A glance at the plays and films based on novels makes it clear that the list is overwhelmingly dominated by females. But few male novelists are also prominent and provided viewers with everlasting dramas. The most famous among them is Shaukat Siddiqi who was a prominent fiction writer. He was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India in 1923 and migrated to Pakistan after partition and settled in Karachi.  His famous novels and short stories collections are `Teesra Admi’ (1952).  `Andhere Dur Andhere’, (1955), `Raton Ka Shahar’ (1956),Kamingah’ (1956),  ‘Khuda Ki Basti’, (1960) `, `Keemyagar’ (1984), `Jangloos’ (1988) and `Char Deewari’ (1990). Shaukat Siddiqi passed away in 2006. His novel Khuda Ki Basti is considered one of the most popular novel of 1960’s.

Novels of Shaukat Siddiqi are also adapted for television dramas and were quite appreciated.

Khuda Ki Basti
Pakistan television started its transmission in 164 from Lahore and Karachi in 1967. In 1969, famous novel of Shaukat Siddiqi ‘Khuda Ki Basti’ was adapted for a drama with same name. The drama was quite successful and repeated many times on PTV at various occasions. In 1969, permanent recording facility was not available on television so in 1974 the drama is re-recorded and the same version is repeated many times. The play was produced by Bakhtiyar Ahmed.

Jangloos
Jangloos was the second drama based on a novel with the same name. It was a story of two prisoners who escaped from jail. Jangloos was aired in 1989, it was directed by Kazim Pasha. Leading cast members were M. Warsi, Shabir Jaan, Salim Nasir, Shagufta Ejaz and Subhani Ba Younas. Like Khuda Ki Basti, Jangloos was also well received by viewers and critics.

Despite only two novels of Shaukat Siddiqi are adapted for television dramas, but both the dramas offered something different to viewers. Especially Jangloos was a totally new experience at that time, a subject never explored earlier. Shaukat Siddiqi’s novels were quite different from the writings of female novelists which provided them longevity and success.

Do share your views, regarding writings and dramas of Shaukat Siddiqi

Thanks for reading.

Rashid Nazir Ali

Salma Knawal is a popular fiction writer mainly in female readers. Salma Kanwal lived in Samanabad, Lahore and passed away in 2005. My spouse and I had a chance to personally visit her in 1980’s and it was a memorable evening. She was a courageous woman, despite being disable (cannot walk perhaps due to muscle dystrophy ), she concentrated her energies on writing. Salma Kanwal was married, but her only daughter passed away in teenage in 1970’s.

Salma Kanwal wrote more than 40 novels. Her novel Lala is based on her own life story. The popularity of her writings also drew the attention of film producers. Two of her novels were adapted for films, which were both super hits. Also one television drama based on her novel is also super hit and won the Lux Style for Best Drama (Satellite).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpQr10bLJjY

Andleeb:
Andaleeb is super hit film released in 1969 starring Waheed Murad, Shabnam, Aaliya, Mustafa Qureshi. It was directed by Farid Ahmed and Nisar Bazmi was the music composer. Andleeb was based on novel Andleeb of Salma Kanwal. It is one of the best movies by director Farid Ahmed. Nisar Bazmi composed evergreen songs like ‘Kuch Log Rooth Kar Bhi Lagte Hain Kitne Pyaray’ and ‘Meray Dil Ki Mehfil Saja Denay Walay ‘.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgUuHFW-UhM

Mehman:

Mehmaan was released in 1977 starring Babra Sharif, Rahat Kazmi, Najma and Nayyar Sultana. It was based on Salma Kanwal’s novel ‘Chupkay Se Bahar Aa Jaye’. Directed by Parvez Mailk, M. Ashraf was music composer. The film was a hit, and its songs are quite popular too till this day. ‘Zinda Rahain To Kya Hai jo Mar Jayen Hum To Kya’, ‘Hamain Gham Mila Hamesha’ are some famous songs of this film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8itXWoL9c7M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggG4FasrysQ

