Uff-ho! Just a dream, rather a nightmare! With the cliffhanger-ish ending we were given to the previous episode, I thought Bari Sahab was to finally learn of the romance between Mannat and Shahmeer but it was only a bad dream. Bari Sahab is still in the dark but Ms. Busybody Alisha sees Mannat and Shahmeer together and has Mannat confide in her.

This episode focused more on Shahzeb and Alisha than my liking. Sorry mein itnay sawaal kar rahi hoon but mein iss ko apna ghar samajhti hoon. That being Alisha’s pet line, she learns more and more about Shahzeb and his family and I could see the strikes build up in her mind which is why I was not surprised when she suggested to Shahzeb that they live in Islamabad and that she could not live in this haveli. Rewind a bit, and a gleeful, skipping Alisha seemed to be in love with Shahzeb’s village. Cringe, cringe, cringe – that’s what I felt in all the scenes covering Alisha’s exploration of the village. Playing with the children, playing with the goats, hugging the children and hugging the goats – I mean, really?! I guess the green grass, children and goats were not enough to make Shahzeb’s village alluring enough for her to want to stay.

Mannat’s husband’s murder – Strike 1, Zainab telling Alisha that if a woman expresses her love for a man here it can lead to death – Strike 2, and Shahzeb’s conversation with her when he tells her that women are not encouraged to express their likes and dislikes and the long standing quarrel between Bari Sahab and Sikander – Strike 3. Out – goes Alisha’s fantasy of living in the village. Alisha did make sense though when she questioned that when Bari Sahab has so many lands then why not forego the school for due to the tussle between her and Sikander, it is the village children who suffer. What Shahzeb said in reply is the sad reality that it is not about how many lands they own but about their izzat.

Bari Sahab is not thrilled with Alisha’s presence at the haveli. Kaun kurri hai, kithun chuk laya hai had me cracking up. Waaqayi, kithun chuk laya hai, pray tell! Seeing how Shahzeb stands up to Bari Sahab for Alisha and then pondering over her friend’s words, Bari Sahab is beginning to warm to the idea of a match between Shahzeb and Zainab. I wonder why there is the constant reminder of the age difference between Zainab and Jahanzeb? True she does not look much older than Mannat but then she does not look much younger than Jahanzeb either so what is the deal here?! Given how much Bari Sahab loves Zainab and as both are her sons I am hoping she will mention both sons to Zainab and even if she presents Shahzeb as a potential husband, I hope Zainab is able to say it is Jahanzeb she wants to marry but nahin! Zainab ki umar nikalti ja rahi hai, so I suppose Bari Sahab will broach the topic of marriage soon again and if Zainab can get wed to Jahanzeb – then the drama is over. Sigh.

Rafiq is arrested and despite being beaten up by the police, his lips are sealed. Bari Sahab is ruthless when she suggests that Rafiq be killed so he can not rat out Jahanzeb. I liked how the suggestion shocked Jahanzeb (momentarily – but still!) but then he warms to the idea too. Rafiq’s wife’s statement to the police leads to Jahanzeb’s arrest and it remains to be seen whether he will be found guilty or let free soon. Sikander does not believe in striking when the iron is hot which would have been the chance to kill Shahzeb when he came to their house to offer his condolences rather he seems to be waiting very patiently for an opportunity to truly harm Bari Sahab and her family.

I had binge watched the first 5 episodes and while they were interesting, there were moments when my interest wavered. I enjoyed watching today’s episode and was surprised when I realized it had ended. The promos had sort of laid out the story to me till this point but I am waiting to see what happens post Jahanzeb’s arrest. Even though Zainab seems a bit too comfortable barging into Jahanzeb’s room and thoughts, I do like the chemistry between the two and hope they end up together soon but that does not seem likely. Zarnish Khan, Kamran Jillani and Asma Abbas continued to impress me with their acting in this episode. Love seeing Asma Abbas in this role – she truly does come across as the headstrong,ruthless Bari Sahab who presents one side to the world and a more loving, doting side to her own. I did find the whole frolicking in the village scenes between Shahzeb and Alisha extremely forced and noticeably so since both Zain’s and Sabeeka’s acting is really mediocre at best!

I knew you were trouble, trouble, trouble! – not to steal Taylor Swift’s words but seems like film wali Alisha is going to cause trouble at the haveli, going by the promo for next week’s episode. Wonder where Zainab and Jahanzeb’s track will lead from now and how soon before Jahanzeb is released. I am finding Laaj a decent watch so far – what about you? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Kunwal Javid

So I have been watching Laaj thinking that while the story is not extraordinary, it is not too bad either. But I am getting a little fed up with these promos for the next episode which give one idea and when the episode is aired it is all a figment of Zainab’s imagination. While this may work a few times, I am sure if done too many times then the viewers will begin to lose interest.

When Reshma brings the bottle of poison to Zainab and drinks it and collapses, I was a bit taken aback for I had seen the promo last week and Zainab had the scene with Jahanzeb when she tells him she can not live without him and then collapses in his arms. Zainab has told him that she will wait for him till her last breath and beseeches him to somehow stop the wedding. He tells her nothing can be done and she should accept this as her fate and move on otherwise it will become hard to live under the same roof. Seems like Zainab daydreams a lot – that I had established in the earlier episodes. Now, given the neend ki dawa (which was in the bottle that apparently contained poison), she is dreaming again! Anyhow, dream is all she can do for the nikkah between her and Shahzeb takes place. Mubarak – not!

This has to be the first time I have seen a bride do what Zainab did on her wedding night and change into plainer clothes than she wears even on a normal day! Shahzeb is still dolled up and so she presents him with his moo dikhayi gift haha, and gives him a free ticket to remain in touch with and continue his relationship with Alisha. Wah! Even though I had found Zainab’s one sided love a bit dramatic, to put it mildly, I could not help being amazed how she showed up with a cup of tea in Jahanzeb’s room and claimed nothing had changed. Yes, she may still love him and may not be happy about the nikkah but well she is married now and to be openly saying she will love Jahanzeb and profess her love to him time and again – did not still well with me at all, I am sorry to say.

