I hate to say this but Chup Raho is going downhill with every passing episode. The pace of the drama has been very slow right from the second episode and the only character which truly stands out is that of Numair. I think Chup Raho would have been a very enticing telefilm but I have started wondering now if the writer has enough material to engage us for another 10 episodes or so. There has been a lot of repetition in the past few episodes and even though Rameen’s outburst in her sleep looked like something huge but it had very little impact on the people around her. Manal talked to Numair about it but he made sure that she never brought up this topic again very tactfully. Numair is definitely running the show, he even managed to ensure that Rameen’s mother stays at her brother in law’s house for longer. It would have been far better if Rameen did not have a mother at all because just like always I was unable to relate to her majburis! Numair’s control over everyone’s life has been taken a little too far, how does this man concentrate on his work? because it looks like there is only one thing on his mind!

In one of the previous episodes Numair told his friend that he couldn’t care less if his wife found out about what he has been doing but tonight his reaction clearly showed that he would much rather not get himself in that kind of a position. Manal is smitten by her husband and will believe anything he tells her. Someone finally thought of taking Rameen to a doctor but I don’t see that happening anytime soon! Sajjal Ali’s performance wasn’t the least bit impressive in tonight’s episode. I was actually very disappointed with her acting especially when she was talking to her mother on the phone. The scene at night when she starts screaming was not at all convincing; Rameen has been shown as someone who is very intimidated by Numair and she cannot even speak when he is around therefore one would not expect someone like her to react in this manner even if it was when she was sleeping. Blurting out every little detail was a bit too much.

Numair continued alluring Azar into his trap and Azar thinks that there can’t possible be anything wrong with Numair bhai. The “love birds” scene was cringe worthy….what happened to giving each other some space? The story is not going anywhere till now, hardly anything new has happened in the past three episodes. If Rameen’s mother’s death will take the story forward then please do it soon because her character is hopeless and annoying any way! Samira Fazal’s plays are usually very happening but this one is putting me to sleep! Yasir Nawaz failed to deal with a very sensitive issue in a responsible manner; every episode has a scene or two that are highly uncalled for, too much cuddling and holding hands for my taste!

Fatima Awan

“Mei tu hamesha yehi duva mangti hu ke naila ko bhi Numair jaisa shohar miley.”
“Ami ka khayal hai insaan jo krta hai sila us ki aulad ko milta hai.”

It was an easy guess why Naila was in the picture all along!! Tonight only for a little while Numair decided to reflect upon his actions for the sake of his daughter. A sudden change in his behaviour would have been very difficult to connect to therefore when he “convinced” himself once again that he was fighting a lost battle I definitely felt that this development was in line with his character. It is impossible for someone like Numair to change overnight. He constantly blames his victim for his actions and keeps on reminding himself that everything he does is beyond his control. Numair’s character gives the viewers a very realistic insight into what goes on in the mind of people like Numair. He has a very solid justification in his head for what he is doing and he has clearly lost the ability to differentiate between good and evil. Some people blame drugs for their actions, others blame their childhood experiences and there are many like Numair who blame the victims.

I am still unable to understand why Rameen’s mother needs to ask for anyone’s permission in order to do what she wants to do. Saving her daughter should be her first priority and saving her property or pleasing others should be her last concern! Getting a ticket and going to another city is not as difficult as she is making it out to be. Being available on the phone so that Rameen can share her fears with her is not good enough!

Sajjal Ali once again was brilliant as Rameen; she portrayed Rameen’s fears and insecurities impeccably. Azar is immature and ambitious and Numair knows that only too well. Azar wants to make money and succeed in what he is doing but he does not want to work very hard to achieve all that. Numair may give him a tough time but Azar believes that he is the only one who can help him get the kind of life which he wants. The only reason he wanted to move out of Numair’s house was because Numair was no longer supporting him the way he initially was, he does not understand Rameen’s fears and he does not really care about her happiness either.

This episode did not have much to offer except for giving the viewers more of an insight into Numair’s character. Numair is over-protective about his own daughter for obvious reasons. He knows how vulnerable girls are and what men can do to them therefore he does not even want a nine year old boy around his daughter. I really hope that in the end Numair will pay for what he has done and poor Naila will not be the one who will have to pay for her father’s wrongdoings. (Umm.net) Syed Jibran never fails to impress me with his acting and Feroze Khan is definitely a very promising newcomer.

There are always some scenes in every episode of Chup Raho which make me very uncomfortable mainly because there is unnecessary physical contact between characters. Azar could have changed his shirt behind the camera! We have all heard how hard Feroze Khan had to work in order to lose all the weight and shape up his body but I am sure most of the viewers do not want to see proof of it on screen:) We do not see our male actors taking off their shirts on screen in dramas and I am sure we would all like it if it stays that way.

Do share your thoughts about this latest installment.

Fatima Awan

Until now I had a difficult time feeling for Rameen’s character but tonight Sajjal Ali’s portrayal of a young vulnerable victim was perfect. Rameen’s mother’s character however is unrealistic to say the least and the fact that the actress playing the role fails to bring out the best in her character does not help at all. I couldn’t help blaming Rameen’s mother for everything that has happened to her daughter till now but I don’t see this woman regretting not believing her daughter the way it should have been shown. I find myself comparing the character and the acting with that of Shagufta Ijaz’s character in drama serial Roag. I could feel the remorse which that mother felt for being careless, she blamed herself and underwent a complete personality change after her daughter was raped. Rameen’s mother on the other hand seems to be causing more damage to her daughter. Rameen was wise enough to call off the engagement with Azar because she was not ready and also most importantly because she knew that once she got married to Azar it might be impossible for her to stay away from Numair. Rameen’s mother on the other hand for some odd reason thought that this marriage was the solution to all her daughter’s problems, didn’t she realize that it maybe impossible for her to protect her daughter once she is married since she won’t have the sort of say in her life the way she had when she was not married? Staying silent is one thing but not being able to put your foot down in order to ensure your daughter’s safety even after everything that happened is a completely different story which I for one cannot relate to at all!

Rameen’s worst fears seem to be coming true one by one and Numair’s plans appear to be falling into place perfectly. I must say that the most convincing character of this play has to be that of Numair, I am sure non of the viewers have a problem with understanding his mindset. Numair plays mind games with Rameen without any fear, he knows he is in charge when he is around Rameen. Syed Jibran’s brilliant acting makes this character come to life; the first few episodes in my opinion belonged completely to him. He makes you hate his character although I do feel that his hairdo and beard look too made up and at times prove to be distracting! The make up in general is quite disappointing and so is the lighting and picture quality.

Arjumand Rahim has been superb as the trusting wife who thinks that her husband is the best thing that ever happened to her. Azar is young and immature, he might have promised Rameen a lifetime of happiness but I am surprised that he does not even question the big change in Rameen’s personality. We see him getting annoyed with Rameen’s behavior but he has known Rameen long enough to know that she wasn’t always like this so howcome we don’t see him asking her the reason for this sudden change in her personality? Azar’s sister’s character also has an important role to play in the story but the actress playing the character stands out like a sore thumb. Her character is genuine and likeable but the monotone dialogue delivery does not allow you to connect to her character.

Rameen’s mother’s helplessness is beyond me and I think the writer put in very little effort while penning down the character. This drama has been very “happening” right from the first episode but it is definitely not Samira Fazal’s or Yasir Nawaz’s best work. Why do I get the feeling that Numair’s character alone was the inspiration for writing this story? It does look like the writer did a lot of homework before sketching his character but failed to do justice to some of the side characters. I think it is time to move the story to the next phase. We did see in the promos that Rameen was going to speak up at some point. I want to see how Azar and Manal react once they find out the truth. The question is that will they find out the truth anytime soon? I sure do hope so because otherwise the story will only be going around in circles.

