My heart aches for Ameena. She has had quite a bit of growing up to do and to be very fair, she has taken it all in her stride. To see Urwah and Saiqa not let any opportunity slip by to belittle her is quite upsetting. Seeing that things on the Saiqa front were getting out of control, Urwah’s father did the sensible thing and made sure Ameena go where she belongs – with her husband. You would think Saiqa would back off learning Urwah is married and initially that was the feeling I got but jitna it irritates me itna he the desperate females are in abundance in our dramas. I am not even sure why Saiqa and Urwah keep acting like a great injustice has been done to him by being married to Ameena, for she may be less educated but she is a pretty, pleasant natured, simple young woman and well, Urwah is no suave, suited booted gentleman himself – so please get over this ‘injustice’ already!

Since the beginning I have wanted to like Urwah and on the most part I have. I did express my thoughts a few reviews ago and was told to cut Urwah some slack – and I backtracked, lol but I can not justify his callous behaviour when it came to keeping Ameena hungry when he very proudly announced that he had already eaten his dinner from outside. Then his bechara attitude at not having had any breakfast and wolfing it down at Saiqa’s without having a moment of hesitation or ponder over how Ameena is going to be hungry all day. And then the tantrums over aloo. I am quite an aloo lover myself sooooo – I can not relate to his tantrums at all! But seriously, yes yes stomach is the way to a man’s heart and all that but how about the man give a thought to his wife’s stomach too and okay, if we are to focus only on his stomach then how about trying to provide the essentials for his wife to be able to whip up his meals!

Uggh, moving on from stomachs, I did have mixed feelings over the past couple of episodes when Urwah and Ameena go shopping for household items. It is sad how he puts her down and does not recognize anything she does, such as when she made tea when he was studying and she saw he was tired. It was actually upsetting to see the look on Ameena’s face. I loved what Ameena said about how Urwah seems to possess lots of knowledge about Saiqa but can not even remember how much education his own wife has. When the neighbours showed up and explained that there was no sharam in being married, I thought that might turn things around but alas.

Sohail seems to read my mind. He really does hit the nail on the head time and again in his judgement over Urwah’s thoughts. What he said to Urwah about not being able to see his wife’s good qualities because he could not see anything past Azra was so on point. And Azra! Seems like she was thrilled to hear that Urwah is not happy in his marriage and something tells me she is about to return. Ameena has found out about Azra’s existence and her revelation that she knew of her importance in Urwah’s life did not have any impact until she played the Taaya and Taayi Ami card. Urwah was actually nicer to Ameena when he went back home but here, in the city he has been nothing but cold and insulting. They say ‘shehr ki hawa lag gayi’ and that saying has never made more sense to me than now. With Saiqa swarming round and Azra’s seemingly inevitable return, seems like Ameena needs one of those toddler leashes to keep Urwah on track!

I like Serwat Nazir – or at least I thought I did. But watching another drama penned by her, Noor e Zindagi where the husband does not realize his wife is a gem and is attracted towards another woman only for him to realise later how wrong he was – is bearable in one drama. I would find it a bit much to sit through a similar situation in this one but it does seem that this is how things will move forward – and I do hope I am wrong. I believe Iqra Aziz has made Ameena actually sweet and adorable, her expressions of happiness, hurt, the blue chappals all add to make us feel who Ameena is and I can not help begin to dislike Urwah a bit now, for being immature or embarrassed about marriage is one thing, to be consistently mean and insulting is another. Will Ameena finally have enough and go back which is when Urwah realises how used to her he had become? Will he let Azra come sweep him off his feet (snicker) and then realise what a mismatch they are and return to a forgiving Ameena? Jo bhi ho, please spare me the (extra) desperate women and bring on the relationship between Ameena and Urwah developing. What did you all think of these episodes? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid

So, here’s what I think. If you are the sort of person who watches only the odd few dramas a week that have to be truly amazing – then probably Choti Si Zindagi is not for you. But for someone like me, who is not necessarily attracted by a stellar cast or heavily promoted drama, this drama works. Because its simple narrative, absence of scheming evil characters, actors and actresses that do not seem to be trying too hard yet help us relate to their characters made me sit back and enjoy this episode. Yes, there are a few scenes primarily those of Azra’s if I am honest where she is talking about Urwah that I wish I could just forward but the rest of the play holds my interest.

