I must admit that even though I watch this play with a very critical mindset but I have not been able to find anything to criticize about it till now. Every single scene has been carefully planned and the director has given a great deal of attention to detail. There isn’t a single scene which seems pointless or stretched – now that is very rare especially when you consider the fact that there is a lot of talking in the play. The pace of the play remains smooth and the picture quality is beyond impressive. The bright colors definitely make this play a visual treat.

Tonight’s episode focused on showing the repercussions of Kamal and Yumna’s impulsive decision. The interesting aspect of this episode was that it was almost as if Yumna and Kamal had changed roles. Until the last episode Kamal Hassan was totally in control of things but in this episode when he had to face the music his confidence was somewhat shaky. Yumna on the other hand was more confident after the Nikah, maybe because she knows that there was no turning back now. For the first time she was slightly assertive with Hiba and informed her daughters about the Nikah immediately afterwards unlike Kamal who even with all his tall claims was not able to tell Bilquess and Rohail about his decision.

Muhammad Ali’s acting has been convincing enough till now. It is definitely a great start for him; he got an opportunity to work with a good team in his first project and he is also playing an important role. It is good to see new faces on screen. Emmad Irfani also performed well in this first episode. I am definitely waiting to see more of them. We needed new talented faces in the industry and these two actors definitely fit the bill. Emmad Irfani’s voice quality may not be top notch but his dialogue delivery and command on the language more than makes up for it.

I truly felt for Tooba tonight. Arsal has the same mindset as his mother. He also knows that the present situation will only create more problems for him and it may be impossible for him to convince his mother. Blaming Tooba however seemed a little unfair.

Thumbs up for Maha Malik yet again for mesmerizing us with such well written dialogues and a big thank you to the director Nadeem Siddique for ensuring that every single dialogue is delivered with clarity. The most refreshing aspect of this play is that it is not based on never ending misunderstandings and confusions. Tonight when Arsal saw Kamal in Tooba’s house, I was expecting that it may lead to creating misunderstandings between the two that will take the next five episodes to be cleared but unlike many of the engaged/married couples in dramas, they actually sat down and talked about the issue soon afterwards. The plot is very strong and so is the script. It is evident that the writer knew exactly  where she wanted this story to go and worked really hard on penning down all the dialogues or maybe it just came straight from the heart!

All the conversations today were music to my ears, like always. They were very meaningful and articulate. The conversations between Kamal and Rohail and Tooba and Arsal were the highlight of the episode for me.

Definitely looking forward to another “therapeutic” episode of Ranjish Hi Sahi.

Fatima Awan

I absolutely love Kamal Hassan’s character; he is very honest with himself and with others. There is nothing extraordinary about his character in fact if this character wasn’t penned down and acted out so perfectly it wouldn’t have been so likeable either but the fact is that Faisal Rehman’s acting and the way in which this character has been etched out is simply flawless. Kudos to the Maha Malik for writing simple but heart touching dialogues and a big thank you to Faisal Rehman for putting his heart and soul into this character. Samiya Mumtaz is equally brilliant as Yumna, she really does come across as a person who won’t even hurt a fly. The way these two share their fears and feelings with each other is nothing short of a treat. Every single conversation is relatable. The chemistry between Samiya Mumtaz and Faisal Rehman is what makes this love story a treat to watch.

I am not a big fan of Maya Ali and there are many dramas which I did not continue watching because of her but her character in this play actually adds more color to the story. Her reaction to Bilquees’ “army’s” surprise visit to Tooba’s engagement and to everything else adds more life to the drama. Humaira Ali has played many such characters like the one she is playing in this play, she was spot on as the typical Mother in Law to be; she was quick to judge a single woman and would not settle for anything less than a perfect family for her only son. Yumna, however should have known better than to get her daughter engaged to the only son of a woman like her. I found it hard to believe that she did not give her reaction a second thought.

Yumna was completely confused about whether she should go ahead with this marriage or not, Kamal did not give her enough time to think things through further and decided to make the decision for her. It was only after the nikkah that she realizes that this is what she really wanted all along. What will be the repercussions of Yumna’s decision? Will Arsal take a stand for Tooba once the secret is out? Or will no one find out just now? The preview of the next episode showed that Bilquess Kamal is going to take the aid of her son now. We have yet to see if Kamal Hassan’s son takes after him or his mother. Kamal did mention in the previous episode that he was a mama’s boy.

This was another beautifully directed episode of Ranjish Hi Sahi. There was only one continuity blooper everything else was just perfect. When Kamal and Yumna are having the conversation in the car about Arsal and his family, my guess is that they were driving back home from Arsal’s house but they were not wearing the same clothes which they were wearing in Arsal’s house. The scenes were short and to the point like always. Ranjish Hi Sahi is a good example of good team effort. The writer has paid attention to detail and so has the director.
Did you watch this latest installment? Do share your views.

Fatima Awan

Ranjish Hi Sahi is one of the very few plays on air at the moment which manages to keep you engaged and you can’t help but feel every emotion that the characters are going through. Bilquees Kamal’s first meeting with Yumna jolted her entire world. Kamal stayed cool and calm like always and I couldn’t help but wonder how he managed to stay that way after living with a woman like Bilquees Kamal for so many years. Bilquees Kamal’s stance and reaction is completely justified; she was always convinced that Kamal never loved her but she was never willing to gift wrap him and hand him over to another woman. Bilquees Kamal has been waiting for years to deal with a situation like this quite unlike Yumna, who may have a strong exterior but is very weak emotionally. However, I wouldn’t envy a woman like Bilquees, if she had such a big ego then she shouldn’t have wasted her life with a man who did not feel anything for her. Saba Hameed fits the role perfectly, she has played the villain many times before too and she is indeed a superb actress who fits in perfectly in any role assigned to her.

I really like the way the viewers were introduced to the characters; Hiba’s reaction would have appeared to be Over The Top if all the traits of her personality were not shown clearly in the previous few episodes. The fact that she is not selfish but insecure made me feel for her character. She thinks that her mother will not be able to give her the time and attention if there is a man in her life. She is also very possessive about her mother, which is quite natural. Tooba is a sweetheart, I love her character although usually the goodie good sisters annoy me but she is very likeable.