Do share your thoughts about this latest episode.

P.S: Rabia could not continue reviewing Chup Raho because of personal commitments therefore I will be reviewing it from now on:)

Mahira Khan

Fatima Awan

Rameen Rameen Rameen…..there is no hope for you!! Yes! Rameen’s faith in Allah might be very inspiring for some but what happened to using your own wisdom to choose what is best for you? God helps them who help themselves and I am not sure if Rameen did anything to help herself until now except shouting at few people every now and then. On the contrary she is her own biggest enemy! Which is really sad because I wanted to see Rameen evolve into a hero…to save herself and many others like her in whichever way she could but Rameen instead needs a hero – which would be any man at all even if it is Azar. Rameen is not only living with her rapist out of her own free will but as it turns out she has absolutely no issues sitting down with him and having conversations like nothing ever happened. Not only this she trusts him as well and what was even more shocking was watching Rameen plead Numair’s case in front of Manal. How naive can you be?? Rameen’s character is a complete failure. Our main protagonist has failed to set an example of any sort at all for any other unfortunate girl like her out there who might be watching this play. The play does not give hope to the victims out there other than this that eventually a prince charming will come and rescue them.

Numair is convinced that Rameen’s presence in his house alone can ensure a happy ending for his daughter which is another development which is outrageous. I do not expect someone like Numair to do anything out of love for anyone but we all know that he is a very “smart” man and someone like him should be able to realize that setting Rameen free will put an end to all his troubles, lying to Rameen and giving her false hopes will only land him into more trouble. I am saying this because what we saw today clearly indicated that Numair is only doing all this for Naila’s well-being and he has no ulterior motives for making Rameen stay in his house.

I personally know women who have been in abusive relationships. Such women usually shy away from commitment and it takes them a very long time to trust any man at all. Shiraz has provided Rameen the feeling of security which she needed but has Numair done anything to prove that he has truly changed? I hope that Manal decides to speak up in the next episode and Numair either ends up in jail or in the mental asylum where he belongs. It is very upsetting how “casually” rape has been dealt with in this drama. Everyone who knows about it including Shiraz, who is Rameen’s well-wisher has swept the issue under the carpet as if an apology changes everything! Not once has he mentioned that Numair could harm Rameen again and no one has ever asked Rameen to file a case against Numair because rape is a crime right?

I am glad that this episode really was the second last episode. We have watched the past 10 episodes or so in the hope that Numair will finally pay for his mistakes but now no punishment seems big enough for what he has done. We were also hoping that Rameen will grow into a strong person who can make a difference but that is not going to happen because a woman’s “happy ending” is always with a man and a few kids even if they are not her own!

Do share your thoughts about tonight’s episode.

Fatima Awan

Shiraz aik “kamina” mard hai aur “Azar character ka bura nahi hai”! No! I am not saying that but these words of wisdom were uttered by our heroine when she told Shiraz off for letting Numair use his apartment for molesting girls. So basically Rameen would much rather trust and stay with the person who raped her then put her trust in Shiraz who might have given Numair the keys to his apartment many months back but did nothing to harm Rameen when she stayed at his house. Rameen thinks she is better off with Azar because he might be a coward but he is not characterless!! Rameen needs a wake-up call! I am beyond disappointed in her character. The main protagonist who could have played a very important role in telling the story of rape victims and could also have been the ray of hope for girls who have been molested by providing them some kind of an inspiration has been reduced to this pathetic character who does not even think before acting. The fact that Rameen was looking for another sahara was bad enough, things are even worse now because she is once again putting her trust in Manal and Numair.

I was speechless when I saw Manal’s reaction on finding out that the apartment Numair took the girls to belonged to Shiraz. That scene proved two things; one that Manal knows that Numair is a rapist and second that Manal is even more dumb than we imagined she was!! The sad part is that both these women are educated and very well aware of how they are being exploited yet they find it impossible to make one phone call to the police and get this man behind bars. On the other hand both these women are like puppets who dance to whatever tunes Numair plays. Manal’s dialogue “Numair ka dost hai Numair jesa hi go ga na” was another “masterpiece”!!

Rameen ne Saeein Ji ka dil tor diya…..I find it very hard to relate to the way Rameen is constantly compared to Shiraz’s dead wife. The woman probably spent more than 10 years of her life with this man and Rameen hardly spent some months with them yet somehow she is supposed to be equally important! Someone please tell Shiraz to find his kids a good nanny – I am sure he can afford one or even two!!

This drama has innumerable flaws but the biggest flaw in this drama is that most of the problems which almost all the characters have are self-created. Rameen can easily move to a shelter but she would much rather not! Shiraz can hire two maids for his kids, pay them well and I am sure they will as happy as a hippo! Manal should leave Numair and half of her troubles will be over! But the sad fact is that somehow these women are convinced that even if your man is a rapist or someone who has abused you without end in the past he deserved to be forgiven like nothing ever happened. I always had a problem with the men in this drama being obsessed with holding Rameen every time they talk to her but it is simply illogical the way Rameen lets Numair touch her even now and Manal stands by and watches while he is at it! This episode had a lot of unnecessarily long conversations – a good example of a lot of talking and very little story development.

The preview of the next episode showed that the drama is not ending any time soon. Rameen will get flowers from “Azar” but somehow she will not talk to him therefore she will not find out that he is dead! ARY claims that Chup Raho is the most watched drama of 2015 – kya khayal hai aap ka is bare mein;)

Fatima Awan

Saeein Ji aur Rameen ki shadi ho gi aur hum gharare aur sarian pehney gay! What else do you expect me to start this review with after an episode like the one we saw tonight? I have a very difficult time digesting the fact that Rameen has conveniently moved on; sure she is reminded of her past every now and then but she gives being comfortably numb a whole new meaning! What I have concluded from this drama so far is that a rape victim who is tortured physically and mentally not for a few days but many months and one who was led down in the worst manner possible by all her close relatives will not have any issues entering into new relationships and trusting people only months after going through all the physical and mental turmoil. Saeein Ji and his love for Rameen which I find very difficult to relate to is the solution to all of Rameen’s problems – past and present! So, should any other unfortunate girls out there like Rameen who are watching this show go looking for their Saeein Ji’s too?

I had to remind myself over and over again while watching tonight’s episode that this was the same Rameen who lived in Numair’s house and went through everything she had to go through because somehow I feel like we are supposed to forget all of that and sit with Manal in the car and enjoy the ride;) Seriosly!! I thought Rameen wanted to end that chapter in her life and she went to get a divorce so that she could have her happily ever after with the Saeein Ji and his three cutie pies!! But Rameen will be Rameen, she always manages to find ways to make life more difficult for herself because if Rameen gets her happily ever after the story will end.

Rameen’s reaction to the marriage proposal was shocking, she must be really tired of her long journey and in desperate need for a place to rest, if you know what I mean! Shiraz’s mother’s dialogues throughout this episode were just plain ridiculous. Those romantic/supportive dialogues from Shiraz were anything but music to my ears! How could Shiraz let Numair touch Rameen like that when she went to his house? And why can’t Numair talk to Rameen without touching her? Why does Rameen allow every man to hold her hand and drag her wherever he wants? Rameen has learned absolutely nothing from all her experiences which really is very sad! Manal’s dialogue about Rameen being an Allah wali and how she ended up being so lucky even though she was left stranded by them was not very polite therefore if Rameen had learned anything she would not go back to that house! There was apparently no good reason for Naila’s illness except that because of that Rameen will go back to Numair’s house again…oh well!! Rameen still doesn’t know that Azar is dead because if she finds out then she wouldn’t go out looking for him again so that she can get a divorce.