Poor Ameena. I truly felt for her today and yes some of us may have rolled our eyes over the onion peeling scenario but I remember the time when I was learning to cook and my mum asked me to brown the onions and ‘brown’ them I did so well that they had to be chucked out and fresh onions sliced and fried again, LOL. Ameena has rarely ever stepped into the kitchen and has always been lost in her books and games so the kitchen scene did add some comic relief. While Ameena does seem to be overly childish, I found her ‘growing up’ scenes in this episode easier to relate to. I found it hilarious yet realistic how she does what she is asked to do but she does not view herself as a sacrificial lamb who should suffer all and I liked how she said before going to bed that she was fed up of working and ‘ab nahin karoon gi’. Also, her letter to her mother and the reaction it brought was funny. Ameena seems childish and as if she does not have a care in the world but she is not stupid and is hurt when she overhears her cousins conversation about going to school and how she is made to feel like an outsider there.

While Ameena struggles with her onions and books, Urwah has (almost) forgotten about his marriage and although he makes it clear to Azra there is nothing between them, we see that deep down he feels differently. Sohail made me laugh today for he is that very real friend we all almost have who knows your secret and while will never go behind your back and cause an issue for you but does enjoy making you squirm by dropping double meaning statements here and there. I still do not see what Azra finds so fascinating about Urwah but I am happy to say that it is such a relief that she has not become one of those rich-girl- I- must- have- this- man characters – well at least not yet!

So Urwah is back home for the summer break and that means two months of Urwah-Ameena and although neither Urwah nor Ameena are looking forward to the summer break – I definitely am! I love Urwah’s father’s character and Tariq Jameel brings out the sweetness in his personality to perfection. It is endearing to seem him care for Ameena and try to help his wife and son understand her. While Taayi is not exactly very warm she is not entirely evil either for she thinks of Ameena as a daughter in law and can not wrap her head round the idea of a daughter in law that does not know how to cook, pick a plate from point A to B without dropping it or understand why she must go back to school now that she is ‘married’. Yet, it is nice how her husband tries to make her see different ways to connect with Ameena.

I am not even sure why Azra is being given the screen time she is now except maybe that Urwah may go back and marry her and I surely hope not. Or that her letter writing may cause an issue in Urwah’s home. I hope she is just someone who Urwah is momentarily fascinated with and who will gracefully take her leave from his life soon. I know we have seen a lot of Iqra Aziz lately and I myself have ended up reviewing or watching quite a few of her dramas and the overdose was one reason why I did not want to watch this drama in the first place but I feel she acted really well in today’s episode. I felt for her when her tiny form lay outside in the ‘sehn’, when she sat at school watching other girls whisper about her, her letter to her mother, and when she overhears her cousins talk to their mother about her. I am glad to see less of the loud crying and the comic moments coupled with those when we are given an insight into her feelings along with her accent – ‘isschooool’, ‘om-laate’ made her much more interesting. Shahzad Sheikh has been perfect as the stiff, awkward Urwah but I actually liked his outburst with Ameena where he shed his stiff demeanour. Last but not least, I know I should not be gloating by comparing myself to a teenager, that too a fictional one, but I could not help be happy that at least someone’s parathas are more amoeba shaped than mine! LOL.

What did you all think of this episode? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid

After having binge watched seven episodes, this one was obviously a bit slow for me but I am not complaining for it focused on the events unfolding in Urwah and Ameena’s lives after the wedding, but sadly not together. While I had earlier been critical of Ameena’s character and it being a bit far from reality to be normal, I could relate to her today although the preview for next week shows that the loud wailing might be back.

Ameena finds comfort in the form of Aisha Baji which is why she was so upset at her leaving. I have to say Aisha Baji is a breath of fresh air from the negative nands and it was nice to see her trying to help Ameena settle in and understand the importance or rather, position of Urwah in her life. I did feel bad for Ameena though when in her few moments of reflection when she sees Urwah’s picture all she can remember is the moment on her wedding night when he angrily tries to stop her from making noise. All he has done is fret and frown so I can not blame her for being relieved he is gone. Ameena is immature but it is not mere immaturity that makes her behave the way she is and that is the thing that bothers me. For she does not seem extremely simple minded either – or maybe she is. I am still waiting to find out. After her wedding while she is not heavily adorned or made up yet she is making an effort with the make up and jewellery. But I felt for the young girl who found herself suddenly sleeping alone in a new place, and the way she asked her Taayi for an ‘om-late’ was actually quite natural and funny.