Coming to dramas, there has been no adaptation for any tv drama by PTV. But private satellite channel HUM TV adapted one novel of Salma Kanwal

Paani Jesa Pyar:
Paani Jesa Pyar was a drama of HUM TV in 2011, based on novel Suhagan of Salma Kanwal with some modifications. Sadly Hum TV did not put the name of Salma Kanwal on the credits of this drama. Instead Momal Shunaid claimed to be the writer of this drama, which off course is not true. It was a sad and condemn-able act of perjury and intellectual theft, by Momal Shunaid and HUM TV. The drama was directed by Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, while main star cast consisted of Saba Qamar, Mikaal Zulfiaqr, Juggun Kazim, Samina Ahmed, Samina Peerzada, Firdose Jamal, Nosheen Shah, Babrik Shah and Rizwan Jaffri. OST was in voice of Sanam Maarvi and the drama won the lux style award for best drama.

Do share your thoughts on the contributions of Salma Kanwal.

Thanks for reading.

Rashid Nazir Ali

All over the world famous novels are adapted into films, dramas and theater plays. However for unknown reasons this trend was not much popular in films and dramas of Pakistan until the surge of private television channels in mid 2000’s. But the few occasions when the story is adapted from novel, mostly the film/drama has proved successful. This article is first in a series where we try to look at dramas/films which were based on novels.

Films are the initial popular showbiz medium in our country (after radio and theater) with many memorable films made in Pakistan. Adapting a novel for film is never been popular, but the limited number novels adapted  for films were mostly written by female writers. Among them only one name has the distinction of being equally popular in films and dramas, which off course is Razia Butt. The films and dramas based on Razia Butt are discussed in detail below.

Razia Butt is a popular fiction writer and was popular for many generations. She wrote over 50 novels which were very popular especially among ladies. Razia Butt passed away in 2012. To en-cash popularity of her novels few film producers adapted novels of Razia Butt into films. Most of the films names were same as novel.

Naila:
Based on the novel with same name, Naila was the first complete colored film made in Lahore starring Shamim Ara, Santosh Kumar and Darpan. Released in 1965, it was directed by Sharif Nayyer while Master Inayat Hussain was composer. The film proved super hit and paved the way for further novel based films.

Saiqa:
The heroine of Naila, Shamim Ara decided to produce her own film and her selection was another Razia Butt novel Saiqa. This film was released in 1968. Shamim Ara, Muhammad Ali and Darpan were in lead roles. Directed by Laiq Akhtar, Nisar Bazmi composed all the songs. Saiqa also proved superhit.

 http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x16ofzt_saiqa-ay-baharo-gawah-rehna-1968_shortfilms

Anila:
Anila was released in 1969, Nadeem and Deeba were in lead roles. Directed by Raza Mir, while music composer was Nisar Bazmi. Aneela failed at box office.

Noreen:
Noreen was released in 1970 and failed at box office. Muhammad Ali and Zeba were in lead roles, music by Nisar Bazmi and directed by Laiq Akhtar.

Khalish:
Khalish was released in 1972 and based on novel Laghzish of Razia Butt. Directed by Laiq Akhtar, music by M. Ashraf, the lead star consisted of Waheed Murad, Raani and Sangeeta. The film performed average on box office.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYAd3V2KBgQ

Pyasa:
Pyasa was released in 1973. Shahid and Raani were in lead roles. It was directed by Hassan Tariq while Nisar Bazmi was composer. The film was based on novel Wehshi by Razia Butt, and failed at box office.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDywlxavC3c

Mohabbat Ho To Aisi:
After four consecutive unsuccessful/average films, the last urdu film ‘Mohabbat Ho To Aisi’ was released in 1989 which was based on novel ‘Shabbo’. This film was also the last film of pair of Muhammad Ali and Zeba. Its director was Feroz and musician was Nisar Bazmi. The film failed due to extreme poor direction.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMYTJCCFmCI

Gulabo:
Gulabo was a punjabi film released in 2008. It was directed by Sangeeta while Saima, Moammar Rana, Resham Babar Ali and Saud were in main roles. Gulabo earned average business at box office. It is the only punjabi film based on Razia Butt novel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so1XCA9T0jQ

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Razia Butt is perhaps the only fiction writer whose novels are adapted for both films and television. In Pakistan television started in 1964 and till 70’s it turned into a strong medium. Many television dramas are also based on the novels of Razia Butt

Noreena:
Noreena was a play from PTV Peshawar Center based on novel Noreena by Razia Butt. Directed by Ateeq Ahmed, it was dramatized by Younas Qayasi. Reena Siddiqui, Aamir Fareed, Reena Siddiqui, Anita Kamphor, Shariqa Fatima and Qavi Khan were in lead roles. The drama was aired in 1994.

Anita:
Anita was a play from PTV Quetta Center based on novel Anita by Razia Butt. Irum Hassan and Anwar Ali were in lead roles. Dramatized by Younus Qayyasi, the play was directed by Sajjad Ahmed. The drama was aired in 1995

Amman
Amman is another play of PTV starring shamil khan, it was based on novel Aabro by Razia Butt and directed by Ahmed Naveed.

Aag
Aag is another play of PTV based on novel Aashi by Razia Butt. It was aired in 2003 starring arooq Zameer, Rohi Khan, Sophia Ahmed, Ramia, Saira Khan and Haider Sultan, Shamil Khan, Farah Hussain and Nadia Afgan. It was directed by Hafeez Tahir.

Naajia:
HUM TV is the only private satellite channel which adapted several novels of Razia Butt. Naajia was the first one in 2007, shot in Mauritius. Farhan Ali Agha, Javeriya Abbasi, Zhalay Sarhadi and Fahad Mustafa were in lead roles.

Saiqa:
Saiqa in 2009 was a soap drama by HUM TV, which was also adapted earlier as film in 1968. The lead cast consisted of Meekal Zulfiqar, Ahsan Khan, Sarwar Gilani, Sheema Kermani, Juggan Kazim, Khayam Sarhadi, Shamim Hilali and Madiha Iftikhar.

Daastan:
Dastan in 2010 is too date the last drama based on a novel Baano of Razia Butt and perhaps the most successful one too. Sanam Baloch, Fawad Khan and Mehreen Raheel were in lead roles supported by a huge supporting cast. Dramatized by Sameera Fazal, the play was directed by Haissam Hussain. Novel Baano of Razia Butt was on the partition of India and initial years after creation of Pakistan.

Do share your feedback and experiences about writings,dramas and films based on Razia Butt novels/stories.

Rashid Nazir Ali

Sharif Hussain, famously known as Naseem Hijazi was a popular urdu fiction writer. He was born in 1914 in Punjab (Now Indian Punjab). During partition of India when the massive ethnic cleansing of muslim population of East Punjab occured, Naseem Hijazi’s family also migrated to West Punab, Pakistan where he settled in Lahore. Naseem Hijazi passed away in 1996.

Naseem Hijazi is one of the few fiction writers who only wrote on the historic events of muslim history. The earliest name in this list is Abdul Haleem Sharar, who also wrote many novels on muslim history. Naseem Hijazi wrote on many events, like Arab rule in spain, Crusades, Partition of India, Arabs before Islam, Ummayyads conquest of Sindh led by Muhammad Bin Qasim, Cast system in Hindus and others. Naseem Hijazi and his writings were very popular for decades, though he was also criticized sometimes for always depicting one side of the picture and not always authentic on historical accounts. Novels of Naseem Hijazi were part of personal library in many households in 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s and perhaps still a popular choice even today.

Naseem Hijazi’s novels were also adapted for films and television plays as mentioned below here.