Which brings me to a thought that has been niggling my mind. The whole set with the diyas near the pool and the dramatic feature image of the woman in white with the dupatta covering her face and then now this theme – of being married but still professing her love to another man and allowing her husband to continue his own romance brings on a whole Indian movie touch to it. I had felt the treatment of this drama was different and I had put it down to the colourful and aesthetically pleasant set but now I hope this train of thought of living and let live while remaining married does not go down the road it seems to have. While I feel Jahanzeb is a bit of a coward, although I agree that living in that setup neither he nor Zainab could muster the courage to speak up in front of Bari Sb I still respect that he understands things can not be as they were earlier and presses upon Zainab to make peace with that too.

Dilawar and Sikander are still at loggerheads with each other where Sikander feels Dilawar is being a fool and that ‘Bari Sb ki fitrat mein hai dassna, dass kay he rahay gi’. Sikander knows Bari Sb well and it appears he is not wrong in his judgement of her either for that is her plan to make sure Dilawar’s grandchild does not make an entry into this world. The promo of next week’s episode promises to be a happening one – if none of it is merely a dream, that is! While Zainab’s character is annoying me a little now, I felt Zarnish Khan acted really well when I could feel her helplessness throughout the wedding and her frustration when she woke and realized she had not died.

What did you all think of this episode? Please share your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid

If only Zainab would stop daydreaming. Like seriously, stop! The opening scene of this episode made me think it may be a dream but the scene was so long that I soon ditched the thought and said bravo! Jahanzeb finally speaks! And what flowery words he actually utters! But no – it was just Zainab being Zainab again. Sigh. Bari Sahab tells Zainab how grateful and humbled she is that Zainab stepped up to save Jahanzeb’s life but that she will not hand Zainab over to Sikander and his clan and has something up her sleeve. The ‘something’ turns out to be Mannat’s baby – Sikander’s heir. Bari Sahab also temporarily transfers all of Zainab’s property in her own name and news of this is delivered to Sikander via our desi Charlie Chaplin.

We are ‘treated’ to more of Shahzeb’s Dear Diary conversations to Alisha in this episode. Alisha mein kuch nahin kar saka. Alisha I am helpless. Alisha today Bari Sahab scolded me. Uff! Shahzeb wants out and Alisha wants to begin a revolution – without actually moving from her home. It should seem frustrating but it is funny how everyone just gives Shahzeb the shut up call. He tries to talk Zainab into refusing the marriage to Dilawar and she throws him the ‘education taana’. Bari Sahab does the same time and again. Shahzeb wants to leave the village and Alisha wants him to stay put and make changes but did she not earlier ask him to leave and marry her and stay in the city? Ah, but the desire for justice burns strong in Alisha’s heart. Poor Shahzeb. Oh and cherry on the top – Bari Sahab has started to suspect that Sikander is using Shahzeb to bring her down. Itna pivotal role play kar he na lay Shahzeb!

So Bari Sahab offers Mannat’s child – Sikander’s grandchild as truce. I could not help feel for Mannat though. Although Bari Sahab claims to love her but I have still not come to terms with how she agreed to her marriage to Sajjad in the first place and now this. To separate a mother from her baby is nothing less than cruelty. And Bari Sahab being a mother should understand that! Dilawar has been fuming over Sikander’s half baked plans to avenge Sajjad’s death and is overjoyed to hear of an heir but more than an heir, Sikander craves the lands he feels are rightfully his. He and Dilawar do not see eye to eye over how to deal with Bari Sahab.

Bari Sahab is ruthless. We had established that. She loved her own fiercely. I had no doubt about that. But her confidence has grown since she has managed to sway the panchayet with calling off the wedding by offering Sikander his heir instead and she crosses the line by calling in the doctor to abort Mannat’s child – without Mannat knowing. The lengths this woman would go to in her hatred for Sikander is really beginning to amaze me. She does not want to end the feud and given that Dilawer is still thirsty for Jahanzeb’s blood and she has two grown sons who would be very easy and happy targets for already furious Sikander and Dilawer makes me wonder at Bari Sahab’s sanity, greed and ego. She wants Mannat to be rid of her baby and desires to have her married – again. A favorite in our dramas is the statement shaadi gudda guddi ka khail nahin (granted Sajjad was no gudda) but Bari Sahab is surely treating Mannat as a doll to do with as she pleases!

It is intriguing watching how Bari Sahab’s mind is working, churning out one plan after the other without any regard for anyone’s opinion. I wish we were shown the scene when Dilawar and his family are told about Mannat’s pregnancy. Who tells them and how? I also really wish Jahanzeb would speak up – like yesterday! What was with the vow he made in his prison cell? To declare his love to Zainab once he is released. Why will he not say anything – to Zainab, to Bari Sahab?! The preview for next week shows Bari Sahab arranging a match between Zainab and Shahzeb – I hope someone, anyone will speak up and stop that from happening but I have no expectations from anyone from the haveli. Maybe Alisha? Let’s see.

The scene between Jahanzeb and Zainab at the beginning of the episode was nicely done, both acting wise and dialogues, but ruined when it turned out to be nothing more than a daydream. It is interesting how Bari Sahab being a woman has no qualms in stating what she wants but expects the women of the younger generation to be mutely obedient. Will Zainab be engaged / married to Shahzeb or will Alisha save the day? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid

Produced and directed by Moomal Productions and Fahim Burney and written by Saima Wasi, Erum Wasi and Edison Idrees Masih, Laaj airs every Saturday on HUM TV at 8pm.