Kamal is a very mature person who believes in talking about matters and finding a solution. Bilquess Kamal on the other hand believes in having things her way whether someone likes it or not. Yumna is a very sensitive person who has always put her daughters’ happiness before hers. Yumna’s illness will probably make Hiba change her mind but that will not change the fact that Bilquees will leave no stone unturned to ensure that this marriage does not take place.

This latest episode focused on showing the aftermath of Bilquees’ encounter with Yumna. The episode like all others was very well directed right from the start. The encounter scene was very powerful and everyone’s reactions were covered beautifully too. There was no dramatic music or overdone emotions but the intensity of the emotions managed to move me nevertheless. I really like the way the story is progressing so far. Everything about the play from the acting to the happenings is very convincing. Ranjish Hi Sahi has given me nothing to complain about till now.

Fatima Awan

Itna buland na jao ke upur se tumhei zindagi ki khushkiyan, us ki musartein haqeer nazar ayen…pachtao gi aik din

This latest installment of Ranjish Hi Sahi fit the bill in every possible way; it was engaging, fast paced, excellently directed and acted out and the dialogues have been written beautifully. Generally people complaint that most dramas with depth lack the entertainment factor needed to make a play more engrossing. For people who think so, Ranjish Hi Sahi is a must watch. It is not depressing or dark either, so that is another plus.

Kamal Hassan like a desperate man would not let Yumna slip away from his life once again. He is like a man who has found something very precious which he had lost years back , his desperation was completely relatable. Yumna’s situation is such that she cannot even think about doing anything that will change the way things are with her and her daughters. She has given her daughters enough love to fill all voids in their lives and has been a strong pillar of support for them. That is the reason why Tooba and Hiba do not feel the need for a father figure in their lives. Kamal confided in Tooba and as a result Tooba even with all her insecurities was willing to support her mother’s decision. It is plain to see that Hiba will not be understanding at all because she cannot share her mother’s love and affection with anyone else except her sister. Maya Ali maybe playing a role similar to the one she has played in many other dramas but I like her in it nevertheless, perhaps because I haven’t followed any of her dramas very religiously. Hiba has met her match and for once the side track romance actually seems appealing. Mohammad Ali (Arsal) has been doing well till now, there are times when his body language is too stiff and his dialogue delivery too flat but he is definitely much better than many other newcomers.

I found the grey shade in Yumna’s hair much more real than what we usually get to see on screen; a thick layer of grey on a few strands as opposed to a the grey shade spread over the entire hair. The scene in the garden was beautifully shot; the vibrant colors along with the combination of green and white were very striking. The only thing that did not quite fit in were Faisal Rehman’s mismatched clothes.

The relationship between Yumna and her daughters has been portrayed very well; the credit for that goes to the writer, director and the actors. I really like the quality of Urdu that we are getting to hear in the play. Faisal Rehman and Samiya Mumtaz’s excellent dialogue delivery just adds to the beauty of the well written dialogues. Sana Javed was a very good choice for playing the role of Tooba, she is very delicate and pleasant looking even though her acting can be a little unconvincing at time but that can be easily overlooked.

Till now this drama does not appear to be anything like the usual A & B productions play. There is no excessive rona dhona or over exaggeration of the becharapan of the main protagonist. No doubt, I feel for Yumna because she must be very tired and in need of a break and some kind of an emotional support, love. But she is not your usual heroine who is lost without her man and cannot look out for herself. The way Hiba holds Yumna accountable went to show that even after raising two children all on her own Yumna does not have the right to take her own decisions. Something which is very true, every mother puts her children’s happiness before her own needs. Even though Yumna keeps on telling Hiba that she expects too much from her but Hiba still feels (like any pampered child) that the only way of showing her affection to her mother is to keep things the way they always have been. The show very aptly shows how difficult it is for a woman to find some happiness for her own self when she has grown up children.

The picture quality of the play has been superb throughout. Overall, the play is a good mix of emotions which are not overly intense but touching nevertheless. I am definitely looking forward to more.

Fatima Awan

I must confess that I love happy endings even if they are slightly unconvincing at times! The ending of the play was predictable because the only way for Hiba to be happy and the only way in which Kamal Hassan’s son could redeem himself was by giving Hiba her happy ending but it was gratifying nevertheless; I feel satisfied and content knowing that these two sisters got their happy ending. What is even more gratifying is that Kamal Hassan and his family gift wrapped their happiness and handed it over to them in the shape of their old house and by giving Hiba the love of her life. I must say that Rohail’s change of heart was too sudden but like I said I am glad it happened. Tooba decided to marry Arsal only after she found out about Hiba’s feelings for Rohail; something that was completely in line with Tooba’s character. Tooba always loved Arsal, she only moved on because she knew she couldn’t marry him because Hiba did not want her to. Arsal went against his mother’s wishes and married Tooba, something which he was always willing to do.

I loved the way Bilquees played the anti hero in the play. The change in her personality was mainly due to her love for Kamal. I couldn’t help but feel for her character; no one should have to go through what she went through. Bilquees has learned the art of loving!!

Ranjish Hi Sahi had a simple narrative but it stood out because of a different story, grey shaded characters and beautiful conversations. I want to thank the writer Maha Malik from the core of my heart for the beautiful dialogues and most importantly for her command on the language. I said it before and I want to say this again that there are hardly any dramas nowadays in which we hear such good Urdu without any use of English language. The director Nadeem Siddique made this play a visual treat by playing with colors and by using locations which were new and pleasing. The scene in which Yumna and Kamal sit on the white bench with a green background was amazing. Every single scene was like a beautiful painting; well thought out and surely a labor of love. I must admit that I am not a big fan of Maya Ali but her character really grew on me towards the end and her acting was impressive in the last few episodes. Sana Javed made Tooba’s character stand out; I am sure that she will go a long way. Emmad Irfani and Mohammad Ali did very well for newcomers; whoever discovered them and gave them a chance have done great service to the viewers by introducing talented new faces. I must add that I think that the director went an extra mile to polish these new actors so he also deserves due credit.