Gharnata (1971)
Gharnata in 1971 was the first film based on the novel Shaheen of Naseem Hijazi. It covered the historic events regarding the last days of Arab Rule in Greneda, Spain. Riaz Shahid (Father of Shaan Shahid) was the director and writer of the film. Nisar Bazmi was music composer, while Rozina, Yousuf Khan, Jameel, Asiya, Iqbal Hassan, Adeeb, Sabira Sultana, Jameel, Tarana, Aslam Parvez, Rehan were in the leading cast. One song of this film ‘Kis naam say pukaron kiya naam hai tumhara‘ sung by Madam Noor Jehan is popular till this day.

Riaz Shahid had produced some remarkable films on Muslim history and issues of muslim world. His most famous film was Zarqa on the Palestine issue. He also produced a film Yeh Aman on Kashmir issue.  Riaz Shahid was famous for his ability to write some powerful dialog. Gharnata performed average at box office.

Khaak-o-Khoon (1979)
Khaak-o-Khoon is the second film based on the novel with same name of Naseem Hijazi regarding partition of India. This film was produced by government institution NAFDEC (National Film Development Corporation) in 1970’s. NAFDEC was established by Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to promote Pakistani cinema. Khaak-o-Khoon was one such attempt of NAFDEC to produce a quality film on creation of Pakistan. Filming started during the reign of Mr. Bhutto but by the time film is screened Bhutto was already dethroned about to be hanged as per decision of supreme court and the country was then ruled by dictator General Ziaul Haq. The film was released on 23 March 1979, whereas Z.A. Bhutto was hanged on 4 April 1979.

Naseem Hijazi was the writer of this film. It was directed by Masud Parvez and Nisar Bazmi was the composer. Shujaat Hashmi, Mehboob Alam, Abid Ali and Naveen Tajik were leading artists in the cast. Though admired by critics, business wise this film was declared average.

In 1978-79 Pakistan was enjoying very warm relations with India. General Ziaul Haq had good terms with then Indian Prime Minister Morarji Disai. Later Mr. Morarji Disai was also awarded Nishan-i-Imtiaz (highest civillian award) by Pakistani government.

Despite based on patriotic theme Khaak-o-Khoon received a cold response from Zia government and is removed from theaters shortly after screening. Though not official it was widely famous then that it was done on the orders of Zia government. The Zia government had concerns that this film might impact relationships between India and Pakistan so the film was removed from theaters shortly after screening.

General Ziaul Haq came to power in 1977 with the promise of establishing rule of Sharia, a promise which was never fulfilled. His regime imposed restrictions on television and films especially Urdu films were severely affected due to these. To show governments is inclined towards religion Pakistan Television (PTV) also produced many dramas on muslim history. Naseem Hijazi’s novels were a natural choice for any such drama. Thus in 1980’s PTV produced two dramas adapted from Naseem Hijazi’s novels.

Aakhri Chataan (1980)
It was a drama directed by Qasim Jalali, based on a the novel with same name. The novel covers the events of crusades and famous muslim ruler Salahuddin Ayubi. Aakhri Chitaan was widely popular being one of the first drama based on muslim history. The drama has a long cast like any historical drama. Saleem Nasir, Sultana Zafar, Azra Sherwani and many others were in the list of cast members.

Shaheen (mid 1980’s)
Shaheen in mid 1980’s was the second drama based on a novel of Naseem Hijazi. It covers the historical events of last days of Arab Rule of Greneda, Spain. The drama was also successful and widely viewed. It was dramatized by Saleem Ahmed and Asad Muhammad Khan and produced by PTV Quetta Center. Novel Shaheen was also adapted earlier for a film named Gharnata.

Ismael Shah debuted in acting from this drama, who later enjoyed a limited success in film industry till his death at a young age in 1993.

Shaheen was the last drama based on a novel of Naseem Hijazi. In 1988 dictator General Ziaul Haq died in a plane crash and PTV see an ease in restrictions .By 1989 armed independence struggle also started in Occupied Kashmir and PTV thus started producing plays based on Kashmir rather on muslim history. Plays on Kashmir dominated the whole decade of 1990’s though PTV also produced few historical plays like Babar and Tipu Sultan in the same era.