Laaj is the story of two feuding families in rural Punjab. We are introduced to the family of Bari Sahab (Asma Abbas) and her two sons Jahanzeb (Kamran Jillani) and Shahzeb (Mirza Zain Baig). Zainab (Zarnish Khan) is Baris Sahab’s dead sister’s daughter and has lived with Bari Sahab since her mother died when she was little. Jahanzeb has been married earlier to Meena and has a daughter Mannat (Iqra Aziz) who has been raised primarily by Zainab after Meena’s death.

Sikander (Nayyar Ejaz) is Bari Sahab’s dead husband’s brother and the two have been at loggerheads with each other over the family property and lands. Sikander feels Bari Sahab has been unfair and has not given him his due share in the family jaidaad. He lives with his son Dilawar (Saleem Sheikh), Dilawar’s wife and his grandson Chooza, I mean Sajjad. In a gesture of goodwill to mend the relations between the two families Mannat is wed to Sajjad.

Sikander apparently had underlying motives behind agreeing to the marriage and suggests that Bari Sahab transfer a certain land in his name or face Mannat getting divorced to which Bari Sahab opts for the latter. Overhearing Sajjad make fun of Mannat after the divorce, Jahanzeb in a fit of rage has Sajjad murdered. Sikander vows to make Bari Sahab’s family pay but he wants her to suffer and we do not know as yet what he has his up his sleeve.

Zainab has been in love with Jahanzeb since umm, forever and never misses an opportunity to tell him that. He keeps telling her he is not interested but she keeps harping along the lines of ‘ishq kiya hai, love me or not I will annoyingly, obsessively, stalkerishly (my words, not hers) love you till I die’. Mannat is in love with Shahmeer, a young man from the village who is not as well off as Bari Sahab’s family is and works for her family. The two are in love but feel, rather believe nothing can come of their love as Bari Sahab would never agree to such a match.

Let’s not forget Shahzeb – the educated, younger son who is a misfit amongst the family and their fueds. He is interested in Alisha (Sabeeka Imam) but has not yet had the nerve to broach the subject of marriage to Bari Sahab. Mirza Zain Baig is very unimpressive in Dillagi but as the educated misfit he seems to be doing a decent job – or maybe the flashy waistcoats have diverted my attention from his acting! I wonder if this couple has much to offer to the story beyond the flashy waistcoats and Sabeeka Imam’s duck mouth pouts. At the end of the latest episode, Alisha has shown up at Shahzeb’s haveli, Zainab is flinging herself for the zillionth time at Jahanzeb and he has rebuffed her advances for the zillionth time, and Bari Sahab comes upon Mannat and Shahmeer meeting alone.

Why am I watching Laaj? I am not entirely sure. The set, the scenes, the clothes are all very colourful and visually pleasing. Zarnish Khan is a good actress although I find her accent fluctuates from being normal to more village like. Kamran Jillani as Jahanzeb has impressed me if I am very honest for his expressions, his accent, his body language fits his role to a T. Another person who seems to have fit into her role like a glove is Asma Abbas as Bari Sahab. With her big eyes outlined and the severe black clothing and the constant hukka, she does look intimidating. The constant hukka does remind me of the trains cartoon my son used to watch and I wonder if she needs to be a Chuggington in every scene but oh well. The actor playing Shahmeer is truly bechara, and Iqra Aziz is sigh, Iqra Aziz with her only acting skills being limited to eyes narrowing and widening a centimetre and the same with her lips. A clogs-less Iqra Aziz however is refreshing to see!

The storyline itself. I tuned in knowing this was a story of zamindars and fueds but I was pleasantly surprised to see that these ‘angry people’ did more than just shout and get angry and beat each other up. Although Bari Sahab and Jahanzeb are shown to be short with the driver or the women working in the house at times, but then the questions about Shameer’s mother’s health and sending his father to the city for a medical checkup show they are not heartless. I like Bari Sahab’s relationship with Zainab too when she tells her that the haveli people should be scared of her and not Zainab. I do wonder though why Zainab has not told Bari Sahab she loves Jahanzeb. I also wondered at Bari Sahab not thinking of wedding Zainab to either of her sons but that was clarified when she says to the rishtay wali that she does not want people to think that she kept Zainab in her home for greed of her jaidaad and feels she must marry outside the family. Jahanzeb is often seen to be looking mournfully and talking to his dead wife’s picture which shows he must have loved her a great deal.

I found the age differences hard to figure or relate to at first and I suppose by the fifth episode I just got used to it. But what confused me was Jahanzeb saying to Zainab to think about their age difference as if there were a huge gap. Then Zainab looks hardly much older than Mannat, but she raised her like a mother. So if Zainab is that old, then why has Bari Sahab not gotten her married, despite her protests that she does not want to wed but surely she would not have a 30 something niece sitting at home and not worry about her marriage? Kamran Jillani could possibly pass off as a father of a teenager but suggesting he is much older than Zainab did not make sense.

I find Zainab type characters in our drama hard to link to real life. Does a woman really become like that that she is constantly declaring her love to responses of constant rejection and carry on with a smile on her face content that she has done her duty to love the man of her life with all her heart – heart accepted or not, be damned! She does give in to frustration I agree and sometimes yells at Jhanzeb or has a meltdown but I almost gagged at the conversations she and Jahanzeb often have such as when she tells him ‘Zaida ghussa na kia karein’ and he asks ‘kyun’ and she says ‘Aur pyar aata hai’….uggh!