While not evil yet, Taayi is not exactly warm. She was not approving of the match yet anyway and I understand her reasons especially since Urwah is far from happy too. She is disapproving of Ameena’s way as I expect any mother in law would be but I suppose we need to give that track time to develop for so far Ameena takes her criticism well and listens to her. I love Taaya’s role where he asks his wife to think of Ameena as her daughter and also how he speaks to her about going back to school. Ameena’s simplicity was actually touching when she laughed at the idea of going back to school now that she is married like she has a label attached to her now and that does not enable her to go back to school.

Urwah has fled back to university and well, not exactly back to Azra. He hides the news of his wedding from all and I was glad to see Sohail was actually upset that he had not confided in him. However, the way he is he takes it in his stride telling him to keep it to himself but the scene between the two and Azra in the cafeteria later makes me think he will not let a single opportunity pass to make Urwah uncomfortable that Sohail knows his secret. I am not sure whether Urwah has decided to not tell Azra for he fears he will be ridiculed or also because deep down he is not ready to let her go completely. Yes, he made the speech of ‘we are from different worlds’ and all that but I do not think he believes it completely. Also, I am finding it really hard to understand Azra’s fascination with Urwah. If she was the creepy, I-must- have- this- guy- who- does- not- seem- too- interested- in- me sort, phir bhi samajh mein aata. She seems fairly normal so just because Urwah is shareef and respects women which for her is a rarity, but then it can not be that much of a rarity that she overlooks the very obvious differences in their mindsets. But then love is blind and all that.

While I understand that Urwah was tricked into coming back so he fled the first chance he got and also that there is the undealt matter of Azra, I do wish Azra ko jaldi nibat shibat kar he comes back so his story with Ameena can actually begin. I wonder how things pan out between him and Azra and how Ameena deals with the challenges of settling in with her Taya’s family and going back to school. What is really working for me in this drama so far is the absence of a truly negative character who has no goal, no aim in life except to cause havoc and misery in the main couple’s life. Iqra Aziz acting was toned down a bit in this episode and actually made me feel for her more. While I still wince at the over –immaturity (is that even a word), I do commend her for trying to get into her character where her body language and the way she sits and jumps up off the bed is far from ladylike, LOL. Shahzad Sheikh’s acting is consistently good. His expressions when he learns that his father knows about him meeting Azra were spot on and I love the attention to detail his character demands such as the huge trainers, the tucked in shirt, the stiff, awkward demeanour. I also like how the director has not relied on painted sets or backgrounds and the scenes where the green open lands and small town life was shown I could almost feel the crisp air and the modern university building scenes were equally appealing. Does anyone know which building/university this is by any chance?

Choti Si Zindagi is working for me as my Tuesday drama fix and am looking forward to see how Urwah and Ameena deal with this new phase of their lives – as individuals and as a couple together. What did you all think of this episode? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Kunwal Javid

Ah, I had expected quite a bleak episode with Ameena moping endlessly at her mother’s house and Urwah basking in Saiqa’s attentions and impending arrival of Azra but thankfully it was not just all that. While Urwah does take Ameena to her parents’ house and rushes off quicker than a delivery man (literally), he does seem to miss her on some subconscious level. I am glad Ameena’s parents also decided to be sensible and spoke to her and tried to gauge what was wrong. And honestly thank God for Taya Abba. Such a positive character and influence – it is heart warming to see how he takes matters into his own hand and puts things right.

Saiqa was annoying, we had established that a while ago but seriously I am a bit taken aback at Naani’s attitude. With Saiqa so openly showing her affections for Urwah, Naani’s gentle rebukes are obviously not working and I would have thought that she would have strictly scolded her by now and the only reason I can think of for her not doing that would be to keep the whole underlying tone of the drama light as it has been uptil now. While Saiqa’s desperation is annoying, thankfully nothing objectionable has happened between her and Urwah – yet. But it does make me wonder how Naani can be so relaxed about Saiqa’s attitude and even though she is aware that Saiqa wanders off to Urwah and the tutions etc, I would have thought she would have made real her threat of calling her parents to come take her back with them by now!