Since mid 2000’s many private satellite channels emerged and the new era of drama has focused on many new subjects. However the genre of historical drama has almost vanished. Apart from Dastaan (2010) there are very few historical dramas. Historical dramas require high budget, focused approach and extreme hardwork on research and script writing a practice our private production houses are not used to. So PTV is the only channel which can still afford to make a historical drama as it is backed by govenment. PTV also recieves billions as Television license fees from all domestic electricity consumers.

Do share your considerations and experiences regarding writings/dramas of Naseem Hijazi. Also can historical dramas be successful in current age? Are the television viewers of current era ready to accept any historical dramas?

Do share your views. Thanks for for your time.

Rashid Nazir Ali

Naheed Sultana Akhtar is a fiction writer perhaps from Islamabad. She mostly writes for Urdu Monthly Pakeeza. The fiction writer of female digests are sometimes termed as digest writers too. Since its inception PTV’s management had not produced any drama written by a digest writer for almost thirty years. Novels of female novelists like AR Khatoon and Zubeda Khatoon were adapted but they were never a digest writer. As far I knew Naheed Sultana Akhtar was the first digest writer ever to write a drama for PTV in 1993 breaking the decades old tradition. The experiment yielded tremendous success and paved the way for other digest writers too as drama writers. In fact these days the dramas are dominated by digest writers while specialized drama writers are almost extinct.

Naheed Sultana wrote many dramas (mostly based on her novels) for PTV and NTM (Network Television Marketing the first private channel in Pakistan) in the decade of 90’s most of which were successful. Her dramas were mostly limited to social subjects i.e. marriage, family politics like a regular digest writer. But unlike most digest writers her writing style has depth and diversity thus proving successful in drama writing. Strangely despite being a pioneer and most successful digest writer in 90’s, she has not written any drama for in recent year; an era when drama writing is being dominated by female digest writers.

The dramas of Naheed Sultana Akhtar are discussed here in this article. It is worth mentioning that her dramas were followed by audience of all walks of life even male audience unlike other regular female digest writers which is indeed a distinction of Naheed Sultana Akhtar.

Aanch
Aanch in 1993 was the very first drama ever of PTV to be written by a digest writer. Based on novel ‘Behtay Paani Pe Makan’ by Naheed Sultana and directed by Tariq Jameel a relatively new director at that time from PTV Karachi centre. The case was a mix of senior and new comers, Shafi Muhammad Shah and Shagufta Ejaz were in leading roles. Sami Saani, Mehak Ali, Shehla Solangi, Ayesha Khan, Mehmood Ali, Qaisar Naqvi, Farheen Nafees, Kunwar Nafees and others were in supporting roles. The drama enjoyed tremendous success and following in every way. Shafugrat Ejaz who earlier appeared in supporting roles became famous overnight. The drama also earned considerable revenue for PTV at that time. Interestingly despite such huge success PTV never opted for Naheed Sultana Akhtar as a writer in its own produced dramas after Aanch.

She Jee
Seeing the success of Aanch, Network Television Marketing (NTM, the first private channel of Pakistan) instantly produced the second drama written by Naheed Sultana Akhtar named She Jee in 1994. It was a mini serial (7 episodes) and proved successful too. Rubina Ashraf, Shakeel and Babar Ali were in leading roles. Zeenat Yasmeen, Qazi Wajid, Nighat Chauhdary, Jamshed Ansari and others were in supporting roles. At that time NTM was only available in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad so this drama was not aired nation wide.

Yeh Zindagi
Yeh Zindagi is a drama aired on PTV in 1995 written by Naheed Sultana Akthar and directed by Sultana Siddiqi. It was produced by Moomal Productions. Mahnoor Baloch, Qaisar Khan Nizamani , Nauman Ejaz, Humayun Saeed and Mona Jonejo were in leading roles. Jahan Ara Hai, Rizwana Ahmed, Dr. Imrana Maqsood, Badar Khalil were in supporting roles. The drama enjoyed huge success for its unique subject being the first one to discuss sensitive issue of ‘Halala’ but in a responsible and restricted manner. The OST ‘Zindagi Ke Sab Lamhay Yaadgaar hotay hain’ was popular too sung by Mehnaz, composed by Javed Allah Ditta.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y48FIREoaN4

Saibaan
Saibaan in 1998 was also aired on PTV was a private production. The drama was aired at 10PM after khabarnama (news bulletin at 9) due to which it was not followed widely. Laila Wasti, Adnan Siddiqi and Shehla Qureshi were in lead roles.