The story so far is not outstanding and maybe Laaj would not be on my top dramas list but despite the loopholes, it is the acting so far and the fact that I am waiting for the ‘punch’ in the storyline which makes me feel I may keep wanting to watch it. It does have a filmy touch to it and all the jhumkas and bangles clanging all the time got a bit much for me. The promos show that Jahanzeb will be arrested but I wonder where the story goes from there. Recommended watch? Yes, if you have the time and want to watch something where the acting does not make you wince and the characters are not so cliché. I am not gushing (obviously) but I am not entirely put off either! How many of you are following Laaj and what do you think of it so far? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid

“Birth is nothing without virtue, and we have no claim to share in the glory of our ancestors unless we strive to resemble them”. Our identity not only defines who we are but where we’re from; our bloodline gives us a sense of belonging. If it weren’t for our lineage, what would set us apart from each other? We take pride in our history, our family names, our backgrounds- and why shouldn’t we? They entitle us to bragging rights- thanks to the various stories passed down from generation to generation with claims of superiority. Hum TVs latest Saturday night offering, Laa brings together Momina Duraid (producer), Sarmad Sehbai (writer) and Farooq Rind (director).

Laa ka matlab hai nahin; yeh nafi ki pehli manzil hai. Daniyal Malik (Meekal Zulfiqar), our charming and carefree hero, chaandi ka chammach laikey paida hua hai. Daniyal is the only son of the affluent Tareen (Qavi Khan) and his wife, living in Lahore and traveling to the USA after completing his MBA- wahan bachiyyan phasaata phiron ga. He spends most of his time with his friends- Shazy, Tutu and Jimmy placing pointless bets and doing a one-up on them. Enter Naina (Sadia Khan), the daughter of his father’s friend Razi (Naeem Tahir) and his wife Zainab (Seemi Raheel), who have come from Karachi to Lahore to finalize a suitable match for her. It is imperative that they find a kattar Syed zaada although Naina wants to escape from the hasb aur nasb.

Daniyal encounters a stranger, Naimat Khan (Rehan Sheikh) who was recently released from prison- the details of his crime are unknown but a quick flashback reveals he had a daughter, Ameena who he loved fondly but he was cautioned by a powerful zameedarni (Rabia Noureen) and soon afterwards, his precious Ameena died. Did Naimat serve a prison sentence as a result of seeking vengeance? Naimat hints that Daniyal may not be who he thinks he is- a Malik. Daniyal dismisses him as a nobody and walks away. Little does Daniyal know what’s in store for him in the not-so-distant future.

Naina is a strong-headed girl who falls weak to Daniyal’s charm and declares her desire to marry him. Naina thinks she’s had an epiphany ever since Daniyal took her to the Saaeen Baba and got a taweez for her. Her parents try to dissuade her while Daniyal smugly shares stories of his latest conquest with his friends. Naina was afterall, nothing more than a shart for Daniyal. While Naina’s mother turns frantic, her father decides to talk to Tareen and Daniyal overhears their conversation which speaks about his adoption. Daniyal loses his identity in that split second and his world changes. He clearly tells Naina that he was never serious about her and turns her down.

Laa is off to a promising start and has the same feel as Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahin– the last interesting drama I watched on HUM TV. The background score is brilliantly composed by Sahir Ali Bagga and the title track has a sufi theme. Laa delves into the concept of spirituality and brings forward the discriminatory practices of society that distinguish one zaat from another. Meekal Zulfiqar has made a brilliant comeback and looks conspicuously handsome- this role seems tailor-made for him. Sadia Khan is pretty but she has a long way to go; for the moment her acting is sub par. As for the remaining actors, they haven’t made their presence felt or maybe I’m too busy focusing on the male lead to notice anyone else. What do you have to say about Laa?

P.S. Laa was booked by Fatima but due to unforeseen circumstances, she couldn’t review the first two episodes. I am covering for her until she returns thus the delay. She will be reviewing it regularly once she’s back.

Yours in watching,

Kanwal Murtaza

Drama serial Laa has to be the only play of recent times that ended at episode 13, not that I mind that but I can’t help but question why plays like Mujhe Khuda Pe Yakeen Hai, Mausam, Izteraab, Ahista Ahista and many like them are dragged to the limit even when there are some major flaws in them and a play like Laa which may not have been a masterpiece but was certainly better than many other plays that are currently on air had to be ended so quickly? The OST of the drama is mesmerizing, it literally completely disconnects you from the world around you. Sarmad Sehbai’s poetry has a depth which touches your soul, Sahar Ali Bagga composed the song equally brilliantly and Javed Bashir’s voice is spellbinding but the entire OST is not available anywhere online. If Laa did not have enough viewership, it could easily have been shifted to a weekday the way Mere Dard Ko Jo Zuban Miley was but somehow the producers decided to end it sooner than many viewers expected it to.

Anyway, coming to tonight’s episode, I have to say that while I am happy for Daniyal and his parents but many pieces of the puzzle didn’t quite fit in. Firstly, I did not expect someone like Naimat Khan to forgive Dilawar and Dai Maa so easily. He lost his daughter and many years of his life because of Dai Maa. His sole focus for more than half of his life was planning his revenge but I guess he missed out one detail which was that he could only take the gadi from Dilawar if Daniyal co-operated with him. It was quite apparent right from the onset that Daniyal was not the kind of person who would be interested in money or status but somehow Naimat Khan did not see that. The way he let Dilawar Khan go was unbelievable. There was absolutely no need for the writer/director (whoever is willing to take the responsibility) to make a hero out of Naimat Khan! He should have shot Dilawar! He always had a soft spot for Daniyal therefore I wasn’t surprised when he let him go.

I understand that Daniyal did not want to cause more misery to his parents but one visit to his birth mother for whom he had given up everything would not have hurt. Hina could have gone to see her son since she was willing to give up her life for him, the letter alone was definitely not enough. If Daniyal said all those things to Hina in person they would have had more of an impact. Daniyal’s gift to Laila was sweet and I think that particular track was wrapped up nicely. I always found the romance/ relationship between Daniyal and Naina very powerful but the way Daniyal smiled when he saw Naina even before she told him anything was rather strange since he should have still been in the same state of mind in which he was before – lost and depressed! The direction of this particular episode was very weak because some of the very strong moments were either not shown or were lost because of the imperfect timing but it was good to see that Daniyal’s journey did not end at a sad note. All the letters were beautifully written because they conveyed everything in a few lines.