I started watching this play only because of Faisal Rehman and Samiya Mumtaz. Samiya Mumtaz’s character may not have been given a lot of screen time but she made Yumna’s character unforgettable only in a few episodes. Faisal Rehman is a gem; he can never go wrong. The chemistry that Samiya Mumtaz and Faisal Rehman shared was beyond amazing. I never support extra marital affairs or second marriages but Yumna and Kamal won me over completely.

Saba Hameed was perfect as Bilquees Kamal right from her very first scene till the last one. Humera Ali did complete justice to her character. I must say that whoever was responsible for the casting did a splendid job. The actors who played the supporting roles for a little while also did very well. There aren’t too many dramas in which everyone acts so well. We usually see even the big production houses and directors compromising on supporting actors which basically kills the overall feel of the play. The production values were extraordinary throughout the play. Overall, it was absolute pleasure watching and reviewing the play. I would definitely be looking forward to more from the RHS team.

A big thanks to all those readers who followed the reviews and took time out to comment…where would we be without all of you.

Fatima Awan

For the first time today Kamal Hassan actually came across as a coward. Yumna showed more strength than him while facing similar issues in her own house. He has still not been able to muster up the courage to tell Bilquees or Rohail that Yumna is his wife now. Having said that, I must confess that I find Kamal’s love for Yumna very cute. His romantic personality coupled with his feelings for Yumna have always been very pleasant to see on screen and even after everything that transpired today, I still find that part of his personality very charming.

The aftermath of Kamal’s failure to defend Yumna in front of his wife and son was portrayed brilliantly. I am sure that just like me many more viewers could feel what Yumna was going through; she felt betrayed and was badly hurt. She had put in all her trust in Kamal, she had been through so much just to be with him and now she wasn’t sure what to expect from the man who had promised to stay by her side through thick and thin. Later on the apology scene was equally well shot. The way that Yumna looks at Kamal and the manner in which he pleads left very little to the imagination. Faisal Rehman and Samiya Mumtaz’s chemistry has been perfect throughout this play.

Bilquees Kamal is not the one to give up anytime soon and Rohail is bound to be there by her side every step of the way. Right now, it seems most unlikely that Kamal will be able to go against Rohail’s wishes because he has not left Kamal with much choice.

Arsal’s mother has trouble written all over her; she is over critical and does not think twice before speaking her mind. I would think a hundred times before getting my daughter married to a man who has a mother like her! Arsal is a sensitive and caring person who would find it very hard to take a stand for his wife in the future if there is a problem. No wonder he wanted to marry a girl like Tooba! Only a girl like her would be able to put up with his mother’s annoying ways. Arsal’s mother’s negative personality traits were highlighted a little too much in tonight’s episode, I hope that there was a good reason for it.

I absolutely love both the houses which have been used for shooting. The outlook of these houses adds to the entire feel of the drama. They are not one of those houses which you see in dramas over and over again. Besides that, I especially love the decor and the use of oranges, yellows and greens with such finesse.

If I compare this episode to the previous ones then I would have to say that this episode was slightly less impressive than those before it but overall it was entertaining as usual. It is very difficult to predict where the story will go from here. Will Arsal’s mother break off the engagement? Will Rohail and Yumna’s relationship survive through all these problems? I am waiting to find out.

I would once again like to thank the writer Maha Malik for wonderful dialogues that are music to my ears every time and a big thank you to the director and the actors for a job well done. I am really enjoying this show, it is the perfect start to the week. It is like a nice change from the usual dramas we see on our television screens. Definitely looking forward to more.

Fatima Awan

There is a certain serenity about the overall feel of this play which I find very charming. Everything is shown in a simple yet beautiful way. The picture quality of the play definitely is something worth raving about and the conversations are very meaningful. Ranjish Hi Sahi does not bank on twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat but it still manages to hold your attention. The best thing about this play is that the relationship between different characters is very normal; there are no misunderstandings that take weeks to get sorted and no dark secrets that have not been revealed yet. I was expecting Arsal to propose Hiba but the way he proposed Tooba was very honest. However, things will be taking an ugly turn in the upcoming episodes since Bilquess Kamal is not going to sit back and watch this love story end happily. Bilquees Kamal may have a confrontational exterior but one can’t help but feel for her character. Saba Hameed has captured the different shades of Bilquees’ personality beautifully.

I have praised the writer of the show many times before but every time I watch a new episode I can’t help but appreciate her more. The dialogues are like a breath of fresh air; they are short, to the point and very meaningful too. The conversations between Kamal Hassan and Yumna in particular have been penned down in such a way that their romance does not come across as cheesy at all. The writer has also put in a great deal of thought into the way the story is progressing. Although, things do not unwind quickly in this play but every episode has something new to offer. Slow and steady is the correct way to explain the pace of the drama.

I was expecting Hiba to have a complete change of heart after her mother had a heart attack but her reaction was portrayed perfectly. It is impossible for anyone to change overnight. Hiba maybe putting up a show for her mother but Yumna knows only too well that she is still not very comfortable with the way things are. The conversation between Hiba and Yumna at bedtime was a bit too long other than that all the scenes were relevant and short.

The viewers found out more about Kamal’s sons today and the kind of relationship they have with their father. I really enjoyed this particular conversation. Every episode till now has given us a glimpse into the lives of different characters. It is almost as if we are still getting to know all the different aspects of their personalities. Kamal stayed by Yumna’s side, he did not let Bilquees’ threats get in the way.

The preview of the next episode showed that there are going to be some serious repercussions of Yumna’s relationship with Kamal. Will she yield to all the pressure or will she go ahead and marry Kamal?

Fatima Awan

The dialogue “firaq ki dhoop buhat tez hai Yumna, mera sabar pighalne laga hai” may have sounded filmy but I loved it. Ranjish Hi Sahi has been very sweet and simple right from the first episode. The play is not overemotional or heavy duty in any way but it is definitely the sort of play that appeals to you because of its simple yet engaging narrative. The highlight of tonight’s episode had to be Yumna’s decision to tie the knot with Kamal. I really liked the way in which the viewers were shown the transition in Yumna’s attitude towards Kamal. Kamal Hassan’s honesty regarding what is between him and Yumna has been very pleasing. Even when Yumna tells him that she needs him in his life, he knows only too well that Yumna’s decision is based on practicality and not just love, whereas he is still madly in love with her. When he gets confused and worried because of the chance meeting with his brother in law, he is very straightforward about the reason why he was disturbed all of a sudden. Kamal Hassan’s character is very likeable and Faisal Rehman fits perfectly in this role.