Anyway, at least Naani is not encouraging Saiqa and tries to make Urwah realize that Ameena’s place is with him. Although Urwah protested, he did not look too upset with Ameena’s return. I would have liked to have seen more of scenes showing that Urwah missed Ameena’s presence in his home but I guess with Saiqa lurking around, university and work he did not get too much time! It was nice though to see how he seemed to be ‘behaving’ when Ameena returns but I am a bit wary yet for Urwah switches from being nice to mean often so will have to wait and see.

And then – the khush khabri. Yeh damaagh mein nay dhoop mein one track nahin kiya, Pakistani dramas dekh dekh kar one track kiya hai haha, where only once I have been misled into thinking that vomiting and feeling nauseous can mean anything else than a pregnancy (which was Maria Wasti’s role in Teri Chah Mein where she was genuinely sick). The talk about Amna Baji’s child and Ameena being unwell and then next week’s preview all hint the same. The doctor that announces he does not have the ‘treatment’ for what ails Ameena alarmed me for a moment but I am thinking Doctor Sb was just being cheesy. Will have to wait and see.

I have a feeling there will be less focus on Saiqa now and I can only hope Azra does not return and even if she does I hope she does not shake things up too much. In fact, let’s hope Azra does not return and we can enjoy a few decent episodes showing Urwah and Ameena grow close before the drama ends. I know what I look forward to the most in this drama is when Ameena and Urwah are together so I am definitely looking forward to next week’s episode. There was far too much focus on Saiqa in this episode and while the actress playing Saiqa has done a good job because I find her character truly annoying and mind boggling – I would prefer to see more of Ameena and Urwah. What did you all think of this episode – would love to hear your thoughts!

Kunwal Javid

So while I enjoyed watching this episode, I am not too thrilled at the note it ended on. Urwah showed that he does have a compassionate side, actually let me rephrase that, for as Sohail rightly points out Urwah has shown his ‘khidmat guzaar’ side quite often but only to women he is not related to! Anyway, all the fuss I created last week over him being quite oblivious and cruel about taking care of his wife seems to have had some effect on him (haha) for he seemed to show a nicer side to Ameena. I like how she finally showed that she had had enough and gave him some attitude. I like Ameena’s personality, she is who she is and does not try to waste time in pretences. She was furious with Urwah but when he started talking to her she was okay although she did make it clear that she had had enough of his constant scolding.

The consequences of Ameena’s visit to the milad in the opposite ‘bai-lock’ were hilarious. I did kind of see where this was going when the woman questioned Ameena at the milad but the actual scene where she asks for her rishta and Ameena’s and Urwah’s expressions were priceless. Iqra Aziz and Shahzad Sheikh’s acting in that scene was flawless and really made me laugh.

Ameena, poor thing is often put down for being uneducated and while she may not be as ‘educated’ as Urwah may have preferred she is not jaahil and more interestingly, has quite a way with words. The way she questioned Urwah’s reaction to the rishta scene and likened it to how she may feel was interesting and on point. It also seemed that it struck a chord with Urwah but then I guess not.

Saiqa – what is her game plan I wondered? Until she pretty much spelled it all out. Itni desperation to ensnare Urwah. Taubah. Saiqa is seriously in a league of her own. It is sweet to see how Sohail has taken to Ameena and tries to knock some sense into Urwah’s head but all that seems to do is cause further damage. Urwah’s stuffy existence has begun to bother me. His sermons over how he should be nice and helpful to Saiqa while he treats Ameena horribly make me cringe. Sohail hits the nail on the head yet again with his dekh raha hoon tu shakal se aisa lagta nahin jis tarah ki tu harkatein karta hai!

To be honest, after so much time having passed since their marriage, I now do not see what the issue is. Ameena seems to be quite the pleasing, complacent wife methinks! She cooks, cleans, does not moan about how she is bored and needs to be entertained – what is Urwah’s problem with her? Why the constant ‘you have made my life hell’ rant. She does not seem to be causing issues for Urwah so I wish he would elaborate when he starts yelling at her for having ruined his life and complicating it for I am as confused as Ameena!

While Shahzad Sheikh’s comical expressions made me laugh, it was definitely Iqra Aziz who made this episode enjoyable. She makes the innocence and confusion that Ameena feels so apparent and you can not help feel for her. She is not a bechari – bechari which makes her character even more endearing. The actor playing Sohail has really grown on me and I missed seeing more of him in this episode. Finding Saiqa’s desperation a little difficult to understand but oh well.