The preview of the next episode showed that the story will go around in circles for a little while before it finally concludes. Manal will find out that Rameen was right about Numair all along and Rameen will get a husband. We obviously expected much more from this story but I guess this is just another story of a girl finding her prince charming in the end after going through the worst! It is really upsetting to see that Rameen’s character has not developed at all throughout this serial; she is still as gullible as she was in the first episode. Most of us were waiting to see how Rameen’s personality and not just her life changes after going through all these tragic experiences. Rameen’s life changed in many ways but her personality never did!

Do share your thoughts about this latest episode …. aap Rameen ki shadi pe kiya pehne gi ghara ya sari;)

Fatima Awan

I’m a Barbie girl in a Barbie world, life in plastic it’s fantastic….can you blame me for thinking of this song while watching tonight’s episode? Everyone Rameen meets loves dressing her up just the way kids like dressing up their favorite Barbie. First the sari, then the jeans and now the black sleeveless! Why couldn’t dadi … oh no ama dress Rameen up in the same clothes which she brought for her from the shop? The sleeves of the shirt miraculously disappeared by the time Rameen and ama reached the parlour and the frock was transformed into a very short shirt maybe by Rameen’s fairy godmother. I hate to see Rameen being treated like an object again and again instead of a living and breathing human being. Ama ko apna shok pura krne ke liye Rameen hi mili thi? Kya Rameen “bechari” is duniya mei logo ke shok purey krne aye hai;)

Rameen has taken a complete about turn ever since she found out what a big shot Shiraz is….vo mere saeein ji hein, un ki hur baat manana mere pe farz hai. Rameen really should stop worshipping people especially since she has a very strong faith in God. It was however good to know that Rameen thinks of Saeein ji as a father figure. The conversation in the kitchen between Shiraz’s mother and Rameen was quite funny! Shiraz’s mother kept on trying to convince Rameen that her son was not as old as he looked …bus khata ziada hai tu zara phel gaya hai bus tum se thora hi bara hai! Well what can I say, the dialogues speak for themselves!

Rameen always manages to find new rishtey wherever she settles, first she made a baji at the hostel and now she sees her mother in Shiraz’s mother. With a mother and Baji like Rameen’s she should really think twice before giving new relationships these names! Even after being betrayed by her closest family members in the worst way possible Rameen is still able to attach feelings of affection and trust with these relations.

Dadi made a plan to convince the kids and Shiraz just how indispensable Rameen was! The woman does not even know much about Rameen but she is bent on getting her son married to her. Shiraz and Rameen both keep on mentioning the police and Rameen’s “masla” but the dadi doesn’t even ask once what the problem is and why the police should be involved to solve it.

The preview that was shown on the facebook page of Chup Raho this week was misleading but the fact is that I wasn’t really expecting to see Manal and Numair in this episode! I am sure the producers know that right now they need to do whatever they can in order to ensure that people tune into this show every week and showing Manal and Numair was the best way to do it. The preview of the next episode showed that daddi asks Rameen to leave the house after finding out that she is already married and Numair asks Manal to find Rameen. Shiraz wants to be Rameen’s saviour perhaps because she is the best thing that ever happened to him ;) Sitting through a complete episode of this drama is becoming more and more tedious with every passing episode. Rameen still has to find out that her husband died and that is when she will come back to Shiraz and they will live happily ever after *yawn*.

Fatima Awan

Numair aur Manal tu aise ghayeb huve jaise ghade ke sur se seengh!! Seriously how can these two simply disappear like this? I must say that while watching tonight’s episode I couldn’t help but wonder if Syed Jibran and Arjumand Rahim were enjoying their “vacation/break” from a drama in which they were playing major roles. Did any of these actors except Sajjal Ali sign a contract for the entire drama? Three characters have died, two are totally missing in action and we are supposed to be content with all these new tracks and perhaps forget Rameen’s past altogether! I wish forgetting where the story started from and where it was going was as easy for me as it is for Rameen and for the writer of course!

Once again I had a very difficult time relating to Rameen’s character. She was full of advices for everyone else but was stupid enough to get hold of a gun and sone pe suhaga was Shiraz’s reaction to the whole situation. He is obviously very well connected and fearless but with three children in the house you cannot just sit back and monitor the activities of someone who could potentially be a threat to your kids. Rameen’s concern for Shiraz’s children was totally in line with her character since she loves protecting others even though most often she cannot protect herself but the way Shiraz’s mother fell in love with Rameen was something that simply does not happen!

When Rameen realized what a big shot Shiraz was I found her reaction hilarious. I hate to repeat myself but sometimes Rameen seems like a mature person (especially when advising others) but at other times she acts like a nine year old! Rameen helped Shiraz understand his daughter and seems to be the guardian angel which Shiraz and his kids needed in their lives. Yes I agree these two people need each other, Shiraz can give Rameen the security she needs and Rameen can be a nanny to his children – I really hope that things don’t go beyond that because somehow I am not warming up to the idea of this man with three kids getting married to a kid!

When I started watching Chup Raho, I thought that this drama was going to focus on the psychological impact of rape more than anything else. We have been watching Rameen fight a battle right from day one, there is no denying that but we hardly got a chance to feel for Rameen’s character the way we could have had if the focus really was on showing how difficult it is for a rape victim to cope not only because of external pressures but also because of the war such a victim has to fight with her own self. Most of us have been watching this play not to see a happy ending for Rameen but to watch Numair pay for ruining Rameen’s life but Numair’s character has vanished into thin air. It will hopefully reappear at some point but I feel that the story which wasn’t very focused to begin with has totally gone off-track. Is it really this easy for a rape victim who has not only been molested but also tortured in more ways than one to move on? I most certainly do not think so! Even the strongest of women are shaken after such incidents but the strength that Rameen has been showing is nothing less than a superpower. Can we please end this drama already? I did not watch the preview of the next episode – will we be seeing Numair and Manal anytime soon or not? I guess not because according to ARY Chup Raho’s rating is the reality that make all the difference!!

Fatima Awan

Our little heroine with a VERY BIG mouth seems to have forgotten all about her past that could be the only reason for her new-found (annoying) confidence! Are we watching season 2 of Chup Raho as well because Numair and Manal are totally out of the picture and Rameen is not behaving like someone who went through hell very recently!

Rameen took over Yasir’s house like she was born there! The way she gave advice to everyone big or small and the manner in which she argued with Yasir’s character in particular was something that just did not work for me! Giving him lunch because she “felt” for him was one thing but advising him on how he should be raising his kids was just plain unbelievable. I am sure someone like him who has enough money can afford a very good governess for his children, there was absolutely no reason for him to rely on a total stranger who clearly did not even respect him! I was dumbfounded when Yasir’s character actually opened up to Rameen when he said that he was responsible for his wife’s death! Why does he even think that he owes Rameen an explanation?

I can’t imagine Rameen being a “mother” to these three kids since she has a lot of growing up to do herself. My biggest problem however were the continuous arguments between Rameen and her “boss” because they were not relatable in any way at all. Yasir’s character had no reason to feel responsible for Rameen, he could have easily left her at the nearest police station or a welfare centre. His concern for her even though he did not have a very high opinion of her was another aspect which seemed forced. The kids did not take much time to warm upto Rameen probably because they are lonely and they need someone to talk to. The fact that Rameen’s name did not ring any bells means that Numair never mentioned her name to his friend or it could be that he does not remember it.

I had no high hopes for this play even before but now I am utterly disappointed at the way the story is being stretched. For how long will people continue watching this show out of curiosity? Many people I know have already given up on it and for good reasons too. The preview of the next episode also suggested that for now we will only get to see Rameen adjusting in her new life, Numair and Manal are nowhere to be seen. Azar is already out of the picture, Rameen however does not know yet that her husband who she loves so much is dead! I would give everyone including the kids full marks for the acting but can’t say the same for the new twists and turns in the story. Do I want to see Yasir’s character and Rameen to have a future together? Most certainly not!