Overall Laa proved to be a gripping play that kept me glued to my seat primarily because of its fast pace and a different plot. There were some episodes that were directed so beautifully that watching 40 minutes of Laa was like watching a mini film and there were some which simply left you wondering how Daniyal kept on hopping from Lahore to Karachi and back! Farooq Rind could have done a much better job if he paid attention to minute details. The over-dramatic romance between Daniyal and Naina however actually fit in perfectly in the story because of the kind of spiritual bond that these two individuals shared. The biggest strength of Laa was that I could easily connect to all the characters big and small. Another aspect of this play that made it interesting for me was the way the focus always remained on the actual story and the way all the different tracks were interlinked. The characters were intriguing and the way their stories unfolded was even more exciting. Most of all it was refreshing to see Mikaal Zulfiqar playing a different role. It is always a pleasure watching Rehan Sheikh on screen. This time around he was simply brilliant as Naimat Khan. Khalid Malik proved to be the perfect choice for playing the chooza seth. Sabreen Husbani’s perfect portrayal of Laila made me feel for her. Qavi Khan is another actor who never fails to impress me, I could always relate to Daniyal’s father’s feeling for him more than how his mother felt. Sadia Khan of course was the weakest link in the play but I must confess that I was expecting even worse from her because her performance in the telefilm Devar Bhabi was even more disappointing than her acting in Laa. I must say though that although it was great to see Laila Zuberi on screen after quite some time but there were times when she went overboard; I expected a much better performance from her. Laa could have been one of the best dramas of this season if the director paid more attention to detail and the final editing of the play. The strength of the play lied in the mystery element in the narrative and a unique storyline. Sarmad Sehbai may not be happy with the final product but the fact is that even with the weak direction, his script managed to engage many viewers..

Laa was not perfect but it was most certainly one of those plays you enjoy watching and reviewing. I would like to thank all those readers who read the reviews regularly and were kind enough to share their opinions under the reviews.

Fatima Awan

This was another powerful and engaging episode of Laa. Every episode reveals something new about the characters in the play and the story is progressing slowly but steadily. Dilawar thinks that his wealth and status in the society would be enough to make Naina his “slave” forever but Naina’s answer to his proposal is Laa!! Naina may have let her parents decide who she was going to marry but she is not going to let her future in laws decide the terms and conditions under which this marriage will take place. I absolutely love Naina’s character; she is not swayed away by cast, social status or any of those things. She is liberal but spiritually enlightened. Dai Maa naturally wants a farmabardar bahu and not one who has a mind of her own. Dilawar is blown away by Naina’s beauty and he knows only too well that once she is married to him, he will manage to have his own way. This marriage does not mean much to him, he already has someone in his life who he considers his companion. Also, he is clearly one of those men who look at women as objects which they want to own and use according to their own wishes.

The way Dai Maa interprets everything that Naina’s father has to say to her said a lot about the kind of person she is. Dilawar knows how to manipulate Dai Maa and right now nothing means more to him then ensuring that Naina becomes a part of his life soon. The conversation between Dilawar and Dai Maa about Nazar ki raqam went to show how this drama is touching on different topics and is showing ways by which people like Dai Maa and Dilawar use people’s ignorance for their own benefit.

Not much happened with respect to Daniyal’s track in the first half of the episode but all that happened in the second half more than made up for it. Daniyal finally shares his secret with Laila and Naina also finds out the truth. Now Naina has absolutely no reason to go ahead with her marriage with Dilawar but the question is that does she have a choice? It is good to see that Daniyal’s parents are shown in every episode for some reason or the other. I am glad that they are not completely out of the picture and the entire development of Daniyal finding out about his past has been handled intelligently.

The preview of the next episode left me with a lot of questions; Is Daniyal Dilawar’s brother? Will Naina and Dilawar get married? Was Laila worth confiding in? Until now Laila seems to be a good person at heart. Sabreen Hisbani is doing very well in her role and this character is very different from what she has done already. Mikaal Zulfiqar owned his character as usual. Sadia Khan’s acting is not perfect but somehow her character has grown on me and I am actually finding the connection between Daniyal and Naina very relatable. All the senior actors are doing a commendable job; Rabia Noreen in particular has nailed her character as Dai Maa. I was blown away by tonight’s episode of Laa as usual particularly because I can totally connect to the characters and happenings without even making an ounce of effort.

Fatima Awan

Aqlan shaklan wale keetay ishq ne kamlay jhalay…..Love comes when you least expect it; Daniyal did not go out looking for love and winning Naina’s “love” was nothing more than winning a foolish bet. Just when Daniyal’s life has taken an about turn and he wants to focus all his energies on something entirely different his heart aches for Naina. No amount of reasoning can change the way he feels. Seeing Naina right there in front of him gives him a chance to plead his case but Naina is probably too scared of being hurt again so she is not willing to give him another chance. Sadia Khan may not be a brilliant actress but the on screen chemistry she shares with Mikaal compensates for her weak acting.

Naina may pretend to be content with her engagement but the fact is that she has a special connection with Daniyal; a connection that pulls her to him, a special feeling of attraction that cannot be explained but can only be felt. It is this strange and perhaps spiritual connection between these two individuals that makes this love story different and appealing. I would give full marks to the director for portraying it brilliantly in this episode in particular.

On the one hand Dilawar seems like a very genuine person when he is with Daniyal and on the other hand his views about marriage and the way he tries to convince Dai Maa to sign those papers went to show that there is more to his personality. Khalid Malik has done very well in this role so far. Dai Maa’s conversation with Dilawar reflected in a very clear manner the difference between the two generations. Dai Maa’s comment “tuu maa ke purze purze krke plazay banana chahta hai” made me laugh but it showed how she felt about moving to the city and changing her lifestyle.

