Despite of the fact that Rukayya didnot give birth to Pari, she always assumed herself as if she was her mother and for that Pari was pampered too. Her stubbornness grew because she knew that Rukayya will always be there by her side whenever any member of family will try haunt her.

The kidnapping part was brilliantly directed and effortlessly performed (by Sajjal Ali);the way she shouted while showing her enmity to Shauqi looked hell realistic. But there was a point when I felt that scenes were prolonged too – Might be director’s fault.

Pari ran away with a hope that her Rukayya Aapa will be waiting for her but what she heard was no less than a trauma for her; she was unable to believe what she heard and ran towards Shauqi again. Again,that was half of the story, what Rukayya said in favor of her was left unheard and after that Pari was all set to leave for her father.Meanwhile, on the other side, Rukayya’s harsh words and verbal spat with Aapa Bi ended up with Aapi Bi getting paralyzed.

Ashfaq’s not-so-caring nature has now attained much higher degree than ever before. A man who lives merely for maintaining his PR and never values any relation is definition of none other than our Ashfaq Saheb.

Talking about flashbacks – Unlike typical flashbacks, Naseeban’s and Shauqi’s stories gave us points to ponder upon. Whoever says that flashbacks are the cause of bad TRP’s, are proved totally wrong this time. Because Naseeban’s story was my  favorite and most anticipated part of the show and so did Shauqi’s. Overall, this show  maintained its pace in first 6-7 episodes. After that, the graph went on going down and now, at this point, I am sensing that the bars of the show will be raised again.

What are your expectations from upcoming episode ? Do share your thoughts.

Rabia Basharat.

P.S. I am extremely sorry for being so inactive these days. Will review every show on time from now on InshaAllah.

To choose between one you lived your life for and the one you want to live rest of your life with is getting more and more difficult for Rukayya. She is obsessed with Pari as she spent her childhood by caring and looking after her like a mother. For Pari,Rukayya was her whole world till Azam step in her life. Azam, being educated but not experienced planned everything in favor of his and Rukayya relation-Getting attached to Pari was part of his plan too. Rukayya was completely unaware of the fact that Azam is solely doing all this for their future;At the same time, he was unable to see/predict aftermaths of his attachment with Pari.

Naseeban’s love story took an interesting turn as she lost the one whom she loved the most and now all she can do is to starve for him – starving so harder that even after getting married to Shabban, she didnot give up loving that imaginary tree-man. Those scenes whenever she talks to tree considering it as tree-man were deeply submerged in emotions and depicted the power of true love to the fullest.

Being brought in that beautiful house was not more than a dream for Rukayya and Pari. They never came across with this colorful part of world. Everything sounded alien to them and they were so hesitant to the situation. After watching and observing Aish dancing for few minutes, Pari felt like dancing the same way too. Rukayya found it strange as it was not part of what she taught Pari throughout her life and the outburst came in the form a strong  jerk along with slap. It was her hidden aggression for Pari that compelled her do that. She was angry at her because Pari made her deprived of the feeling she was living with thoughtout her life- the feeling of being a mother. Deep inside, her insecurity was shouting out loud because Pari was snatched away from her by Azam.Rukayya’s perceptions proved to be a fallacy as and when Azam proposed her and told her that he loves her beyond her imagination and what she fancies about his and Pari’s relation is nothing more than her series of perceptions.

With one issue resolved for Rukayya, came up a number of more for her. She was all convinced with Azam’s affection but was unable to come out of trauma which she is facing because of Pari. Pari was the one because of whom Rukayya and Azam’s relation was disclosed before time so Rukayya was unable to find a way out except for accepting Aapa Bi’s command. Despite of having intense feelings for Azam, she ignored her inner self and compromised with what Aapa Bi wanted from her.

Azam knows that Rukayya is not brave enough to accept him as her life partner infront of everyone only because she is few years older than her.Pari’s obsession is not allowing her to give up her Rukayya Aapa for Azam and for that she tore the letter into pieces that was sent by Azam for Rukayya.

After following and searching for Pari for so long, Shaiqi finally found her.It was when Pari came out to throw the letter away and she met him.He pledged her to come to Dargah again as she is the only one with the help of whom forgiveness will be granted to him, as he believed.

Pari,right from her childhood, assumed herself as Rukayya. With her age, assumption of being Rukayya also developed more in her. What turn the story of this show will take, due to Pari’s split personality kind of trait, remains a question mark.By far, it is the most interesting and perfectly directed show that is being aired these days.This show is raising its bar with the passage of every episode. Lets see how story will shape up in forthcoming episodes.

Lastly, I am extremely sorry for reviewing it so late due to certain commitments.

 I would love to hear your opinion about these two episodes.Do share your thoughts.

Rabia Basharat.