Do share your thoughts about tonight’s episode.

Fatima Awan

The story took a brand new turn tonight which means that Chup Raho isn’t ending anytime soon! Yasir Nawaz’s character which we thought was going to be around only for a little while has a bigger role to play in the story. He is probably going to be Rameen’s hero who will restore her faith in people and might also be the person Rameen can lean on for the rest of her life. I could not have asked for a more perfect ending for Azar’s character. Azar realized what he had done to Rameen was wrong and because of that he did not deserve to live. He was ridiculed at every step because someone like him who could not tell right from wrong even when it was quite obvious deserved just that. I am glad that my fears about Rameen returning back to Azar were proven wrong. Apparently Rameen is going to start a new life now, it remains to be seen why Rameen won’t be able to go to Rawalpindi and it is probably going to take her a long time to make a place for herself in this new house.

I should probably stop being shocked with Rameen’s stupidity by now but every time I see her falling for every little or big trap someone sets for her I can’t help but question Rameen’s mental age! It is questionable enough when someone who you have barely learned to trust asks you to go out with them in the middle of the night but it becomes even more so when they put it like this ” tu phir chalo gi mere sath factory adhi raat ko!”. And then Zarina asks Rameen not to tell anyone either because it is a “test” for her!! Who would fall for that? Only our innocent Rameen I suppose! I really hope that this next step in Rameen’s life will prove to be the one after which she learns to think more maturely. The way Rameen met Yasir’s character was very well done; there was a good reason for him being there and he could not have taken Rameen anywhere else at that time in the night. Making her sleep in his living room however was going a bit too far! He clearly has no sympathy for Rameen and doesn’t trust her either for obvious reasons. The thoughts running through Rameen’s head while he ate his breakfast were funny! Yasir’s character’s conversations with Numair in the past indicated that he is a very straight person who would never hurt a girl like that. He always stopped Numair from whatever he was doing and he ended the friendship because they were poles apart. We found out today that his wife is either dead or he is divorced and he is finding it very hard to deal with his daughters. He needs someone who can look after his daughters and the girls also appeared to be starved for company. The “chaddar” which the maid gave Rameen didn’t even pass for a proper duppatta!

In the last few episodes Naila’s health issues had been one of the things on which the writer focused more than others but this episode mainly focused on ending Azar’s character and also on showing how Rameen managed to get away from Zarina and is out of the hostel now. I have said it before and I feel like I need to say it again that I can’t relate to “Rameen’s” trials and tribulations at all mainly because like every other person who knows even a little bit about the world would know that it would not take much for Rameen to get enrolled in a good shelter house.

Were you happy to see Azar’s end? Do you think it was a wise idea to start these new developments in the story at this point? Do share your thoughts about the episode.

Fatima Awan

After the rather “quiet” episode last week, Chup Raho returned this week with plenty of screaming and some violence! Isn’t it ironic that a play titled Chup Raho is actually so loud! After kicking Rameen out of his house Numair managed to get rid of Azar too! All of us already guessed that Numair’s business was bound to suffer a big loss because Azar was not in the right state of mind to run a business. Well, I am sure we are all glad that he is finally out of the house because there was absolutely no reason for him to continue living with Numair and Manal in the first place. I wonder why Azar kept on insisting that Naila had cancer but all the conversations about Naila’s illness suggested that she has a serious disease. Numair’s plans to take his daughter abroad for treatment will not be materialized now because he might not have the resources to take his daughter to another country.

Rameen falling for Zarina’s kasams and walking on the road in the middle of the night with that T-shirt and jeans on was beyond unbelievable. A girl from her background won’t even feel comfortable wearing such an outfit at home let alone in public! Why does Rameen care so much about Azar even now? There was absolutely no reason for her to approach Azar but she did not only approach him but was also genuinely concerned about him! How can she go on loving someone who has let her down in more ways than one? Does she blame herself still even after everything that Azar did? Rameen found out about Naila’s condition from the lady who works in Manal’s house but she never called her sister although I would have expected Rameen to do just that since she has such a big heart! I am surprised that Rameen has her phone with her because I don’t remember her carrying her phone when she was thrown out of the house.

When Azar knocked at his sister’s door, it seemed like it was very late in the night mainly because of the reaction from his sister and also because Azar crossed paths with Rameen. Rameen told Madam that Zarina goes to the factory from 12 till 5 in the morning but later on we were shown Azar having dinner with his sister and husband like it was dinner time! Zarina was smoking while Rameen and Madam were talking, I am sure anyone can smell a cigarette from such a distance but Madam did not have a clue that someone was smoking just a few steps away from her!

Tonight when Zarina found out about Rameen’s background and after the conversation she had with Rameen it seemed like she was going to have a change of heart but the preview of the next episode suggested something completely different. How can someone who has been betrayed by her own sister trust a friend (more like someone Rameen barely knows) the way Rameen trusts Zarina? It would have been far more convincing if Rameen was being forced into going out with Zarina instead of being convinced that she can do her no harm! I am looking forward to Yasir Nawaz’s character’s return in the next episode. Numair told him a lot about Rameen so he must know her by name as well. Will he prove to be the night at the end of the tunnel? Will Azar kill himself? These are the questions the preview of the next episode left me with.

Honestly speaking I have come to the conclusion that there is no point of trying to make sense out of this play, I am watching it to see how things work out for Rameen and whether Numair especially gets to pay for his mistakes or not!

Do share your thoughts about this episode.

Fatima Awan

Rameen tumhei kub aqal aye gi?? Even after everything that happened to her Rameen is still a naive and innocent girl who can be fooled very easily. I am surprised that Rameen is still so stable mentally although she does not have any kind of support at all. Even after looking at her roommate’s pictures Rameen still thought that Zarina deserved benefit of the doubt. If she had a husband why would she be living in a girls hostel? Just like we predicted Rameen’s life in the girls hostel isn’t turning out to be easy but even after watching everything that Rameen was put through today I couldn’t help but think that she was better off here than with her so-called family. Numair has conveniently “moved on”, he had fun harassing Rameen when she was around and now that she is gone he couldn’t care less. Numair is a completely different person when it comes to his daughter, his double standards are shocking beyond belief.

The best thing about the recent developments in the story had to be that it seems our guesses about what was going to happen to Naila were probably wrong. If Naila is going to be sick and the only way for her to get better would be if Numair comes out with the truth and asks for Rameen’s forgiveness then it isn’t that bad a deal after all. Numair’s concern for his daughter and the hamdardi aur insaniyat ke lectures which he gave the doctor were ironic to say the least. Azar has decided to drink his worries away, I never knew that alcohol addiction could be this bad too.

The way Rameen’s “supporters” were willing to help her out was very strange, I haven’t seen so many nice people willing to help out a stranger like this ever. I guess the writer wanted to show that there are good people in this world too and perhaps that sometimes your close relatives might not care about you the way a stranger would. Everything else about the girls hostel from Zarina’s lifestyle to the treatment meted out to Rameen and Madam’s change of heart was shown really well. Anita Camphor is one of my favorite actresses; I admire her for her versatility and perfect portrayals in particular. Watching her in the play was a complete surprise and a pleasurable experience. One minute Madam was on Zarina’s case and the other day she was best friends with her! The actress playing Zarina performed her role really well too.

The preview of the next episode showed that Zarina is going to get Rameen involved in the same kind of activities that she is involved in. Rameen will also meet a very drunk Azar on the street. How can Rameen let Zarina talk her into wearing those clothes and going out with her? Sometimes I have a very tough time relating to Rameen’s character – she speaks like she is very wise but she acts like she does not know right from wrong. There was no violence in tonight’s episode so that was definitely a plus point. Are we supposed to stop wondering when the show will end? Because I get a feeling that it won’t be ending any time soon. I am tired of asking the same question over and over again but why can’t Rameen go take refuge in a shelter house dedicated to women like her? Maybe because the writer does not want Rameen’s troubles to come to an end just yet!