So Ameena has been sent off to her parents’ home and I wonder if Urwah will begin to miss her? At the rate he is going –  probably not! Someone needs to dig him out of his own stuffy, self importance first! Being a foodie myself, I can not help comment over how yummy that daal looked – and thankfully I have daal ready for dinner tonight – yayy. What did you all think of this episode – would love to hear your thoughts 

Kunwal Javid

Ghaaliban aap jaantay sub hain magar anjaan bantay hain – spot on, Sohail! Sohail is turning out to have more of a personality than just the class clown. I started liking him more when he helped Urwah get a job and accommodation and tried to make light of it when Urwah thanked him. And now his assessment of Urwah is definitely in line with my thoughts for really, what is Urwah up to? He is not as seedha as he tries to portray for if he was he would have told his new neighbours he is married. I will not stomach that he is ‘embarassed’ for he was given the opportunity to say so when his neighbour asked and also later on when her grandmother interrogated him. He is quite a dark horse, encouraging the neighbour, married to Ameena and lost in the thoughts – and letters- of Azra. Wah! I am not being judgemental, except maybe I am, it is just that I really want to like Urwah and do not want him to value Ameena after he has gone all astray but these aspects to his personality are not very endearing.

Speaking of endearing, Ameena has managed to win over her mother in law with her sweet nature. Just a thought – why is it in our dramas that either the husband loves his wife and the in laws hate her or the in laws love her and husband wants nothing to do with her? Why can there not be a win-win situation? I love Urwah’s father’s personality for while they love having Ameena around, he realizes her true place is with her husband which is why when he learns that Urwah has a place to stay, Ameena should go live with him. Ameena and Taayi’s bond is sweet, yes, and although at first I was a little skeptical and astonished at their joint reaction to this announcement, I still sort of understood Ameena’s hesitation. She had begun to develop feelings for Urwah but with his brisk response when she rang him and then as she says he never writes to her, who could blame her for not wanting to go live with him. Also, given how she is so young and quite naïve she does not really understand that being married to Urwah means living with him and that as comfortable as she may be with Taaya and Taayi she can not continue living like this for very long.

So, while Azra was on the brink of desperation she gracefully took her leave when she learnt Urwah is married. This new neighbour ‘Shabnam’ as Sohail called her (ha!) is definitely going after Urwah, full guns blazing. It would not be very hard to relate to her wanting to catch glimpses of the new, young male neighbour for like she says she is stuck at home all day and she is a young girl but the ease with which she teases Urwah and is literally throwing herself at him seemed a bit much but then maybe there are such characters in real life. Despite Naani keeping a stern eye on her granddaughter at first and voicing her reservations over Saiqa constantly finding excuses to meet Urwah, there still seem to be plenty of opportunities for the two to interact, especially now with Naani falling ill. Because Naani is unwell but korma and pulao tau zaroor banein gay!

Na mahram pulao! Sohail’s comments sometimes are truly funny but also hold a ring of truth to them. For yes, pulao is not na mahram (duh!) but Urwah is married and should make that very clear to Saiqa. Next week’s preview showed Urwah’s father traveling alone and I hope it will make him speed up sending Ameena to Urwah and not the other way around. I am not sure why he had to go alone anyway for although I had expected Ameena to land at Urwah’s doorstep this episode and even though she did not, the episode was not all that bad. I surely do not want to see more of Saiqa fawning over Urwah while Ameena stitches clothes for the entire neighbourhood! Waisay while she is at it, maybe she could stitch something for Urwah too, even if it is flowery for it would definitely be better than the beige/mustard shalwar kamiz he is mostly clad in!

The actress playing Saiqa is bearable – just about – but while Sohail’s grin makes me smile, her big smiles make me cringe and I wish her a speedy exit like I wished Azra! I like Serwat Nazeer’s dramas because they show how a couple interacts and grows together, well most of her dramas do so I am waiting for Urwah and Ameena to be together again soon. Save Sohail’s scenes which provided some comic relief this episode was just okay and am waiting for the story to move forward now. What did you all think of this episode? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid

Hmm, what can I say? While this episode started off on a positive and warm note, Azra’s tantrum and then the events that followed threw me off a bit. Also the introduction of the new neighbour who has her sights set on Urwah made me sigh in exasperation. The summer holidays finally came to an end and it was time for Urwah to return. Ameena seems to have fallen in love with her husband and I was given the impression that Urwah too had developed feelings for her, the way he is shown to be thinking of her when he heads back to university.