Yumna has not been able to muster up the courage to talk to Hiba about her decision and rightly so too because Hiba is very possessive about her mother. I am waiting for the time when Yumna will break the news to her and I am dreading the thought that she may find out in a way which may not be ideal. The relationship between Hiba and Tooba has been shown very nicely; they maybe poles apart but they have a very strong bond.

Am I the only one who cannot figure out who Arsal is really attracted to? I think the confusion is intentional and I find it very interesting. Arsal calls to talk to Tooba but if the expression “opposites attract” is true then Arsal and Hiba are meant to be together. Mohammad Ali and Maya Ali have great on screen chemistry and I am definitely rooting for Hiba and Arsal as long as Tooba does not have feelings for Arsal. The way Tooba feels about having boyfriends and having ties with boys in general is very cute. I like both the tracks in the story; it is a story of young and old romance and I am thoroughly enjoying both.

From everything that we have heard about Kamal’s wife till now we can safely conclude that she is a very domineering person. The episode ended at a very exciting note with Kamal’s wife introducing herself to Yumna. There is probably going to be a confrontation between the two and the fact that Yumna’s daughters will be listening to it is not going to be very comforting for her. Yumna is not the kind of person who can handle such a situation but Kamal Hassan seems to be confident enough to deal with it all. The title of the drama however indicates that Kamal and Yumna may not have a happy life together. Ranjish hi sahi dil hi dukhane ke liye aa, aa phir se mujhe chor ke janay ke liye aa, does not sound very promising.

The pace of the drama has been very steady and the direction has been quite impressive. The story may not be something out of the ordinary but the play has been written nicely. Mohammad Ali’s acting was quite convincing in this episode, now only if our male actors will stop overdoing the pink lipstick and he needs to stop grinning. Maya Ali needs to pay a little more attention to her looks, I like that she is confident enough to wear very little make up but her hair did look very shabby in this episode. Overall, Ranjish Hi Sahi continues to be very promising with a feel of its own. It is definitely a good play to watch on a weekday.

Fatima Awan

The story moved forward at a fast pace in these two episodes. The developments in the story were completely unexpected. Too bad that most of the important twists were already given away in the promos of the upcoming episodes, not only this there was a special news in Jung newspaper as well telling the viewers exactly what was coming their way. I wish that Geo would give people a reason to sit through a drama by not providing them the opportunity of following the drama through the promos and the summaries they give in the papers. I am all for intelligent marketing but the drama should be promoted in such a way that the viewers keep on wondering what is going to happen next. Telling the viewers that Hiba will have an accident would have been intriguing enough, telling them exactly what was going to happen in my opinion was just plain foolish! Similarly informing the viewers that Rohail was going to fall in love with Tooba would have been sufficient!

Kamal and Bilquees are finally back – the moment that we had all been waiting for. Even after all these years the things between them remain the same. Kamal Hassan never got over what happened in the past and rightly so too. It remains to be seen how Tooba will react once she finds out that Rohail is Kamal’s son. The woman who was responsible for breaking her engagement and the one who played havoc with her mother’s life is the mother of the man she loves so much that she is not even going to let Hiba stand in her way now.

Hiba’s accident was executed brilliantly. I am glad that she didn’t have that accident because of Rohail. I expected Rohail to be a little more empathetic towards her because they were really good friends but sometimes it seems like he feels absolutely nothing for Hiba. Tooba’s initial reaction to Rohail’s request and her conversation with him later on was totally in line with her personality. The great thing about all the characters in the play is that they are very well etched out. Unlike some of the characters in other plays which completely shock you with the things they do and nothing makes sense.

Emaad Irfani is doing very well for a newcomer. He just needs to improve his expressions when he is listening to people. He looks overly attentive and too surprised most of the times even when it is not needed.

I must say I absolutely loved the transformation in Tooba’s character. She obviously has no idea that Hiba is in love with Rohail. Rohail must have been attracted to Tooba all along that is why even though they spent so much time with each other, he never told her the reason why Hiba stopped working with him. I think Rohail is being very unfair to Tooba by not telling her the truth because he knows only too well that Tooba will do anything to make Hiba happy and would never commit herself to a man her sister loved. Rohail is being very selfish; I actually felt like he was taking advantage of Hiba’s condition. If Hiba could tell Tooba the truth, things would have been very different. Rohail has always been shown as the kind of person who places his own feelings above others quite unlike Tooba. Now that I think about it Rohail’s first meeting was very well done because I remember wondering at that time if Rohail was really interested in Hiba or was he attracted to Tooba. The confusion was created intentionally. Thumbs up to the director and the writer for keeping it subtle and for keeping the viewers guessing right till the last moment.

Every episode of this play is a visual treat that deserves to be savored. There is plenty to look forward to. Do share your thoughts about these two episodes.

Fatima Awan

I decided to review the play every other week due to the slow pace but this was one episode that definitely deserved to be reviewed. There were some major developments in the story; Hiba moved out of the apartment and into her own house. I really like the way the relationship between these sisters has been shown. They genuinely love each other, just the way sisters should. So much has happened between them but it doesn’t take them long to put these issues behind them. Tooba was heart broken when Hiba left the house but the second she showed up at her door step, she welcomed her with open arms. Hiba also turned towards Tooba after being rejected by Rohail. Hiba always likes to have things her way so Rohail’s rejection of her feelings came as a big blow. I guess we all know by now that Hiba isn’t going to change. Her mother’s death and everything that happened has not changed her, she will stay over emotional and stubborn just the way she always was.

The story is still as unpredictable as it was from the first episode. Arsal and Rohail both are out of the picture for now and I am waiting to find out how Rohail in particular will come back into Hiba’s life. Hiba “hates” him now since Hiba feels only love and hatred for people, there is nothing in between!! It is not easy to change the way Hiba feels about someone so Rohail will have a very difficult time making Hiba understand that he has done nothing wrong. I really felt for Tooba today, she is exactly like her mother; sweet and very sensitive. I am definitely rooting for a happy ending for Tooba. Hiba wants to buy her mother’s house and business in the long run. I am actually surprised at how much she has earned in a short span of time.