And yes, the cheap politics of Sultana infected Salma to the fullest and she is all set to go against Aapa Bi. Salma,who never raised her voice infront of Aapa Bi,has now started arguing with her.No wonder, Salma is somewhat low with her intelligence quotient or maybe the unforgettable events in her life made her look and sound like that. Rahi sahi kasar Sultana ne poori kar di..After observing Azam,who seems to be really concerned for Pari’s health, Aapa Bi and Salma smelled something fishy.But they didnot pay heed to it because Azam’s wicked mother will be enough to handle the situation for them. According to them,Azam won’t be able to take it for so long and then they will have to return back.

Rukayya is realizing with the passage of every moment that Pari is getting out of her hands. And not only that, Rukayya has developed a sense of envy for Pari too. She sounded so confused today; she want Pari to be happy but at the same time she was not happy to see her with Azam and that is because deep inside Rukayya has developed feelings for Azam. The mohabbat debate between Azam and Rukayya said it all. Her eyes,her expressions and every word she uttered was depicting that how sad is she after losing Pari,how sad is she to see Pari and Azam together. At the same time, being unaware of Rukayya’s jealousy, Azam was enjoying the discussion.

“Ye donu kya bolai jaa rahay hain mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha”

Pari’s dialogue brought a smile on my face. She never knew how to play with words; Pari tou pari thei..ultra-straight forward. She was unaware of the fact that her Rukayya Aapa is burning deep inside.

Pari ! Jab aik kashti mai bohat saaray sawaar ho jayen toy kashti doobnay lagti hai,kisi aik ko tou kurabaani daini ho gey.

After striving so hard Rukayya decided to give up. She was ready to get married and for that she yelled at Pari to not create any fuss when guests will arrive.The old man who appeared to be so well-off, is already married twice and this is the third time he is getting married..woh bhi Rukayya se.. Disgusting.Rukayya was unable to help herself except accepting the proposal and this time Salma was not happy.Salma and Rukayya’s interaction and their deep discussion was so intense. This was the first time since her childhood when Rukayya cried while sharing her problems with Salma.

Then comes Naseeban’s dream tale part; Naseeban had secret meetings with that man.How come he knew that Naseeban is going to get married to Shabban? How can he be so sure that Naseeban is not happy with Shabban? A question arose in my mind,just like Rukayya today.Is this story true? Whether it may be true or not, that man and Naseeban’s traits are close enough. Both can talk to air,trees,birds,clouds and what not.. :P

Azam’s surprise entry alongwith Rukayya and Pari was not more than a mental shock for Azam’s mother.Salma’s concern for her daughter can be clearly judged by the fact that how sad and how unsatisfied she was,after Rukayya left. During last two minutes, Sajjal Ali’s acting was spot-on; the expressions,the dialogue delivery and everything else was so damn perfect. Lets see for how long they are going to stay at Azam’s place and under what circumstances Azam will propose Rukayya.

Do give your valuable feedback about this latest installment.

Stay Blessed,
Rabia Basharat.

There comes a time when one is unable to judge that what will happen next; After watching this episode, I am feeling the same. Azam was bending towards Rukayya in previous episode and now he seemed to be quite much concerned for Pari while avoiding Rukayya to the fullest. My head is full of confusion now. Hopefully ,by the time I will reach at the end of this review, I will come to a conclusion.

Episode started with Naseeban and postman’s discussion which was clearly depicting that Ashfaaq Mamoo is cheating his sister by living a luxurious life and by letting Aapa Bi and her family live in starvation. Rukayya has already developed feelings for Azam and as soon as she saw that letter along with those pictures, her instinct told her that it will be solely for her. By the way, I didnt find that poem  engaging, except from its end.

Pari is continuously observing Rukayya because she is sounding so indifferent to her. Her Rukayya Aapa is slowly transforming her attitude into not-so-caring whenever it comes to opt between Azam and Pari and Pari is not liking it at all.

The Dargah scene was spot on once again. Modern version of Amir Khusroo Qawwali,sang by Sahir Ali Bagga, is as much soulful as the original Qawwali itself. It takes the scene to another level and create an aura that can’t be explained in words.And if we add Sajjal Ali’s absorbing expressions in that teb tou 4 chaand lag jatay hain. While Teepu (the mysterious man) is finding peace, he thinks of Pari as his Mehboob with the help of which he can get inner peace as advised by his Murshid.

Sajjal Ali’s acting in this serial reminds me of her role in Mohabbat Jaye Bhaar Mai. She is as outspoken and blunt in this serial as she was in MJBM except for that scary kind of attitude that she brought in her in this show. It literally made my heart to beat much faster and took my breath away for a second when Sultana was planning to end up Aapa Bi’s family peace  by creating fuss among them and Pari stood right at her back as soon as she turned.. Uff.. That was hilarious.. And that verbal spat between them was bang on !