Wafa Ke Mausam
Wafa Kay Mausam was produced by Moomal productions and aired on PTV in 2001. Written by Naheed Sultana and directed by Sultana Siddiqi. Samina Peerzada made a comeback on television screens after a gap of six years from Wafa Kay Mausam. Samina Peerzada, Khalid Ahmed, Nauman Ejaz, Marina Khan, Safiya Kheri, Nida Pasha, Kunwar Nafees, Mona Liza and Behroz Sabazwari were in prominent roles.

Doosri Aurat
Doosri Aurat was produced by Abdullah Kadwani and aired on PTV in 2002. Abdullah Kadwani, Ayesha Khan, Saira Khan, Aijaz Aslam, Layla Zuberi and Shakeel were in main roles. It was a high budgeted drama and was one of the successful dramas of 2002.

Hawa, Rait aur Aangan
Aired in late 2000’s on PTV, it is to date the last drama by Naheed Sultana Akhtar directed by Ali Rizvi. It was a private production starring Sania Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui,Asad, Badar Khalil, Shakeel, Zeenat Yasmeen, Shahmir,Lubna Aslam, Rubi Niazi, Ayesha Gul. To date it is last drama by Naheed Sultana Akhtar

Till mid 2000’s; many private satellite entertainment channel strengthened their viewership and PTV was no more the first choice of Pakistani viewers. In this new age of drama, many female digest writers earned fame and success. For past many years drama writing is dominated by female digest writers, but ironically the first one who started this trend is missing from the scene. Before Naheed Sultana Akhtar, there was a myth that digest writers can never be a successful drama writer due to limited subjects and vision. But Naheed proved this myth totally wrong by providing powerful social dramas and made her own place in the list of classic drama writers.

Do share your thoughts and experiences regarding contributions of Naheed Sultana Akhtar.

Thanks for reading.

Rashid Nazir Ali

Hameeda Jabeen was a fiction writer from Lahore, who was famous in the decade of 60’s and 70’s. Hameeda Jabeen was married to Jameel Malik, who himself is a story writer and radio presenter. His program Saat Rang was quite famous from Radio Pakistan Lahore, and aired for more than 20 years. Hameeda Jabeen passed away in 1997, while her husband Jameel Malik passed away in 2007.

Hameeda Jabeen wrote many novels and short stories, which were also adapted for films and dramas, though none of these were a major hit.

Parayee Aag
This film was produced by Hameed Sheikh, a renowned leftist and journalist (Father of Saba Hameed), but on credits his spouse Saadia Hameed was named as producer. Released in 1971, Parayee Aag was based on a novel of Hameeda Jabeen.  Directed by Raza Mir, Khursheed Anwar was composer while Shamim Ara, Nadeem and Aasia were in leading roles. Despite a solid story, Parayee Aag was not much successful. The music composed by Khawaja Khursheed Anwar was also quite popular. Famous poet Habib Jaalib wrote lyrics of few songs in this film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdY2mofTgew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtBTfzHXxoY

Suhaag
Shamim Ara has produced few films adapted from novels. Her first film Saiqa was on the novel of Razia Butt, another film Suhaag was on a novel by Hameeda Jabeen. The film was released in 1972. Nadeem and Shamim Ara were in lead roles. Directed by Farid Ahmed, Nashad was the music composer. Suhaag has a different story, but the film was not much successful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1kiz8dPA5E

Coming to television dramas, one drama of PTV was based on novel of Hameeda Jabeen.