Ranjish Hi Sahi has to be one of those very few plays that are on air at the moment which do not rely on conspiracies and misunderstandings to take the story forward. The characters are not flawless but there are no villains in the play either. It is also one of those rare plays in which eavesdropping is not used as a convenient way to take the story forward! The few filler episodes in between made me lose interest but I must admit that if I look at the play on the whole then I can’t help but praise the writer Maha Malik for staying very focused and Nadeem Siddique, the director for a very strong grip on the story and characters too. I have praised the picture quality of the play over and over again but every time I watch it, I want to rave about it a little more. All the colors look beautiful on screen. Sana Javed has especially put in extra effort to wear colors that brighten up the screen.

So, how many of you can guess what is going to happen next? What are you looking forward to the most? Do share your thoughts.

Fatima Awan

Ranjish Hi Sahi would be much more engaging and enjoyable if it picks up pace; whatever happened in these two episodes could easily have been covered in one. I have noticed that lately Geo has started showing dance performances on complete songs in their plays. I find it filmy, somewhat inspired by plays on star plus and also a total waste of time. I would really have liked it if the latest developments in Hiba and Tooba’s life; from Hiba’s rising career to Tooba’s loneliness could have been covered in that one song sequence. We could have been shown how the girls were moving ahead with life while the song played in the background. I must admit though that I am really curious to find out what turn the story will take once Hiba finds out that Rohail is Kamal’s son. She may have a very bright career now but she has not changed a bit. She is still careless, selfish, immature and stubborn. She does not pause for a second to ask her sister what is going on in her life. When Tooba was working, she was always concerned about Hiba and was always trying her best to please her. There was never a time like this when these sisters didn’t share things with each other but now that Hiba has a friend and a career, she is too busy to have time for her sister. Hiba’s likeness for Rohail seems pretty much one sided at the moment.

I really liked the way Arsal took a stand in front of his mother but Tooba knows only too well that even if this marriage takes place his mother will never give her the respect she wants from her. She also does not want to get married in a family in which the head of the family does not have an ounce of respect for her mother. Tooba has been very wise right from the start so her actions made perfect sense. Like many other viewers, I really want to see both of them together but I can only wonder how that is going to happen. The story of the play has been very unpredictable right from the start which is one of the factors why this play keeps you looking forward to more.

Maya Ali’s acting has been very natural and impressive since the past few episodes. I think the character that she is playing is actually close to her real life personality and she can probably relate to it as well that is why it is bringing out the best in her. Sana Javed has been brilliant throughout the play; the fact that her character has been etched-out superbly also adds to the charm.
I must say that I do not like the way the official Facebook page of the play has been promoting it. Asking questions like whether Rohail’s presence in Hiba’s life will draw the two sisters apart or not is so wrong because the story is about much more than just that! If someone is not watching the play, they will definitely get the wrong impression about the story from these questions. The viewers who have been watching the play know only too well that the story isn’t really about Hiba and Tooba growing apart; these two sisters have proven time and again that they may have their differences but they always manage to sort things out. I think they should be focusing more on whether or not Kamal will make a re entry and how Hiba will react when she finds out. There are many viewers who lost interest in the show after Kamal and Yumna were not a part of it so questions like these may bring such viewers back. They can also ask questions as to why Tooba is not getting married to Arsal etc.

I really hope that the drama picks up pace because the story is engaging enough and there is a lot to look forward to.

Do share your thoughts about these two episodes.

Fatima Awan

This latest installment reminded me yet again of the reasons why I fell in love with this play. Ranjish Hi Sahi is nothing extraordinary but its simplicity is appealing and the story has started picking up pace now and is getting interesting. Rohail’s comeback and most importantly the way he feels about these two sisters he just met has definitely given me something to look forward to. The soft side of Rohail which we saw today showed that he is not only a thorough gentleman but also a very likeable person.

There have been times when I found Hiba’s character utterly annoying but I must say that her character has been brilliantly etched-out and therefore not difficult to understand. I couldn’t help laughing when she asks Tooba to get married to Arsal. Maya Ali has been performing really well in the past few episodes so she also deserves credit for making me relate to her character.

Arsal and Tooba seem to be getting nowhere at the moment primarily because of the way Hiba feels about Arsal. A person like Rohail is what Hiba needs in her life; hopefully he will help her pursue a modeling career and also give her the love she needs to let go of her insecurities.

There were a few things in tonight’s episode that seemed very strange, a little more attention to these minor flaws here and there could have helped. It must have been very late in the night when Tooba called Arsal but he did not seem alarmed at all like it was perfectly normal for Tooba to call him at that time. Also, when he went to Tooba’s apartment, he walked right in and met Tooba in the balcony! Was the apartment door open at that time in the night? I loved all the blues in this particular scene though; the blue background, Tooba wore blue and so did Arsal. Nadeem Siddique definitely knows how to use different colors to his advantage.

When Rohail brought Tooba to her apartment, he walked in too like it was a restaurant. What happened to ringing the bell or knocking on the door? It is someone’s house, their personal space, no one can just walk in anytime they like.

I remember when Arsal entered Tooba’s life, I wasn’t sure which sister he was interested in because it looked like he was attracted to both of them!! I felt the same way about Rohail too today, although we all know only too well that Rohail and Hiba will end up together but the way the interaction between Tooba and Rohail was shown, it did seem like Rohail liked Tooba too. I must say that I have never felt this way before while watching a play but this is the second time I have felt this way while watching this play.

At this point, I want things to move at a rapid pace because that is the only way to keep the interest of the viewers alive. I gave up on this play once before because of the slow movement in the story and I wouldn’t want that to happen again.