Salma and Aapa Bi were not expecting that Azam will come back because according to them Azam had worst three days of his life while living in their Hawaili. But they were wrong, he came back and this time he had some plan in his mind for Pari. He tried to make her as much easy with him as he can and for the sake of gaining Pari’s attention, he asked Rukayya to stay away from him.

While exchanging their thoughts bluntly about Rukayya, Azam took the discussion to another level where he can make Pari comfortable with him and started teasing her just for getting closer to her. This was the first time when he came across the fact that Pari gets fits whenever she finds situation difficult to handle.

For the sake of recovery, Pari will have to go through torture phase and Azam will try to protect her. Thats what preview of next episode says.I am anxiously waiting for next episode as I want answers to the questions that are spinning my head over and over again.

Rabia Basharat.

By far,Sannata has been the most difficult show to review; Not because,it is a third grade show but it is a masterpiece and I always fall short of words while praising it.Though, I know its plot still my predictions fail almost all the time whenever fresh episode of Sannata broadcasts. Rukayya felt helpless when she came to know that deep inside she loves Azam same way as Azam feels for her.She knew that they are living in a society where decision of elders is of prime importance; Her thought of getting married to a man who is much younger than her made her uncomfortable to fully enjoy the feeling and as soon as Azam confirmed that he wants to marry her, so many questions arose in her head. How will everyone react to the news ? How will she live without Pari even if she gets married to Azam ? Will Pari be able to accept her marriage? Will Azam be able to take responsibility of Pari same way as she did?

With so many questions in her mind, she decided to let Azam go out of her life as it seems almost impossible for her to get married to Azam.On the other side, Azam was clear with his thoughts and was all set to get married to Rukayya.He knew that he will have to convince his parents by hook or by crook and for that he adopted the way with which his parents won’t be able to say “NO” to him,afterall he knew week points of his father.

 Turning out into evil, he exploited his parents to the best .I know,his personality is completely opposite to his father. Unlike his father, he cannot bare to see others suffering because of him while he is living a luxurious life.Right from his childhood he knew that his father is not giving the part of wealth what Aapa Bi deserves and keeping her in dark, he is using her part of wealth too and forcing them to live in world of miseries and strive for even basic necessities of life. Not only Aapa Bi, but Azam’s father bluffed many poor people and is still living happily. How can Azam tolerate that? With all that in his mind, the outburst came as his reaction.

Halfheartedly, Azam’s father visited Aapi Bi for official proposal of Rukayya and Azam’s wedding. Being loved and pampered throughout her life,Pari felt left out as soon as she got to know that her Rukayya Aapa will be leaving her soon. She felt as if she was betrayed by Rukayya and from time to time,she reacted. Sometimes, it took the form of jealousy that arose in her mind after watching Azam and Rukayya together and sometimes,it was her feeling of loneliness that kept on haunting her that apart from Rukayya, no one loves her and if Rukayya will leave her,she will be dead.

Rukayya statement that she is regretting after getting ready to get married to him,broke Azam from inside. On the other side, Pari also showed unwillingness to come to her dear Aapa’s wedding. Rukayya felt as if she is stranded between the two of them. Neither Azam,nor Pari seemed happy from her- obviously for their own reasons. Her big day turned out even more disastrous when Pari came out wearing bridal costume simply because its her mind that was forcing her think of herself as Rukayya.

Rukayya was apple of everyone’s eye right from her childhood and being with her all the time and not loved by others headed Pari in no other direction but in feeling of sheer inferiority complex. She always wanted herself to be like Rukayya because she is the loved one.For that,she always assumed herself as if she is Rukayya and her assumption started shouting out loud soon after Rukayya got married.

Lagta hai mujh mai woh baat nahi hai,shayed iss lyai dulhan ban kar bhi mai apko nahi samjha paa rahi houn..agar mai bhi wesi hoti tou aap ko mujh se itni shikayatain na hoti.. 

I loved how Azam’s harshness transformed into showing his longing for Rukayya.Rukayya was wrong that Pari’s mind is still that of a child and she doesnot feel anything – not even feeling of being a girl. Pari takes herself as Rukayya, so she thinks of Azam as her property too. She thinks that its her who got married to Azam and not Rukayya – Rukayya is Pari in her mind. Pari,assuming herself as Rukayya,turned out same way as newly wedded girl acts and its becoming unbearable for Azam to cope up with the situation.

Sajjal Ali is at her best in Sannata even I hated her this week but thats how you feel when someone gets into the character,actually.Danish Taimoor seems a bit too loud at times but again its in the line of his job and requirement of the role.Saba is looking perfect and I appreciate how she gave special attention to her costumes in all phases of her life that are shown.I wonder what would be the ratings of this show if iDream team paid more heed in Sannata’s promotion. Story is interesting,direction is perfect,full marks to whole cast and brilliant piece of artwork. What else a show needs to be at top?

Shauqi’s story will be reviewed with next week’s episode as its already getting so long.. :p

Do share your thoughts about this show.

Rabia Basharat.