Chup Raho has always been flawless as far as the performances of all the actors are concerned and tonight’s episode wasn’t any different. It does look like the drama has come to a point where it may end in a rational manner since Rameen is still mentally stable (surprisingly!) and the writer might have something very different in mind for Naila as well.

Did you watch tonight’s episode? Do share your thoughts!

Fatima Awan

The story finally moved to the next level in tonight’s episode, after screaming her heart and mind out all at the same time Rameen begged Manal to let her stay for one more night in her house before Numair finally kicked her out of the house! I found it very difficult to relate to Manal’s sympathy for Rameen, Rameen’s short-lived confidence and the group of ‘sympathizers’ Rameen met on the street. Rameen had no clue where she was going to go the next morning because while speaking to her “sympathizers” on the street she told them she had nowhere to go to and if she went to her Taya’s house he would definitely send her back to Manal’s house yet she was so sure she did not want to live in that house another day. I am still surprised that someone like Rameen who is educated enough to read newspapers and well off enough to afford a television does not have a clue that there are shelters for women like her and she has no clue what happens in most of the girls’ hostels. I am waiting to see why someone would be willing to let her stay in a private hostel any way!

People who watch this drama like a thriller must have enjoyed this episode but those who expected something completely different from it must not be looking forward to the way things are moving forward. Rameen’s troubles are anything but over, a whole new chapter of even more trials and tribulations is going to ensue from now on. This drama is a perfect opportunity to show people that a rape survivor can “survive” in this world with their heads held high. I hope that Rameen’s character is going to be a good example of a rape survivor who can eventually use her bitter experiences to help other people.

The story is moving in the direction which everyone predicted it will lead to in the very beginning. Naila’s character in the play and the way Numair is attached to her clearly showed that something dreadful is going to happen to her and that is the only way that Numair will learn his lesson. I agree that nothing can hurt Numair more and many people will disagree with me when I say that I really did not want to see things going this way. The female characters in this play have been abused to the maximum already, I do not want to see another female victim in the play especially when it is a young helpless child.

Tonight’s episode was filled with dialogues we have heard before but the fact that everything is going to change in Rameen’s life from now on definitely helps. The play has been stretched to the limit, we will hopefully be spared the trouble of watching Rameen suffer for another six episodes or so! We have already talked in detail about the unnecessary focus on the abuse and the perpetrator of the crime. The past few weeks of watching Rameen suffer have been a test of nerves, I hope from now on the drama picks up pace, stays focused and the story ends in a logical manner. I am sure that many more viewers will be watching the drama now since it is headed towards its conclusion, I just hope that does not give ARY the incentive to stretch it even further.

How many of you want the drama to reach a logical conclusion ASAP? What are your predictions about Rameen’s future?

Don’t forget to share your views.

Fatima Awan

I was hoping that tonight’s episode of Chup Raho will not air due to the very tragic, sad and upsetting incident in Peshwar but it did so here I am reviewing it. I was very distracted while watching this episode because my heart and mind were with the families of the victims and I have still not been able to come into terms with the fact that something so horrific has happened! I request all our readers to say a prayer for all those innocent lives which were lost today and a special prayer for the loved ones of the Shuhda.

Tonight’s episode of Chup Raho was extremely disturbing like always. How much more abuse are we going to witness in this drama? And why do the women in this play act so casually when they are subjected to abuse? Rameen’s feelings about Azar and how she felt about what he did was definitely not realistic at all. How can you continue caring about a man who has no faith in you, who claims to love you but beats you up (literally) every other day? The way Manal and Numair reacted to what Azar did to Manal was outrageous! They dealt with it so casually. Not serving breakfast to Azar wasn’t exactly the best way to deal with the situation. I found the reaction simply unbelievable. And as if that was not enough Manal dragging Rameen to her paralyzed mother’s bedside to tell her Rameen’s “karnamas” was just plain stupid!

I have been unable to understand why Azar continues lving in Numair’s house and why couldn’t Rameen stay with her mother in the hospital? Everyone in Manal’s house hates Rameen yet they do not want her to leave their house. They want to make her pay for what she did and they want to see her confessing that she was lying. Talk about dragging the story to a point where it makes absolutely no sense. One minute the characters want to kill each other and the other minute they are having a normal conversation! Manal went to do Rameen’s marham paatti and ended up dragging her to the hospital and what not and minutes later Rameen was asking her sister if she was okay and if she wanted her to check her BP! I am sorry but tonight’s episode was a filler episode which made very little sense. Rameen and Manal’s mother is finally dead so that ought to be a good news for many viewers out there! Is this latest development going to change anything? I am sure it won’t. Rameen has absolutely no reason to live with Manal, if she continues to live with her and get tortured it would be the continuation of the unconvincing turn of events that we have been watching till now.

Numair keeps on saying things to Manal which she should be questioning but we never see her giving it a second thought even. Tonight he told her that Rameen was better than her and all she said was kya matlab hai aap ka! I think we are all fed up of watching Rameen get abused a little more with every passing episode. We all get the message loud and clear – Rameen is the most unlucky and halaat ki sataye hui lrki, can we please move on to the stage where we see things changing for Rameen and for people around her?

Fatima Awan

Aur kitney musibiton ke pahar tootey gay bechari Rameen pe was the first thought that came to my mind after watching tonight’s episode. Ever since this play has started I have always wondered what worse could happen to Rameen but there is always something new in store. With every passing episode those people who are supposed to be our heroine’s near and dear ones tend to let her down in the most terrifying way.

Like all the previous episodes Numair managed to get away with everything. Azar, Manal and Numair are apparently part of the “Torture Rameen” club now and everyone is doing their bit to perfection! Before it was only Manal who trusted Numair blindly but Azar’s failed attempts to divorce is his wife and all the physical and verbal abuse he subjected Rameen to clearly go to show that he does not trust his wife any more. The way Azar judged his wife did not come as a surprise to me at all, many men out there are quick to judge women but give men all the benefit of the doubt they need to get away with such things. Azar has always been immature and he has always looked up to Numair too therefore sooner or later he was going to listen to him. Numair knows how to cover up his tracks and he used whatever other tactics he could in order to have things his way. The phone call he made in front of Azar in the office was clearly an intimidating tactic. Numair is the perfect husband otherwise, he cooks for his wife, compliments her, provides for her and expresses his love for her over and over again! I have said it many times before and I will say it again that Manal is justified in being fooled by this “perfect man”!

I find everything that Rameen is being put through extremely disturbing more so because I don’t have a difficult time believing that this could actually happen to someone. There are of course some serious loopholes here and there which make you think that there are times when things are exaggerated. For instance in tonight’s episode when Azar called Manal and Numair and not Rameen I was slightly surprised because calling Rameen could have answered all his question. Secondly, Rameen did not have to shift to the quarter at all because she could have very easily stayed in the hospital with her mother who is no longer in a position to destroy her life further but she will be safe with her. Probably much safer than she is living in the servant’s quarter. It is of course difficult to be brave or even sensible in such difficult times but the way Rameen is being shoved left, right and centre is very upsetting. There is more abuse in this drama than one person can handle, the poor girl has already been raped, she does not need to be physically abused in some way or the other in every single episode.

Yasir Nawaz should get an award for dodging the viewers through the promos by making them think that the next episode will bring a big twist! I usually watch the play online so I miss the preview of the next episode therefore I do not look forward to the twists that are not meant to be but I wonder how people who actually look forward to them think when nothing substantial happens on those lines?