Fatima Awan

Kamal Hassan and Yumna Haider’s story is being repeated all over again. Tooba must have feelings for Arsal but she is clearly holding back because she knows that getting married to Arsal will completely destroy her relationship with Hiba. Yumna had the same doubts as well but Kamal managed to convince her that things will not turn out the way she feared they well. Arsal, too, like Kamal decided to talk to Hiba, thinking that he will be able to convince her but Hiba is still the same stubborn, over-emotional and possessive girl that she was before. Hiba does not believe in forgiving anyone and she also does not want to move on.

Hiba’s actions show just how self-consuming possessiveness can be. She ran away from home when Yumna decided to get married to Kamal and now after hearing what Arsal had to say, she went ahead with her decision to start a modeling career. She is not only causing problems for Tooba but also for herself. Hiba is immature, she never tried to understand her mother’s point of view and was not willing to give her the space she needed in order to live a part of her life the way she wanted and she is doing the same with Tooba. I really want to see a transformation in Hiba’s character. I must say that Maya Ali was brilliant in tonight’s episode; she gave me nothing to complaint about.

I am really happy that Arsal is still in love with Tooba and is willing to take a stand for her. But I wish Mohammad Ali could have acted better in many of the scenes in this episode and the last one. His dialogue delivery has been very unconvincing and misleading. Also, I fail to understand why Arsal is so convinced that Tooba will be willing to get married to him. Arsal’s mother is turning out to be one of those typical mothers who are a pain to watch on screen. I must give credit to the director and the writer though for not keeping us confused about the intentions and feeling of the characters.

Mohammad Ali’s acting many not be impressive but Tooba and Arsal look good together. Arsal is the only man Tooba ever had feelings for and Arsal’s feelings for Tooba are very genuine so I would really want to see them together.

Abdullah Ejaz played his part well. Rohail will make a comeback in the next episode. I think people who were thinking that Rohail and Hiba may end up together, may just be right! That would be a very interesting twist in the story. I would like Rohail and Hiba both to discover for themselves what it feels like to be madly in love with someone because both of them are very practical. The story has come to that point now where I think it can easily move forward without Kamal Hassan as well. We will surely be seeing him in one of the upcoming episodes but this time probably as Rohail’s father and not as Yumna’s husband. I had lost interest in the play because of the slow pace in the past few episodes but this recent episode has definitely given me something to look forward to.

Fatima Awan

This latest episode of Ranjish Hi Sahi was strictly okay, everything that transpired in this episode could have been executed in a much more convincing manner. I was looking forward to Arsal and Tooba’s scenes but Arsal appeared to be more of a shady character in tonight’s episode. The drama is still very unpredictable so it is definitely not the kind of play you give up on altogether. You never know what turn the story will take in the next episode so personally I am always curious to find out what will happen next.

The top executive who was entrusted with the task of hiring the right candidate for the post Tooba applied for seemed more confused than Tooba! Asking Tooba over and over again whether she thought she was appropriate for the said job was rather strange since the people sitting on the other side of the desk should have had more confident in their abilities to gauge whether she was or wasn’t fit for the post. Somehow I found it very hard to like Arsal in this episode. Muhammad Ali was too stiff in most of the scenes, he could not bring out the caring bit of his character in a very apt manner. I was in two minds regarding Arsal’s state of mind until I saw him looking at the old engagement pictures and later on when he paid a visit to Tooba’s apartment with his sister.Hiba has no one to talk to since Tooba is busy with her job therefore she is getting closer to Mehwish…which makes me think, shouldn’t she be going to college by now?

The relationship between Tooba and Hiba remains the highlight of this play in this episode and the ones before this one. The romance that was the heart and soul of the play has taken a backseat. Even after Yumna’s death, Kamal’s presence could have kept the romantic element of the play alive and of course Arsal and Tooba could have filled that void as well. But Arsal and Tooba’s scenes in tonight’s episode promised anything but the sort of romance that was the trademark of this play in the beginning episodes. Sana Javed has outshone all the other young artists in the play. She is doing complete justice to her character.

Samiya Mumtaz and Faisal Rehman had taken this play to a level which made it a treat o watch. The youngsters have not been able to maintain those standards in the past few episodes. I have said it before and I feel the need to say it every time that I always looked at this play as Yumna and Kamal’s story and I am finding it very hard to accept that they are no longer in the picture.

The preview of the next episode suggested that things are not going to get any easier for the two sisters. We will also see Abdullah Ejaz (another model turned actor) in the next episode. I am waiting to find out what turn the story will take from here. Ranjish Hi Sahi even with all its weak points has more substance than some of the overrated plays that are on air at the moment but I must say that I expected much more from this play. Kamal’s return however can save the day!

Fatima Awan

Tonight’s episode was much better than the last one; the story moved forward and the changes in Hiba, made her character seem more believable. Arsal is back in Tooba’s life, so there is something to look forward to. The chance meeting between Arsal and Tooba was a very pleasant surprise; I really wasn’t expecting them to meet like this. I am so glad that Arsal is not out of the picture. The picture quality of the serial was superb like always. There were times however when I felt like a little too much of what we were seeing on-screen was being spelled out by the characters at every step. For instance when Hiba goes for grocery shopping, it was too obvious that she really wanted to buy the pack of wafers, coco pops and all the other things which she was tempted to buy but she couldn’t do so because things were nothing like the way they were before. I understood Hiba’s feelings right there and then. Later on when she shared with Tooba how it felt like when she went out for grocery shopping, I felt like that scene lost its charm because sometimes showing is better than telling!

The thing which I liked about this episode the most was the way we saw Hiba giving up after the visit to the Barrister’s office. She was even willing to rely on Kamal because she knew too well that the two of them could not cope alone. This scene also gave me the hope that Kamal Hassan may not have left for the US, which means he will be back soon. Did Hiba really say that the cab driver asked her for five rupees? That is what I understood and I found the amount unrealistic.

I love the way Tooba’s character is shaping up; her positive attitude and bravery coupled with a very apt portrayal, makes her character very likeable. Tooba may not be outspoken like Hiba but she is wise, practical and caring. She has taken up Yumna’s role in Hiba’s life. The way Hiba keeps on inviting strangers to her apartment so that they can help her out can prove to be very dangerous! She obviously has no idea what can be the repercussions of her actions.