Musaftain
Rashid Daar, a senior director of PTV adapted a novel of Hameeda Jabeen for his play Musaftain in 1997. It was the first play of Jia Ali for PTV. Asad Malik and Nisar Qadri were the other leading artists. It was dramatized by Jameel Malik, husband of Hameeda Jabeen. During shooting Rashid Daar, has complains regarding acting abilities of Jiya Ali who was a new comer then, and drama was also not much successful.

Do share your thoughts

Thanks for reading.

Rashid Nazir Ali

Bushra Rehman is a famous novelist and short story writer. Bushra is basically from state of Bahawalpur, and moved to Lahore after her marriage. Bushra hails from a family having presence in literature and politics. Her elder sister Farhat was married to Shuja-ur-Rehman who served as mayor of Lahore in 1980’s, while his son Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman is also education minister of Punjab.

Bushra herself is elected as member of Punjab Assembly as well as National Assembly at several occasions. Bushra is mother of four sons who are all settled abroad. As compared to a routine female writer, novels and short stories of Bushra are not limited to family politics, few of her novels are also based on the mystic themes.

Few of Bushra’s novel are also adapted for television dramas, which earned mixed response from viewers and critics.

Lazawal
Lazawal was the first drama based on novel of same name by Bushra Rehman in 1982 from PTV Lahore center. It was dramatized by Asghar Nadeem Syed. Khalida Riyasat, Azmul Haq, Samina Ahmed and Munnawar Saeed were in lead roles. The actual novel was changed to quite an extent in this drama. Despite huge star cast the drama was not much successful.

Piyasi
Piyasi was based on novel Piyasi by Bushra Rehman. It was aired in 1995 from PTV Lahore Center. Bushra Rehman also dramatized it for television while it was directed by Abdul Aziz. Firdose Jamal, Irsa Ghazal and Zaib Chaudary were in lead roles. Like Lazawal, Piyasi was also not much successful. The story deviated from the novel to quite an extent and failed to leave any impression.

Bandhan
After two lean dramas, Bandhan was a block buster drama from PTV Islamabad center in 1998. It was dramatized by Mansha Yaad and directed by Tariq Mairaj. The drama was lucky for many associated persons from director, writer to cast members. Leading cast members Nauman Masood, Nadia Khan, Farah Saadia, Iqbal Hussain were all in the early stages of their acting careers. The success of Bandhan provided fame to all of its cast. Bandhan was based on two novels of Bushra Rehman, i.e. ‘Laggan’ and ‘But Shikan’. To this date Bandhan is the last drama of Bushra Rehman for PTV .

Till mid 2000’s many Pakistani satellite channels have strengthened their viewership among viewers and PTV was no more the only available channel. HUM TV a channel administered by a former PTV producer Sultana Siddiqi, proved a leading channel to revive tradition of Pakistani drama. HUM TV also adapted few novels of Bushra Rehman which proved successful

Piyasi
Piyasi was a 100 episode soap by HUM TV in 2008. Monaliza, Mahjabeen, Aijaz Aslam, Juggan Kazim, Nauman Masood, Jahanzeb Gorchani and Seemi Pasha were in leading roles. It was the second adaptation of this novel and again it was written by Bushra Rehman. This time the story was same as novel and the drama was also successful.

Paarsa
Paarsa was based on novel of same name aired on HUM TV in 2010-2011. It was written by Bushra Rehman and directed by Siraj-ul-Haq. Paarsa was a bold novel written in 1980’s by Bushra Rehman. It was a story of Muslim girl who falls in love with a christian.  Ayesha Khan, Ahsan Khan, Nida Khan, Farah Shah, Adnan Siddiqi and Zhalay Sarhadi were in leading roles. OST of the drama ‘Zindagi Tere Naam Ki’ sung by Rajab Ali was also popular.

So these are all the dramas based on the writings of Bushra Rehman. Do post your views regarding Bushra’s writing and dramas.

Thanks for reading.