We have seen Rameen suffering a lot, I think it is about time that she does something significant to get out of this situation – I have a few very good suggestions if anyone’s listening;) Feroz Khan was outstanding in tonight’s episode, his performance was the best part of this episode for me. He portrayed the anger, confusion, hatred and being dead tired of it all part so aptly. The credit for bringing out the best in this newcomer goes to the director as well, so yes Yasir Nawaz I am giving you credit where credit is due. I am getting weary of watching Rameen being treated like the “choti” character, can we please move on??

Do share your thoughts about tonight’s episode.

Fatima Awan

Aise such ka kya faida jis se ghur tootey aur yahan tu meri du du bachiyon ke ghur barbaad ho rahe thay…Rameen’s mother once again gets full marks for letting her daughter down and ruining her life single-handedly without even giving it a second thought! I thought I had seen everything but Chup Raho never ceases to shock you! Rameen’s mother asked Numair to hold her daughter when she was “having a fit” …. how could she do that?? How could she ask the man who raped her daughter to even touch her under any circumstances at all? Rameen’s mother is so focused on making sure that Numair and Azar don’t leave her daughters that she has forgotten completely that it is not easy for Rameen to move on especially now when she knows that there is no hope for her. I must give Samira fazal due credit for penning down the mother-daughter conversation perfectly but I must say that the screen-play could have been far more convincing.

How could Rameen’s mother allow Numair to be with her daughter in the room like that? Yes, she was helpless but that was before Azar came, she could have knocked on the door and said that Azar was there after he left! Just standing there and giving this man the perfect opportunity to rape Rameen again was beyond ridiculous. Like I said she is focusing on something entirely different, she wants Rameen to forget the whole thing like it was a bad dream while she is living with Numair under the same roof! She is not even trying to convince Azar to move out of the house because Rameen needs a different environment. She can easily do that without telling him the truth. There are many possible solutions to the problems that Rameen is facing especially now that her mother is around. Now only if her mother will use her brain to get her daughter out of this situation rather than forcing her to stay in it and pretending as if all is hunky-dory.

When Numair slapped Rameen and no one reacted I was in shock and yes I had to watch that scene twice because I had a tough time believing my eyes – did that just happen?? was my first reaction! No one questioned Numair, not even Rameen’s mother. I think the slap was totally unnecessary, the whole scenario is ugly enough as it is. I felt for Rameen every step of the way while watching tonight’s episode, this girl has been violated over and over again in the worst way possible. She does not expect anything from anyone now except her God because when your own mother fails to protect you then you have no reason to have faith in any other relationship.

I felt like Azar started having second thoughts about the entire situation when he saw Numair’s reaction to Naila’s reference. The director made the viewers looks forward to the confrontation between Numair and Azar which wasn’t even going to take place – wise move I would say! The scene reminded me of Bari Apa, we were dodged by the writer/director many times like this! It remains to be seen what Azar is going to do. I am surprised that given the circumstances all these people are still living in the same house. If Azar chooses the more practical route then he has the option of moving out without getting into a confrontation with Numair but that is not going to be easy for him.

I must say that this episode belonged to Sajjal Ali, she owned her character every step of the way. Her expressions and dialogue delivery was perfect in every scene. In fact all the actors always give their best performances. Feroze Khan, I am certain has a very bright future ahead of him.

This episode definitely gave the viewers a reason to look forward to more, I am sure many of us are waiting to find out how Azar reacts in the upcoming episode but I am sure many viewers who wanted to see the confrontation between Numair and Azar must have been disappointed as well. My favorite part of this episode had to be everything that Rameen had to say to her mother and the change in Rameen’s character. Like I said before Azar could have found out the truth in a much more convincing way. I would have liked it more if he overheard Numair talking to Rameen’s mother as opposed to the present scenario. However, I appreciate the fact that the writer Samira Fazal does not bank on eavesdropping the way she used to.

What do you think Azar will do next? Do share your thoughts about tonight’s episode.

Fatima Awan

Finally an episode that was happening and also quite convincing. Rameen broke her silence because she thought that this was the right time to tell Azar and Manal the truth but Numair had everything planned just in case anything went wrong. Numair’s fabricated story was very intelligently planned but his plan could not have been a success had Rameen’s mother not supported him. Numair got away with everything yet again, something which all of us were already anticipating but the way it was done was very impressive! After what happened tonight Numair will only get even more confident (if that is possible!). Tonight’s episode was very well directed, it was fast paced and all the scenes were nicely put together and everyone acted brilliantly. I can’t praise Numair’s conniving ways and Syed Jibran’s acting enough. You hate his character but love the way he translates it on screen. This man is a pro at his game – I am talking about the character and the actor both!

Everyone’s reactions to what happened were also very convincing for a change. I wanted to shoot Rameen’s mother for doing what she did to her daughter but I understood why someone like her would do something like that. Unfortunately Rameen’s mother is not thinking about Rameen at all, she is thinking about how things will be if she tells the truth. She knows that Numair will divorce Manal and Azar is definitely not the sort of man who will live with a wife who has been raped. Rameen’s mother would much rather tell this lie and let her daughter suffer instead of bearing the responsibility of two divorced daughters. Unfortunately our society is full of women who think that they are completely helpless without men. This over dependence on men is what made Rameen’s mother did what she did. She wants her daughters to have these husbands in their lives because no matter how evil Numair is he is still providing for his wife and daughter and he is her daughter’s husband. When Rameen’s mother found out about the rape, her first reaction was that no one should find out otherwise Manal’s house will be destroyed!

Azar’s reaction was not at all surprising either. He immediately backed off; it did not look like he felt for his wife or wanted to support her but he wanted to be away from her! It was obviously a very shocking piece of information for him but then if he really loved Rameen, he would have thought of her and not his own self. The second he found out that Rameen had a mental illness, he was relieved! He would have definitely left Rameen had her mother told everyone the truth, he is not the kind of person who can live with something like that.

I found Manal’s reaction very real, at first she was sure that Rameen was right. When she found out that her mobile was home and someone texted Numair she wasn’t very sure what to think but when she saw her husband remorseful and repenting, she felt for him. Her mother’s lie did not leave room for much doubt! But you just don’t get over these things so quickly and how can all of these people continue living under the same roof?

Rameen did come across as a mental patient today but the reason for her state of mind was the utter frustration of not being able to convince anyone that she had been wronged. Rameen’s mother betrayed her once again and this time in the worst way possible. Her entire family thinks that she is a mental patient. She mustered up the courage to tell the truth but no good came out of it. What does a girl do in such a situation? Isn’t she better off without such a family?

Numair won once again! Numair knew that this was a do or die situation for him, he had to do everything in his power to make sure that the truth was not revealed. Numair played all his cards right; he had already talked to Manal about Rameen making advances at him and he had told his Mother-in- Law that if she ever told the truth he will divorced Manal right there and then. I wish all this would have happened weeks ago and I hope that the story doesn’t start going around in circles yet again. Today’s episode was engaging but it was also a case of too little, too late. Samira Fazal has nailed Numair’s character and Syed Jibran definitely deserves an award for playing this character brilliantly.

So, how many of you think that Rameen’s mother should get the worst mother of the century award? And how many people think that Syed Jibran deserves full marks for his superb performance?

Fatima Awan

The change in Rameen’s personality had to be the most significant development in tonight’s episode other than that we are pretty much going around in circles. Rameen finally decided to be open with Azar about Numair’s intentions without giving him the details of course. Azar did not believe Rameen like always but he decided to go along with her “plan” nevertheless because he wants to put an end to all the accusations and fears. Numair continued alluring Azar into his trap by loaning him money to buy things which he cannot afford and probably doesn’t need too! Numair always plays the “you are like my brother” card whenever Azar decides to do anything that may prove to be a hurdle in Numair’s plans or if he does something which Rameen wants him to to. Manal’s conversation with Rameen put her fears to rest at least for now but if Azar ever finds out and decides to speak about what has been going on then she might start believing Numair once again afterall love is blind!!