Last week when I saw the promo for this week I had seriously thought Azra’s ‘attack’ on Urwah was just a dream, correction, nightmare. Turns out I was wrong. The whole time that scene played I kept waiting for Urwah to jerk out of his reverie but seems like Azra’s patience had been tested and although I had not been prepared for that side of Azra, it appears neither was Urwah for he blurted out the truth about his marriage, as he explains to Sohail later ‘mein darr gaya tha’. You were not the only one, Urwah!

Azra – respect! She has taken her leave gracefully enough and realized that there is nothing to be gained by chasing after a married man. With Azra out of the picture and the warm, fuzzy relationship that seemed to be brewing between Ameena and Urwah I thought things will get better between the two. But this is what I mean when I say I was thrown off a bit for the timeline henceforth confuses me. Urwah’s parents are shown to be discussing that Urwah has not been home for a year and given how they also talk about how things are a bit hard financially, I could still understand him not going back home for a year. But Sohail later says to Urwah that it’s been two years since Azra left so really how much time has passed?

Ameena, although misses Urwah, has taken things in stride and is busy with her studying and helping around the house. I liked how Urwah’s parents have not taken her for granted and feel bad that she is ‘stuck’ with them while Urwah is away. Sohail was totally spot on when he said to Urwah that he does not understand him at times for neither do I, especially with this new request of not telling anyone at the factory compound that he is married. Why in the world not?! Also, the way he was so short with Ameena on the phone and her reaction made me feel really bad for her. If Urwah knows and accepts that Azra has no place in his life which is what he says to Sohail then how about learning to believe in that and move on?

And then this new neighbour, uff! A vailum vaili young woman with nothing to do but eye her neighbour and cook food for him and find ways to get close to him. I hope Urwah tells her about his marriage soon or as next week’s episode preview shows his parents decide to send Ameena to live with him. I would rather she show up and sort things out herself rather than meesna Urwah begin to lose his heart to another girl!

Given how this drama has shown itself to be different, I am seriously banking on that for the ‘desperate new woman in the man’s life’ scenario to not develop. Or for it to be nipped in the bud quickly! I know some of us really like Sohail and although I was not a huge fan I liked his acting today and also how he has shown to be a friend, helping Urwah out and being embarrassed when he tries to thank him. Iqra Aziz was flawless today. I know I end up praising her each week and believe me, I was actually fed up of seeing her in most dramas, especially since I was reviewing most of them so I am genuinely impressed by her portrayal of Ameena that makes me look forward to her scenes. Her confusion over Urwah’s short attitude with her on the phone, her emotions when he is leaving, when she tells him shyly she knows now of how to speak to her shohar, the sudden shake of her head when she is studying and finds her thoughts wandering, the green chapals, LOL totally spot on.

The music that plays in the background like when Ameena is shown to be settling in or when Ameena and Urwah are moving along with their lives is a very pleasant tune and compliments the general good feel of this drama. I hope Ameena and Urwah meet very soon again!  What did you all think of this episode? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid

Oh my! I enjoyed this episode and was surprised when it ended for I lost track of time. With gentle advice and guidance from both sets of parents and with personalities that are basically ‘normal’ and good at heart, Urwah and Ameena have started feeling the inklings of love. Man, I sound like a bad romance writer, forgive me, but I can not help it. It is so so refreshing to watch a drama where there are no bigger than life egos nor any particular family member devoting his/her life to scheming and plotting against the lead couple. Where Urwah’s father gently chides Urwah at times and explains matters to Ameena sometimes as does his mother, similarly Ameena’s mother did not ‘demand’ explanations of what is amiss in her daughter and Urwah’s relationship but politely and gently tried to make him understand Ameena. These traits give such a good feel to this drama and this episode which was only marred by Urwah’s attachment to the letter but I shall touch upon that in a bit.

I was a bit taken aback that Ameena struggled to read the letter for well, she is educated and how does she manage to read all those ‘risalas’ all the time then? Anyway, although Urwah’s father was curious who the letter was from, Urwah dealt with that and the sender of the letter and the letter itself was soon forgotten – by all, except Urwah that is.