Laila’s views about love were very interesting; will Daniyal be the person who changes the way she feels about falling in love? I can’t wait to find out! Just when Daniyal starts questioning Naimat Khan’s intentions, he “distracts” him by telling Daniyal that Dai Maa asked him to kill Daniyal but when he didn’t comply his daughter was killed as a punishment. It is not going to be easy for Daniyal to find out the truth but I have a feeling that his journey is going to make an engaging story. Dilawar’s engagement with Naina did not come as a surprise at all but the surprising part was Daniyal’s reaction. I was not expecting him to react like this. The first scene between Naina and Daniyal was very intense. In my opinion, tonight’s episode belonged to Mikaal Zulfiqar all the way. This episode was fast paced, touching, well written and very well directed. It was the best episode of Laa so far. I am in love with the OST of the play and the way it was played in the background in tonight’s episode was spot on.

The preview of the next episode showed that Dai Maa wants the marriage to take place soon but Naina is still not sure if she should go along with this marriage. Will Naina go ahead with this marriage? Does she have the option to call the marriage off now?

Did you enjoy tonight’s episode just as much as I did? Do share your thoughts about this latest installment.

Fatima Awan

The mystery element of the play along with the fact that for a change the central character in the story is not a female but a male and the story is not about a love triangle or about marital problems is what makes this play stand out in the crowd. Having said that I must admit that this may not be the kind of play that will hit a home run with the masses mostly because of its overall outlook. If the lighting and colors were slightly more alluring then it would have been a perfect package.

Daniyal is determined to find out about his background. When you find out that your whole life was a lie all of a sudden, some people have a difficult time coming into terms with the truth and they decide to go on with life pretending that they don’t need to know the truth but most often they react the way Daniyal did. He appreciates everything that his adoptive parents did for him but he cannot rest until he finds out about his roots. Daniyal’s entire personality has changed ever since he found out the truth. The carefree man who was full of confidence has been replaced by one who is lost and feels a great burden on his shoulders which will only be lifted when he finds out who his real parents were.

Dilawar’s character is a very interesting addition to the play. Dilawar and Laila both are not the usual characters with feudal backgrounds which we see on screen. Dilawar is a very likeable character and the way Laila helped Daniyal was either because she is a genuinely nice person or because she also wants to find out why Daniyal is looking for Peer Murtaza Shah…we will find out soon enough. The conversation between Laila and Dilawar about that piece of land he wanted went to show that Laila isn’t as “enlightened” or soft hearted as she appears to be.

Naina finds it very difficult to forget Daniyal but her mother is bent on getting her daughter married in an uncha khandan. The way Naina’s mother compared damaad and bakra was outrageous but then those lines portrayed her thinking perfectly. The turn of events in tonight’s episode were very intriguing indeed. Daniyal and Naina’s paths will meet yet again or maybe not! Will Naina end up getting married to Dilawar? She is definitely not the kind of girl who will let anyone else make such an important decision of her life but you never know.

I felt for Daniyal’s adoptive parents all through tonight’s episode. The actress playing Daniyal’s mother has failed to impress me with her acting, her dialogue delivery is very filmy. The story is unpredictable so far and the drama is moving ahead at a very good pace. I really like the OST; it is different and appealing but the background music can be a little too melancholic at times. It is good to see Mikaal Zulfiqar playing a different character. I am not a big fan of Sadia Khan ever since I watched her perform in Devar Bhabi but I must say that her acting in this serial is much better. Her performance is definitely not power packed but there are no glaring flaws in her acting either. In my opinion she needs to emote more.

Do share your thoughts about tonight’s episode.

Fatima Awan

Hina finally found out that Daniyal is her son but that does not end her talash. She has a daunting task ahead of her now that she knows that she must do everything in her power to prove in the court that Daniyal is innocent but in order to do that, she must find Daniyal first. Proving in the court that someone like Dilawar is the actual criminal is going to be even more difficult considering that people like him usually do not get convicted. If Laila dies then Hina may not be able to save Daniyal at all. Daniyal, on the other hand is at his wits end, he is not even sure where he is or where he should go and since he is a fugitive he cannot possibly roam around freely. Dilawar’s empty threats to Naimat Khan are getting old and monotonous; the chooza seth is clearly no match for the daku! Daniyal’s secret is now officially out after Naina told her parents and Hina the truth about Daniyal’s identity and the criminal. I know this is supposed to be a very serious play but I cannot help but notice that everyone in this play is looking for someone; Hina is looking for Daniyal, Dilawar is looking for Naimat Khan and Daniyal both, Naina will set out on a journey to find Daniyal too and Daniyal is looking for a way out of this situation!

I was very surprised to find out that Hina still hasn’t officially taken up Laila’s case because she has been holding press conferences and in the last episode she was on her way to the court when Daniyal was “kidnapped”. I don’t know the procedure for these things but it just doesn’t sound logical that a barrister who hasn’t even yet taken up the case is representing it on the media. She could have been going to the court only to hear what Daniyal had to say but everything else makes very little sense. In the opening scene when she is talking to her friend she clearly says that she isn’t sure whether Daniyal is guilty or not but when Naina comes to see her, she is on the phone saying that she wants a decision on the next hearing because she wants Daniyal to be punished for what he did! Decisions regarding murder cases in Pakistan or anywhere in the world are not taken so quickly and especially when the criminal is not even in police custody. I also did not get why Hina thanked Naina for saving Laila’s life. Later on we found out that someone tried to kill Laila in the hospital, when did that happen? I am guessing that Dilawar tried to get Laila killed in the hospital but Naina saved her somehow but why do we have to figure that out? I think whoever did the editing for this episode, chopped off some very important scenes.