Manal and Numair kept on talking about Rameen and Azar without giving consideration to the fact that their daughter who is wise enough to understand these things was sharing that space with them! I have to say though that not too many people think twice before sharing such details in front of their kids and that is definitely a big don’t when you have a 7 year old kid in your house. Manal and Numair kept on pretending as if Naila wasn’t there, Manal even made that comment about Naila when she was sitting right there. Numair is very wise otherwise but he doesn’t have the common sense to keep her daughter away from all this petty politics, I have to say that I don’t expect any better from someone like Manal!!

For the first time tonight Rameen decided to call for help when Numair harassed her. Azar’s confidence in her has given her the strength to prove to him that she is right and also the faith that he will stand by her no matter what. . Just like all the previous episodes this time too Rameen had gone to get water when Numair harassed her, I must say that it is almost as if we are watching the same scenes over and over again. Rameen’s mother’s track has to be the most unnecessary one of all the tracks…why is this woman even alive?? Her dialogues and the conversations between Rameen and her have been the same ever since she left Rameen.

The story has been moving forward at a snail’s pace, I am hoping that the next episode will give the story a much needed twist. Until now everything that has happened in the past 5 episodes could have been summed up in 2. Usually Samira Fazal’s plays are full of unexpected twists and turns but this one is definitely not one of those plays. I am only watching this play now because I have to post this review every week otherwise apart from Numair’s character (Syed Jibran) the play does not have much to offer. If Numair gets away this time around too, I won’t be surprised because he can talk his way out of anything at all but I will be very disappointed. Every episode follows the same pattern with some minor changes in the personality of the characters. Sajjal Ali acted well in tonight’s episode, Syed Jibran never goes wrong and Feroz Khan is a very promising newcomer indeed, I just hope that we get to see him in different roles.

Do share your thoughts about tonight’s episode.

Fatima Awan

If Rameen and Azar get a fridge and an electric kettle for personal use, half of Rameen’s troubles will be over! Most of the times Numair gets a chance to be alone with Rameen when she has to go downstairs to make tea for her husband or when she goes to get water for him, like many other things about the play these chance meetings are also getting repetitive. The development in tonight’s episode however was definitely unexpected and it made me curious about how the story is going to unfold in the future. Numair has everything planned out well, he knows how blindly his wife trusts him therefore he is making the most of the situation. It did not take much to convince Manal that her sister had feelings for her husband. I must say that thanks to the brilliant performances by Arjumand Rahim and Syed Jibran I can definitely relate to the relationship between the two. Numair has worked very hard to win his wife’s trust because he knows only too well that as long as Manal trusts him no one and nothing that he ever does can ever effect his married life. He can continue living the double life which he is living and he will still have a wife to come back home to. Even if one of his victims comes and tells Manal the truth she will never believe her, even if that victim is her own sister!!

After watching tonight’s episode I must say that Chup Raho definitely had potential had the writer and the director been a little more creative. Rameen’s conversations with her mother are putting me to sleep, hopefully after the lecture from her Tayee she will think twice before calling her mother again! I must add here that Afshan Qureshi never fails to impress me with her acting, I would definitely want to see her on screen more often. I love her as the conniving greedy mother in Malika-e-Aaliyah and she is doing very well in this play as well. Coming back to Narmeen, she should listen to her spineless husband and take a stand for herself! Azar could not go to get water for himself but he had the time and energy to give Rameen the lecture which clearly showed that he does not believe her at all. He does not take anything that Rameen says seriously, he only said everything that he did in order to comfort her and also probably because he was very thirsty but too lazy to go downstairs to get water for himself!! It was more of a “how to convince your wife to get water for you” sort of a situation than anything else.

Once again there were enough cringeworthy scenes in this episode to make you wonder what the director was thinking! The scenes of Numair and Rameen’s encounters are unnecessarily prolonged and too detailed for my liking. Focusing on the back of Rameen’s blouse gave us a “deeper” insight into Numair’s sick mind but was it really needed since we know him so well already?? Once again Numair was the star of the show tonight and I kept on wishing I could feel for Rameen the way a person should be feeling for someone who has gone through and is still going through so much! Does anyone truly feel for Rameen’s character?

Fatima Awan

Pace of the show is going perfectly fine and story is picking up momentum too. This show might sound weird to many of us but the story they are trying to narrate forms a cruel part of our society, sadly. And I think, they have taken one positive step to teach many lessons to girls and guys about life, of course, if taken constructively.

As expected, Numair blamed Rameen for what happened lately.His friend, Sheraz, wants him to keep himself away from all this satanic stuff but the cheap statement he gave about “khana and dessert” was enough for us viewers to explain his character even more; He was no less than an evil faced wild animal hiding behind the mask of caring and loving husband.One thing , we got to learn from Numair and Sheraz conversation is that the girls should try to keep themselves decent and poised in front of every male relative, even the closer ones. Who knows ,with which intentions they are keeping an eye on you and who knows what they will perceive from your ultra friendly attitude, just saying.

Aazar knew very well that Rameen will never ever reject to marry her ; They shared beautiful chemistry and mutual bonding that was not allowing him, in any way, to believe and accept Rameen’s decision of calling off their engagement. After that unrelenting step of Numair, uncertainty and instability in her mood kept on multiplying as a part of her personality ; Rameen kept on becoming more and more insecure day after day. It wasn’t Rameen’s fault that she had to remain quiet – She was saving her sister’s life by keeping her own life at stake. It wasn’t her mother’s fault either, she was doing it to extricate those miserable consequences that will create havoc in Rameen’s life in future.

Rameen’s life was no less than a torture till Aazar recollected himself and went to meet her ; He wanted to know that what exactly was in her mind that was persuading her to call off their engagement. Aazar’s feelings for Rameen were so pure that she was unable to resist herself from accepting the facts he put in front of her and she got agreed to get married to Aazar as soon as possible.

Right from the day of her mayoun till the end of her wedding ceremony, Numair’s thoughts kept on intimidating her ; She never wanted to face Numair in her life again but getting married to Aazar came with a cost and that was facing Numair almost every day. Sheraz got sick and tired of Numair and decided to put a full stop to his friendly relation with Numair par dheet Numair par koi asar nahi hua.Till now , Aazar was standing by Rameen’s side but how long will he stand, ye tou waqt he bataye ga..

Do share your thoughts on recent installment of Chup Raho.

Rabia Basharat.

Today’s episode was a bit on dull side; Though, few developments were made in the story but this time it had too many loopholes that they sounded kind of lame to me. Still, it was pretty much watchable. No wonder why Rameen’s mother is not ready to buy what she has been telling her for so many days about Numair. And to add icing on the cake is Numair’s acting, I mean seriously, this man knows all tactics to keep everyone blindfolded; The way he clarified himself in front of his MIL was way commendable and for once, Rameen was relieved to know that she won’t be living with this torture aka Numair for some days.Finally Naila made her entry today too and we got to see some happy Rameen scenes too. But her contentment was not long run; She did not know that a gigantic dark cloud was waiting for her to destroy her life, forever.

Evil plans emerge out from evil minds and our Numair had that diabolical cum satanic mind that assists him to play the cards right on perfect time. Inshort, Numair got succeeded in his heinous crime today; My heart cried when I saw Rameen crying infront of her mother. It is true that people like Numair do exist in our society and we can’t deny the fact that mothers like Rameen’s also pledge their daughters to keep their mouths shut, if and only if they are courageous enough to utter what exactly happened to them – sometimes in the name of so called ‘respect’ and sometimes for the sake of not ruining someone else’s life.

After this very scene, story sounded a bit lame to me. I mean why is Rameen thinking that her own fiancé will be of evil nature solely because his cousin is. Lets accept the fact for a moment that she is right, but the thing is that after getting married ,she won’t be living in the same house with Numair then why is she refusing to marry Aazar now ?