The relationship between the two sisters has always been shown in a very relatable manner and this episode was no different either, Unlike the last episode, the sad parts were not overdone in most of the scenes. The way Tooba was shown confused and clueless before her interview was a good addition. I like how the director highlighted the fact that Tooba is still the girl she once was ; she lacks confidence and finds it hard to face the world, otherwise a complete transformation in her character would have made it hard to believe.

I was missing the romantic element of this play but now that Arsal and Tooba have met, we will be seeing how their love story unfolds in the future….definitely looking forward to the next episode.

Fatima Awan

I honestly feel that there was no need to show in such detail how Yumna’s daughters were mourning the loss of their dead mother in this particular episode. Yes, Yumna was the central character in the story and her death was a very tragic incident but the last episode covered the rona dhona bit well enough. In this episode the long scenes showing how Hiba and Tooba feel about leaving the house and how they miss their mother seemed totally unnecessary. The only scene which I found more relevant was the one in which Hiba goes to the kitchen in the middle of the night to eat her dinner. It reminded me of the way Yumna used to worry sick about Hiba’s eating habits. The scenes in the beginning of the episode should have been very short.

It was good to see Tooba and Hiba forgetting what had happened and what was ahead for them for a little while before they left the house they grew up in. The happy and sad moments were mixed up well but I couldn’t help but wonder if the decorations were just lying around in the house! The birthday party was a little too elaborate given the present circumstances.

Hiba and Tooba have their own transport, they could have carried much more than the two small suitcases they had with them when they went to Bano Apa’s house. Hiba’s character could have been much more likeable if she acted her age; she acts like a spoiled ten year old. No matter how spoiled a girl her age is, she understands that there are times when you need to compromise. Even a four year old throws less tantrums when she knows that she does not have her mother to spoil her.

Kamal said his goodbyes to Yumna so I am guessing he is out of the picture for now. I must say that Yumna and Kamal added that special touch to the story which made it exceptional for me. Their track was penned down, directed and acted out really well. I am not sure if the youngsters will be able to take the story forward the way Faisal Rehman and Samiya Mumtaz did because for now it seems highly unlikely. It is time to speed things up in order to keep the interest of the audience alive.

This episode was a huge disappointment for me. Until now the play maintained a very steady pace and even the long conversation never seemed boring but the conversations and scenes in tonight’s episodes were too stretched and mediocre. Ranjish Hi Sahi has given me a lot to rave about so I am obviously not going to give up on it but I also hope that the story will be more interesting in the future. Two of the characters we fell in love with are out of the picture so I will definitely be missing them.

Fatima Awan

This latest installment of Ranjish Hi Sahi was emotionally charged; a big thanks to the director Nadeem Siddique and the writer Maha Malik for blending the emotions of different characters in such a way that you never feel like the emotional aspect of the play has been overdone to make the viewers feel for the characters. I have watched quite a few plays in the recent past which were meant to be very moving but they actually annoyed me because despite of all the emotional trauma that the characters were going through, I completely failed to connect with them. It takes more than just tragedies and tears to make the viewers feel for the characters.

Tooba and Hiba have a lot more to deal with than just the loss of their mother now that they know all about the financial crisis Yumna was in. Even though Yumna’s assistant made it clear to them that Yumna was under stress due to reasons other than the repercussions of her nikkah with Kamal but Hiba and Tooba still hold Kamal responsible for their mother’s death. Sana Javed’s acting in all the scenes was much more convincing than that of Maya Ali.

Kamal Hassan’s state of mind was depicted flawlessly by Faisal Rehman. Kamal has clearly gone into depression not only because he lost someone he loved so much but also because he did not stand by Yumna the way he should have. Yumna and Hiba have each other too share their grief with but Kamal has no one like that. On the contrary, he is surrounded by people who are not willing to let him mourn Yumna’s death the way he would want to and Yumna’s daughters are not allowing him to do anything to support them.

Rohail expects his mother to be more understanding of her husband’s situation. I could also relate to what Bilquees must have been going through; it is not a good situation to be in. Emaad Irfani’s acting wasn’t up to the mark in tonight’s episode. His dialogue delivery was very mediocre in this latest episode unlike the past few episodes in which he was very convincing.

The preview of the next episode showed that Hiba and Tooba will be forced to leave their house in the next episode. I have no idea what turn the story will take from here. I am guessing that Kamal will refuse to move to the US because if he leaves then he will be completely out of the picture. He might just get the house back for Yumna’s daughters because they have no place else to go to.

Overall, this was a very touching episode. I think Yumna deserved to be mourned the way it was shown in this episode. In my opinion this latest episode belonged to Faisal Rehman, he is such a remarkable actor. Ranjish Hi Sahi has a strong plot, a different story and some superb performances to its credit.

Fatima Awan

What an unexpected turn of events and the thing that was even more surprising for me was that the promo of this episode gave away this twist. I was very convinced that Yumna was not going to die, firstly because she is the main lead and secondly because I wasn’t expecting the promo of this episode to be so revealing. The episode opened with Hiba and Tooba having a heart to heart discussion about Tooba’s break up which basically centered around the importance their mother had in their lives. I must say that I have come to that point now where I find Hiba’s character least likeable. Tooba, on the other hand is always more levelheaded and likeable.

Yumna’s confrontation with Kamal was a direct result of everything that Rohail said to her about his father. Even though Yumna told Kamal Hassan that she wanted this relationship to end but she turned to him instantly after getting the dreaded call from her lawyer. Yumna’s state of mind was portrayed brilliantly, I must say that I am going to miss her character and can’t help but wonder how the story will unfold without her now. Hiba won’t let Kamal Hassan into their lives because she holds him responsible for her mother’s death.

Faisal Rehman was outstanding in the funeral scene. The way Kamal confessed that this was his wife’s funeral was rather ironic and tragic. He did not have the guts to admit this fact in front of others when Yumna was alive.