Ah, knight in shining – Urwah! I liked how he was indignant about the guys bothering Ameena and also his awkwardness when he saw Ameena chatting so happily with her cousin. The shopping trip made me miss Pakistan for I have not been back in years and truly enjoyed the shopping experience through Ameena. Ameena is immature but she has a good heart which was evident from how she shopped for everyone and bought nothing for herself and the reason she gave Urwah put a bigger smile on my face than it did on sarrial Urwah’s! I thought the two were getting closer but I was not pleased at all to see Urwah get up and re read Azra’s letter. I seek comfort from the thought that he did not compose a reply but Azra is still in his thoughts as is the letter he treasures. It truly ruined the whole ‘sweetness’ between Urwah and Ameena for me but then I guess reality check – for Azra is still pretty much in Urwah’s life.

Choti Si Zindagi continues to be entertaining and I am glad I am watching this show. Next week’s episode showed a different side to Azra – sigh. For the first time ever, I hope this was just a bad dream Urwah/Azra has or it is the very last confrontation between the two for I really would not be able to take Azra chasing Urwah full guns blazing and him succumbing! How many of you enjoyed this episode? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid

When I review a drama, I watch the episode then get up and do a few things while I gather my thoughts – how I felt about the episode, anything in particular that caught my attention and then when I sit to write the rest comes together. With this episode, I thoroughly enjoyed watching it bar the couple of scenes which focused on Azra – and started on the review straight away. Shahzad Sheikh, Iqra Aziz and Tahira Imam (Urwah’s mother) performed so well in today’s episode that I really enjoyed watching them. I had been looking forward to this episode when Urwah is back home and there would be more Urwah-Ameena interaction – and I was not disappointed. I will pop in my disclaimer that if you are looking for a show that has to make sense in each scene and must really reach out and grasp your attention, then do not bother with this drama especially today’s episode. Otherwise, go for it 

This episode with the gudda-guddi shaadi did raise my eyebrows and I thought oh dear, Ameena really? A 15 year old planning a doll’s wedding? Until it sunk in then that Ameena was doing all this to make Mano happy. Mano apparently does not have many friends and is disabled. Ameena’s infectious enthusiasm or the innocence – something managed to touch Taayi’s heart and she also begins to take an interest in the wedding preparations. The fact that this was all done to make a little girl happy added a nice touch and I was actually quite fascinated when Taayi shows Ameena the clothes. The director really did get down to the very minute details and it was actually interesting.

However, all is not rosy in our real life gudda-guddi’s marital life. It was nice to see a less stiff Urwah and although his constant ‘jaahil’ insults were not nice, the squabbling between him and Ameena was definitely not spiteful. I do not think both of them actually realize what being married is. For Urwah it meant a lifetime of ‘not up to the mark’ nashtas and for Ameena it was a sulky presence that only scolded her. I know their relationship with the ‘catfight’ where Ameena hits Urwah and the way they argue should be ridiculous, immature or cringeworthy but it really was not for me. I found their scenes honestly amusing and I have to hand it to Shahzad Sheikh and Iqra Aziz for making me feel that way.

Iqra Aziz has finally won me over as Ameena. She may not know it but Ameena has begun to take things in her stride. I like how her personality is not spiteful or petty. She is immature but has a good heart and is not stupid. She knows when she is being laughed at and is hurt and even voices her feelings but she does not hold a grudge per se as was evident with how she tries to manage the household work. I love the way Iqra has translated Ameena’s character and has given it her all, the way she suddenly jumps off a chair or marches off arms swinging. I know, I know – I was never a huge fan and in fact I am not even watching Natak on HUM for the promos neither the cast seemed appealing but as Ameena, Iqra is definitely a good choice for she has a naturally pleasant face and the awkward shy smile when Taayi explains to her to try to dress up for her husband, to the clumsiness and the angry march I am beginning to understand Ameena. I hope I have not spoken too soon for the loud wails were annoying and I hope this is the last I have seen of them.