Above all, to reject someone after engagement, one needs a solid reason and the reason that Rameen’s mother gave at first was bus beta kuch matt pocho . Was that excuse enough to break a relation within a fraction of seconds ? And soon after that , Rameen came up with a solid point that was at-least justifiable – Somebody please ask Yasir Nawaz , what was the reason behind adding that lame call scene ?

Bhaie jo bhi kaho, Jibraan is playing it very safe but at the end of the day, he will have to face dreadful consequences of what he had done throughout his life and at that time, there won’t be any one for him to help him undo his brutal acts. By far, Story is going fine but they have to take serious measures to eradicate those unnecessary scenes. Baaki dekhtay hain kya hota hai..

I would love to read your feedback about tonight’s episode.

Rabia Basharat.

I knew man ! I knew that they won’t take it to such an extent where everyone will agitate in enduring the show. People like Numair do exist in our society – Sometimes they come in our lives for few moments and sometimes, they are among one of our kin folks . I take such people as the darkest of all mankind and their existence is nothing but a shame for their own selves.

Rameeen was a bit unsure about Numair’s evil nature when he held her hand in car but the moment he gave another try, she got aware of his intentions. Numair is among those who couldn’t cease themselves in making lives of girls as much miserable as possible. By making it motto of his life, on the very day of her engagement, he attempted to abuse her again . But he was unaware that this time, her father was watching him.

I am afraid that I will develop a feeling of hatred for this artist,Jibran, as he is doing his role brilliantly- not everyone can handle such roles intelligently. Anyhow, Rameen had two options, either she would remain quiet and bear with what is going or reveal Numair’s reality in front of everyone. She was bold enough that she opted for the latter one. But badly failed in narrating her sister the truth – The truth she wont be able to take, the truth that will ruin Manaal’s life, the truth that maybe Manaal knew already ?

Indeed,beti ka baap hona bohat mushkil kaam hota hai. Numair’s true nature had became an unsolved mystry for Rameen’s father – his rotloo nature left him in a doubt. More than that, he was unable to ask his ongoing affairs with Rameen  solely because he was Manaal’s husband. He knew the reason of Rameen’s strain yet he was feeling helpless as he can’t do anything.

It was pretty evident that Shiraz was not in mood to do such favors for Numair still he do what he asks him to do – Reason behind his compulsion is yet to be revealed. Numair’s dark mind was planning something nasty this time but Rameen’s father was there to take care of  his daughter. Being a heart patient, he was unable to withstand what happened and faced a fatal cardiac arrest. The pain in Rameen’s eyes was shouting out loud – Pain of losing her father, pain of not being able to do anything to save her father, pain of enduring the culprit’s presence around her.

Rameen wanted to go back but her mother was in no way ready to buy anything that she told her about Numair. People believe in what they see, and Numair was successful in pretending himself as a perfect gentleman with no flaws.After her failed attempt to convince her mother ,  Rameen decided to discuss the matter with Aazar. After knowing everything, what will be Aazar’s next step ?  I am waiting anxiously waiting for next episode.

Do give your feedback about this latest installment of Chup Raho.

Rabia Basharat.

First episode of the show and too good with pace; This show was worth giving a try. Chup Raho is Yasir Nawaz’s direction and is written by Samira Fazal and from now on, I will be the one reviewing this show for you guys.

Episode started with a very different yet impactful scene; Rameen (Sajal Ali),who lives in Rawalpindi, was travelling to Karachi with her parents in train. For me, first impression is the last impression when it comes to opening scene of the show and I literally enjoyed watching such unconventional start where they made everything clear that what is going to happen exactly.

So, Rameen is getting engaged to Aazar (Feroz Khan) and for that she had to stay at her sister’s for a week. Manaal (Arjuman Raheem) and Numair (Jibran Syed) are a very happy married couple and unlike typical husbands,  Numair loves to do anything that can make his wife happy. Right from the time when he went to pick his in laws, he got attracted towards Rameen and after that, he was unable to divert his mind from her.

It was pretty evident that Aazar is a one woman man. Aazar never wanted a wife who was associated with someone else or was in a relationship. He kept himself away from such mushy-gushy stuff solely because he knows that pure soul gets the purest as a life partner; He feels lucky that Rameen will be his life partner.

Numair was like a dream husband but that was only one side of  card; He was addicted to physically abuse young girls and this time Rameen was his prey.  At Rameen’s dholki, when he saw Aazar and  Rameen together, it was like adding fuel to the fire and with twinge of envy, he asked them to stay away from each other. Manaal trusts Numair like hell and for that, he can’t even think that Numair will have bad intentions for Rameen and for that,  when she saw him outside Rameen’s room attempting to go inside, she took it casually. Manaal wanted to go to saloon with Rameen  and with amoral intentions, Numair offered her a ride and asked Manaal to stay at home. Instead of Saloon, he took Rameen to his friend’s apartment and attempted to molest her.

Chup Raho is definitely a bold move in terms of prime-time shows but at the same time it highlights the social issue that young girls are facing for a very long time and will definitely help the girls to raise their voices against such evil and monstrous creatures. This show gave me a mysterious feel due to its camera-work but it has a tendency to attract the viewer and keep them glued to their television screens.

Share your thoughts on first episode of Chup Raho.

Rabia Basharat.

NOTHING about this drama makes sense anymore; I am not sure what is more annoying – Numair’s never-ending manipulative ways, Rameen’s infinite stupidity or Manal’s “acceptance” of her evil husband. Numair has definitely not changed, there was a time when Numair’s actions made sense but ever since he resurfaced he has turned into someone who is very difficult to understand. He is still manipulative and selfish and he is still conveniently saying things to Rameen like he always thought she was better than Manal like it is no more than a “compliment”!! Rameen shouldn’t be there in that house in the first place but since we know she is stupid enough to go the extra mile to get herself into trouble so let’s not fret over that but let’s just consider everything that happened to her after she came to that house. How can it be okay for someone who raped her to apologize to her while he holds her? Why did Numair keep on reminding Rameen what he did to her like this was light years ago. It was as if Rameen had amnesia and it was in her best interest to be reminded of everything that transpired in the past. That scene was wrong on so many levels. And why didn’t Rameen just walk out of the door after hearing all that? Yes she wanted to help her niece but is it even possible for a girl to choose to be in this sort of a situation? Rameen is at Manal’s house out of choice which is really ironic or perhaps comic!

Our heroine has the option of staying miles away from the man who abused her over and over again but she would much rather stay in the same house with him even if it is for a few hours because she loves playing Mother Teresa! Rameen came to get a divorce from Azar and somehow no one informed her that Azar is dead. Numair is obviously lying to her because Azar is his first cousin therefore he must know that he is dead! Well let’s not doubt that he died because we all saw Humaima’s tweet in which she said that her brother’s character died! I have no idea what is going on! Does Manal know that Numair raped Rameen? It seemed like she did know it but then digesting the fact that she is okay with that is very very hard. We never saw the confrontation between Manal and Numair and we don’t really see a change in Numair. Manal is still with him so he didn’t lose much except for his social status which in my opinion is not a punishment big enough. I don’t feel anything for any of the characters but the way the story keeps on progressing forward with absolutely no focus at all is actually very upsetting. The writer must think that the viewers are intellectually challenged because any person with even a little bit of common sense will have a very tough time liking this drama.

The way Rameen has proved to be a good omen for every house she set her foot in is just plain ridiculous. She can win over the most challenging children within seconds, she can clean up your house and water your plants and expect nothing in return! I am sure everyone needs a Rameen in their lives! Numair is back to playing games again and he is running the show once again – definitely NOT what we wanted to see! This play is getting more absurd with every passing episode – time to put an end to this torture!

Fatima Awan