Tonight’s episode’s main focus was Hina’s mental turmoil after finding out the truth. I must say that the focus on the details regarding Daniyal’s case; the statements, conversations and press conference was a little too much. The friendship between Hina and her colleague is heart-warming; I enjoy their conversations and the gentleman always gives Hina sound advice. This episode of Laa wasn’t as exciting as the last one but the preview of the next episode seemed interesting. I have a feeling that Laila will survive because we see a very worried Dilawar getting his seat for Dubai confirmed. Daniyal will make his way to Lahore, I hope the viewers will get to see how he manages to escape…a request to the editor – please have some mercy!

Don’t forget to share your views about this latest episode.

Fatima Awan

This was another exciting and happening episode of Laa which made up for the slow and disappointing episode of last week. The pace of the show along with a different storyline sets this drama apart from rest of the plays that are currently on air. The story is unfolding at a really good pace with every passing episode. Although, I was a little taken aback and disappointed with the developments in the last episode maybe because I was expecting something completely different but the fact is that this was the best way to take the story forward. Daniyal is dealing with murderers so he can’t just make them understand things the way he could have if Dilawar and his mother did not have so much on stake. Dai Maa will do anything to get hold of the Pir’s gaddi and jaidad, she tried to get Daniyal killed once and she will do anything to get him killed now too.

Naimat Khan was the one who brought Daniyal to his adoptive parents all these years back, which means they knew about Naimat Khan all along. Daniyal tells Hina that he is looking for his mother and for a little while Daniyal reminded Hina of her son. Hina also told Daniyal that Laila did not consider him just a friend but she was in love with him – that explains a lot! The only reason Laila put her life in danger for someone she had known only for a month or so was because she loved him. Dilawar proved that he isn’t such a chooza seth after all; he planned to kill Daniyal while he was on his way to the court but Naimat Khan who for very good reasons does not believe in the justice system decided to “rescue” Daniyal before Dilawar could harm him. I am glad that we were not shown the scene in which Naimat Khan’s men took Daniyal with them from the police because that scene would not have been any good unless it was very well directed.

I was waiting for Daniyal and Naina to meet for the past so many episodes but tonight when they finally met somehow the chemistry between them was just not the same. Sadia Khan’s acting was at its worst in that particular scene. That scene however was very significant because it gave Daniyal hope. Daniyal told Naina that Dilawar killed Laila and the only reason he is not telling anyone that is that he does not want Naina’s husband-to-be to be behind bars. The logic didn’t quite click with me because why would Daniyal want Naina to marry someone like Dilawar in the first place. Naina told Daniyal that she didn’t want to marry Dilawar which meant that he did not need to save him and which also meant that Daniyal and Naina could get married now. Dilawar saw the tape of the meeting between Naina and Daniyal and that is when he decided to take more aggressive measures.

Khalid Malik deserves tons of appreciation for playing Dilawar’s character with perfection. He depicted his anger and frustration in tonight’s episode so aptly. Mikaal Zulfiqar has been spot on as Daniyal too. The only weak link in the play is Sadia Khan. The preview of the next episode looked very enticing although I do think that it revealed a little more than it should have. Naina will tell Hina the truth about Daniyal’s identity in the next episode and I can only wonder where things will go from there. Looking forward to another exciting episode of Laa!

Do share your thoughts about tonight’s episode.

Fatima Awan

This episode of Laa was slow as compared to all the other episodes that have gone on air so far, since it did not manage to engage me the way all the previous episodes have, I couldn’t help but notice some of the loopholes in the direction and the narrative. The story took an ugly and unexpected turn today when Dilawar found out that Daniyal is his brother. Everything happened really fast but I must say that the scene in which Dilawar shot Laila could have been shot in a much better way. Surely someone like Dilawar is used to killing people or is he really a chooza seth? He looked terrified when he shot Laila like he had never hurt a fly in his life. Until now Laa did not give me much to complain about; I ignored the repeated coincidences, I have enjoyed the filmy feel of the play till now and a few loopholes here and there did not kill the overall feel of the play for me because Laa gave me something to look forward to every week and it has been very entertaining. This episode however was slow for my taste and much of what we saw in it made little sense. Firstly, a person like Dai Maa who has blood on her hands is not in a position to question her son for having an affair/affairs. I did not get how she concluded that one of Dilawar’s girlfriends must have told Laila what kind of a character he had. People like Dilawar take pride in having girlfriends and even mistresses, it comes with the status sadly.

Daniyal recalled being at Laila’s house when she went to visit her family but he was never shown in that particular scene in the last episode. In fact two minutes before that scene he was shown sitting with his father in Lahore and tonight he delivered the money to Laila’s house and went straight to the hospital which would mean that Laila’s family lives in Karachi or some place near Karachi. In addition to that Daniyal had more pressing issues at hand at that time with his father sick! Maybe I missed something, if anyone out there was able to make sense out of these two scenes please do enlighten me.

Laila’s character was getting more interesting by every passing episode, I would definitely want to see more of her. We got to find out more about the double life that Laila has been living all these years. Daniyal’s mother wants to hold on to her son therefore she is on a mission to find him a wife but his father on the other hand wants his son to find out who his mother is so that he can be at peace. Daniyal’s father has faith in him; he knows that he will still come back to them even after finding out who his real mother is.

Daniyal’s life has taken a turn for the worse because he has been framed by Dilawar (perhaps). The viewer’s didn’t get a chance to see why the police thought that he was the one who shot Laila but I am guessing that Dilawar must be behind this latest development. Daniyal and Hina will come face to face once again in the next episode but in the wrong circumstances. Laila and Dilawar are the only two people who know that Hina is Daniyal’s mother, Laila is fighting for her life and Dilawar would want Daniyal to be behind bars for the rest of his life.