It was great to see Arsal taking a stand in front of his mother. I really did not want this track to end like this, so it is good to know that Arsal will stay in the picture. Arsal’s mother continued to judge Kamal and his relationship with Yumna even at her funeral! Tooba and Arsal’s scene was very nicely done. I like Tooba’s new found confidence, it gives her character the spark it needed to hold the interest of the viewers. She told Arsal off for now but it is highly likely that she may change her mind in the future. Sana Javed and Muhammad Ali look cute together but if Tooba does get married to Arsal, his mother will not let her live in peace which may turn this drama into another sob story of a girl who is treated unjustly by her in laws and I definitely would not want that to happen. Until now the story of RHS has been very intriguing and the direction has been very impressive as well so I have very high hopes from it.

This definitely was the sort of episode that makes you look forward to more. I am going to miss Samiya Mumtaz; she has a unique style of acting and she did so well as Yumna. Everything about tonight’s episode was spot on but the funeral scene was too long for my liking. Kamal’s short scene at the funeral was more moving than the focus on Hiba’s reaction initially. Quite surprisingly I felt for Kamal more than Tooba and Hiba tonight.

Will Kamal Hassan manage to change Hiba’s opinion about him? How will these girls survive without their mother now? I am waiting to find out.

 Fatima Awan

The play maintained its slow but steady pace in this episode too. Every episode has something new to offer and leaves me with something to look forward to. Ranjish Hi Sahi is not the story of two lead characters in any way but every character stands out and there is no confusion regarding their feelings or actions. Kamal’s confusion and helplessness, Rohail’s protective attitude, Bilquees’ heartbreak, Yumna’s vulnerability, Tooba’s love and care for her mother and Hiba’s rebellious nature; all have been portrayed excellently. It isn’t easy to take a play with such a storyline forward by keeping it engaging enough but the writer and director have managed to achieve that objective by breathing life in all of the characters and making the viewers feel for them. Also, appropriate casting makes a huge difference. The old and new actors are doing complete justice to their respective roles which adds to the joy of watching this show.

Tooba’s mother in law called the engagement off after finding out about Yumna’s nikkah and also due to Hiba’s disrespectful behavior. She felt no shame in telling Yumna that she wasn’t happy with the engagement in the first place and all she was looking for was an excuse. Kamal has taken an about turn; he is very clueless and the confidence he had before has completely disappeared. If he couldn’t deal with the aftermath of the bold step he took then he should not have made all those promises to Yumna. She obviously trusted him that is why she went ahead with the nikkah. Yumna seems more practical now; she is willing to take the heat and face the situation while Kamal is only running away from the situation.

Rohail will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the relationship between Yumna and his father ends. He is confident that he needs to do all that he is doing for his mother’s happiness. He also made it clear that most of the financial assets belonged to his mother, not that Yumna was ever interested in Kamal’s wealth.

My favorite scene from tonight’s episode had to be when Yumna decided to disclose the truth to Arsal’s mother. Her confidence was very impressive and what she said made a lot of sense. I wish Kamal Hassan could borrow some of that reasoning and confidence. I feel that all of a sudden there is a huge communication gap between Kamal and Yumna which if not bridged will only make matters worse.

The preview of the next episode was very alarming – will Yumna really die or was it just a bad dream? I really like Samiya Mumtaz in this role and would want to see more of her. Are you enjoying watching the show? Any predictions about what turn the story will take in the future episodes?

A very Happy New Year to all our readers. I hope that this year brings you joy, peace and happiness.

Fatima Awan

Let me start by confessing that I usually try to avoid A & B productions plays now because there have been many A & B production plays which I have followed passionately in the past but was sorely disappointed when the stories totally went off track and the dramas were dragged endlessly. Other than that A & B productions plays rely heavily on the bechari aurat and usually take the bechara pan to a whole new level which comes across as annoying and forced at times. But here I am giving a play from the production house a go because I trust Samiya Mumtaz’s choice and would want to follow a play with her in it and also because the first two episodes were promising enough. The writer of the play is Maha Malik and it has been directed by Nadeem Siddiqui.

These first two episodes of Ranjish Hi Sahi were very fast paced and engaging. What stood out the most was the chemistry between Samiya Mumtaz and Faisal Rehman; they came across as two flawless performers who know exactly what is expected from them. Ranjish Hi Sahi is the story of Yumna (Samiya Mumtaz); a single mother with two daughters Tooba (Sana Javed) and Hiba (Maya Ali). The two girls are completely opposite to one another but the one thing they have in common is that they are both very close to their mother. Hiba is very self-assured, outgoing and the apple of her mother’s eyes. Tooba is docile and completely dependent on her mother. The relationship between Yumna and her daughters has been very well defined right from the start. Also, all the three actresses are totally into their characters. After watching these two episodes, one can’t help but appreciate the way the drama takes you in a world of its own.

Yumna accidently meets Kamal Hassan (Faisal Rehman); someone she was madly in love with back in college days but couldn’t get married to because of family pressure. The story takes a different turn from here because Kamal is still in love with Yumna and has a very rocky married life. All the scenes between Yumna and Kamal were a delight to watch mainly because of the chemistry between the two artists and also because the dialogues were written very well. Although, technically it would be very wrong for a married man to be doing all this and the romance should not come across as cute at all but I found it so much sweeter than most of the romantic scenes that we see on our screens nowadays. A fraud in the office lands Yumna into hot waters; things are getting tougher for her because she already has health issues and she may not be able to cope for much longer especially when she has someone to share her troubles with now.

Like any other mother, Yumna very often holds herself responsible for not being able to raise her daughters the way she should have. Even after working so hard, she thinks that her daughters’ personalities lie on the extremes because she wasn’t able to provide them with the kind of emotional support they needed after their father’s death. Kamal proves to be a good listener and Yumna feels very comfortable sharing her insecurities with him. Yumna finally has a friend she can confide in and also someone who is like an easy escape for her.

Kamal’s proposal comes as a complete surprise for Yumna. She knows that her daughters will never accept this new relationship. My heart went out for Yumna, it felt like this is exactly what she was looking for; a friend and a companion. Things are not as easy as it seems because there is no room for another person in Yumna’s life.

There were bits in these two episodes that seemed slightly filmy but other than that the play has started off really well. If it keeps on moving forward with the same pace and the story does not lose its focus then it is bound to be very engaging. These two episodes were very well directed, well written and also superbly acted out. If the focus stays on the main story then it will be an interesting play. For now, I am definitely looking forward to more.

Fatima Awan