Rashid Nazir Ali

A.R. Khatoon was a fiction writer from Uttar Pradesh India. After partition she migrated to Pakistan and passed away in mid 60’s. Not much material is available regarding personal life of A.R. Khatoon. As far I knew her full name was Amtul Rehman Khatoon, she was married and one of her daughter Zubaida Khatoon was also a fiction writer. A.R. Khatoon wrote many novels, one of her novel ‘Fakeha’ was completed by Zubaid Khatoon after her death.

A.R. Khatoon’s novels are famous for their depiction of cultural and family values in Muslim families of Uttar Pradesh. Novels of both A.R. Khatoon and Zubaida Khatoon were adapted for PTV dramas and were quite famous too. The stories of A.R. Khatoon are based on joint family and family politics, consequently the dramas also have many characters.

Shama
Shama is a black and white television play, based on novel of same name of A.R. Khatoon aired in mid 1970’s from PTV Karachi centre. It was dramatized by Fatima Surraya Bajiya, and directed by Qasim Jalali. Ghazala Kaifi, Javed Sheikh, Anwar Ali were in lead roles supported by many others including Begum Khursheed Mirza, Ishrat Hashmi, Zaheen Tahira, Salomi. The drama was quite popular then and has been re-telecast many times. Though hit, the leading pair Javed Sheikh and Ghazala Kaifi not appeared in any other drama for many years to come.

Afshan
Afshan is also based on novel of same name by A.R. Khatoon aired in late 1970’s from PTV Karachi centre. It was dramatized by Fatima Surraya Bajiya and directed by M. Zaheer. Zainee Umar was in lead role of Afshan. Again it was story of joint family consisting of many characters. Shakeel, Qazi Wajid, Shafi Muhammad, Tahira Wasti, Ibrahim Nafees, Rizwan Wasti, Qurban Jeelani, Begum Khursheed Mirza, Arsh e Muneer, Agha Waheedur Rehman, Beenish Hassan, Azra Sherwani, Mehmood Ali, Ishrat Hashmi, ,Rashid Omar Thanvi,  Subhani Ba Younus, Aisha Khan, Mazhar Farooq, Qatreena Hussain and others played supporting roles. The drama was quite popular, but the heroine Zainee Umar never appeared in any other drama.

Uroosa
After a gap of more than 10 years Fatima Surraya Bajiya again dramatized a novel in 1992. This time it was Uroosa, written by Zubaida Khatoon (daughter of AR Khatoon). It was directed by Qasim Jalali from PTV Karachi center. Mishi Khan and Adnan Siddiqi were in leading roles supported by Shakeel, Ishrat Hashmi, Sultana Zafar, Mazhar Farooq, Nilofer Abbasi, Sami Saani, Shama Jonejo, Aisha Khan,  and others. Uroosa is one of the successful dramas of 1992. The drama started career of Adnan Sidiqi and Mishi Khan and both proved themselves as leading artists in later years.

Kiran
Kiran was a drama based on novel Kiran by Zubaida Khatoon from PTV Lahore Centre in 1993 It was dramatized by Khalid Ahmed and direced by Qambar Ali Shah. Firdaus Jamal, Sawaira Ndeem, Kunwal, Samina Ahmed, Anwar Ali, Salma Mumtaz, Jamil Fakhari, Tamanna Begum were in leading roles. It was first drama of Savera Nadeem who later proved a leading and versatile artist.

Tasveer
Tasveer to-date is the last drama based on novel of Khatoon family. It was based on novel tasveer by A.R. Khatoon, and dramatized by Fatima Surraya Bajiya. It was aired in 1997-98. Qaisar Nazamani, Abida Zaki, Adnan Jilani, Javeria Abbasi, Rabia Noreen,Dr. Imrana Maqsood and Tanvir Jamal were main cast members. It is perhaps the least popular of all the dramas based on novel by AR Khatoon or Zubaida Khatoon.

Have you ever read or followed a publication or drama of AR Khatoon or Zubeda Khatoon , do express your views.

Rashid Nazir Ali