Although this episode was strictly okay especially when I compare it with the sort of entertainment Laa has provided us with till now because the loopholes in the direction and narrative were too obvious this time around. The story still has tons of potential; if Laila survives, she will tell Hina the truth and Hina will fight her son’s case.

Do share your thoughts about tonight’s episode.

Fatima Awan

The pace of these two episodes continued to not disappoint. I found myself interested to see where the story is going for although we do have a fair idea of what will happen I am glad to say that at least the way the events are unfolding is convincing – and interesting – enough.

I was highly sceptical and cringed thinking seriously, is this how predictable and annoying this drama will be when Aina leaves for Islamabad and Imran gives up his mobile phone that they will be unable to get in touch which will lead to misunderstandings ending with disastrous results. I was glad however when Imran learns from Aina’s friend that she has left for a few days and when she returns she goes to the flat and thankfully Imran is home. I can not stress enough how that raised the drama’s worth in my eyes at least for the done to death, no communication ka rasta or Imran leaving the flat to run an errand when Aina arrives would have done my head in. While the drama may not be rid of such clichés later on, I will give credit now for where it is due. I do wonder though at the 1990s style of ‘dumb calls’ when Imran being so rich could have given Aina a mobile phone that he could reach her on. Obviously before he was stripped of his own belongings but even if Aina was all about ‘I am not after your money’, I am sure a simple phone to be able to contact each other would have been a wise idea but oh well.

Aini too surprised me when she announced enough is enough and broke off the engagement. Eyebrows went further up when she said Aina’s family should be paid a visit and I thought, good stuff! But while Aini may think of herself as a competent player so to speak, Imran’s father is the true puppet master and knows when to pull which chords. He knows his son well and knows he will return once left to fend for himself. Seems like Aini is back on board too.

Aina’s fiancé is far from impressed by Aina’s ‘reserve’ and I have to say I really like Faraz’s character where he has been all understanding about Aina’s heartbreak and also encourages her fiancé and her to have a few moments together. It is good to see the writer presenting a male character with a broad mind but a sensible one for either they are too conservative to the point of being manic or there are the truly liberal ones with the fake English accents, huge cigars and drink in hand. Faraz is a character I can really understand and like – till now at least. I also liked how he did not fly off the handle when he came upon Aina and her fiancé and also later how he stresses how Aina is unhappy with this upcoming marriage.

While Huma Nawab’s acting leaves a bit to be desired, her character does pinch at my heart especially when she says how Imran is not worthy of Aina and his parents refused to come and take her ‘izzat se’. I am glad to see a level headed sensible family that cares about each other and is not out to manipulate each other which is why Aina’s actions seem even more, deplorable for lack of a better word not because I am judging her for marrying against her family wishes but for pulling the wool over her mother’s eyes who has trusted her and devoted her life to her children and even agreed to meet Imran’s parents. I keep repeating that I know, but while Aina is worried now it is because the fiance’s family wants to move ahead with the wedding not how she has let her mother, Sajal and Faraz down. I can see why she would not care about Mohsin, LOL.

So Aina from sweet loving Aina is fast becoming Manhoos Aina in Imran’s mind. While it is admirable and definitely much more fascinating when the rich boy leaves his family in the name of love and makes his way in the world, portrayal of a character like Imran has also been very realistically done. It is true that he has never had to worry about a single aana – I could not resist substituting dime with aana with all the Aina-Aini going on, LOL. There is that old saying, when poverty enters the door, love goes out the window. Imran blames Aina for all the hardship coming his way and now that things have been laid out in the open at his end he wants Aina to rush things at her end. I could see how he wanted her to also come clean and move in and while Aina said he could barely fend for himself she did not want to add on her own burden, I felt it was more because she lacked the courage. I wonder why she went ahead with the nikkah anyway and even if she did, then the very obvious would be to sort of avoid starting a family until things had settled between the families? Methinks so! But then all those fainting spells, bar one drama (Teri Chah Mein) – spell out only one thing – a pregnancy! How are the women in our dramas always so clueless that they never realise they are pregnant until they faint?! I would honestly love to know if that has happened to women in real life. Yes the odd few maybe, but routinely?!

There have been a few negative comments regarding Naveen Waqar’s appearance and while I totally get how a certain actor or actress can put you off from watching a drama and I agree that her fringe is distracting, her acting so far has been realistic enough. I feel her despair, I dislike her for being selfish and I find while Aina may end up being the victim, Naveen’s portrayal of the character has been such that you feel the ‘victim’ sort of brought this upon herself. Imran’s character is wishy washy where he grows a backbone and then loses it the way a lizard may lose its tail and grow one back. I am pleasantly surprised at Mirza Zain’s acting and how he seems to be comfortable in his character. Faraz is the only sensible one so far and I hope he has a sensible plan of action rather than letting Aina flit round the streets again trying to sort things out. I like a few dialogues of this drama too especially the scene between Imran’s parents when his father says that why do mothers assume fathers are unfeeling. A father’s stern attitude for the long term benefit of his child can be viewed as unfeeling at times when it is not. While I may not agree with his tactics for bringing Imran back to him or forcing him into a marriage with Aini, I could understand the underlying anger when he wonders how Imran thought he could have fooled his own father. His father is an arrogant man who believes he knows what move to make when and till now things have panned out favourably for him.

Next week’s preview shows Aina paying her in laws a visit and although I suppose Imran and Aini have gone to Dubai to shop, Aina will meet Imran and given the direction he is headed, seems like he has had enough of her. I wonder if Aina’s mother survives the heart attack and what is in store for Aina now. Sorry, no screenshots today as my daughter is a bit poorly. I would love to hear what you all thought of these episodes though and any guesses whether Aina’s pregnancy will bring a change of heart in Imran or will he not be told?

Kunwal Javid