What also makes Choti Si Zindagi charming and which was highlighted in today’s episode was again the absence of ‘evil’ characters’. When Taayi wanted a little rant over Ameena’s clumsiness, her neighbour pointed out how good a heart Ameena has. Taya is also reasonable where he asks his wife to teach Ameena ghar kay kaam and accept she will make mistakes but will get over them with time. Urwah too, with his fascination for and recent exposure to the glitz and shine of shehr wali larkis, bar the ‘jaahil‘ comments, is not nasty to Ameena. I do not think he really realizes what a commitment marriage is the way he asks his mother to send Ameena back. I love how Ameena also plays the Taya card and how she is not gullible.

I have often seen Tahira Imam in other dramas and not thought much of her acting, either way but she was very convincing as the warm mother in law in today’s episode. Shahzad Sheikh made me laugh in the scene where he was squatting mosquitoes and then when he goes back to bed and makes sure his blanket is away from Ameena’s, LOL. I keep finding myself noticing the tiny things such as the ancient telephones, the flowery sofas and bedcovers, the ‘chaarpais’ and it all adds such a nice, real touch to this drama. I like the background music except one track sounds a bit ‘Rabb Nay Bana Di Jori’ type but that is okay I guess.

Azra’s ‘formula’ (uff I could not get over the cheesiness of that conversation) may cause mayhem in Urwah’s household. If the letter was addressed to Urwah why did Ameena open it? Also, I find Azra’s father’s attitude a bit odd. Agreeing to a husband for his daughter just because he is ‘intelligent’ seemed a bit far fetched or maybe I have seen too many rich, angry fathers in our dramas but oh well. I am definitely looking forward to the next episode where Urwah and Ameena travel to Multan and really hope these summer holidays do not end anytime soon. What did you all think of these episodes? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid

Produced by Momina Duraid, directed by Shaquille Khan and written by Sarwat Nazir, Choti Si Zindagi airs on HUM TV on Tuesdays at 8pm PST. The promos of this drama got my interest for sure and I do not mean that in a positive way. The cast comprises Shahzad Sheikh, Iqra Aziz and Nimra Khan in the lead roles and since none of them have left a lasting (good) impression on me before, I was not too keen to watch this drama. Until I saw that the writer is Sarwat Nazir. There is something about her dramas and the relationship between the couples that she portrays that interests me so I decided to give this one a go and although the first few episodes, in my opinion did not have me hooked, something about this play made me keep watching and 6 episodes down – despite some glitches, I am glad I did.

Choti Si Zindagi is the tale of two cities (I could not resist and had to be a bit Charles Dickens-ish). A period drama, if you will, set in the 1970s (an assumption for the drama only tells us at the beginning that the story is of ‘some’ years ago), the drama introduces the families of two brothers, one residing in Sahiwal while the other in Multan. Furqan (Tariq Jameel) is the older brother and has four daughters and a son Urwah (Shahzad Sheikh). While his sisters’ names Muzammil and Khurshid seemed a bit more believable as women often had male names back then, the name Urwah for the male lead caught me by surprise. Not only me it appears for he is made fun of later too at university for having a girlish name. We see that Urwah is traveling to the city to begin his education at the university there. While Urwah is portrayed as the obedient, innocent and slightly awkward young man we see the beginnings of revolt when he is not too happy about his father accompanying him all the way to the university. Having been raised in a small town, his personality has however been primarily shaped by his upbringing and his surroundings.

Furqan’s younger brother Irfan (Rashid Farooqi) lives in Multan with his wife (Farah Shah) and I-am-not-sure-how-many- daughters but the oldest is Ameena (Iqra Aziz). Irfan is unwell and is suddenly worried about his daughters and their marriages and is overjoyed when his brother asks for Ameena’s hand for Urwah. Ameena’s character is meant to be that of an immature and carefree young woman but honestly the way it is portrayed has often left me confused. School/college going – okay, immature and not wanting to do any housework –okay but the childish on the border of mentally unstable behaviour that Iqra Aziz has put into her character did not impress me at all. The loud guffaws, the whining, big eyed look – not on.

Anyway, Urwah’s room mate Sohail (Afraz Rasool) takes him under his wing, well not as sweetly as that sounds, but he introduces him to his friends. He misses no opportunity to poke fun at him when they are together though and although we get he is another carefree and polar opposite of Urwah kind of character, I found the escalating laughter every other second, a bit fake. Azra (Nimra Khan) as the rich yet refreshingly unspoilt and non bratty girl finds herself drawn to Urwah. I failed to see what might attract her to him except what she says herself that he is different and respects women something which she values greatly. Urwah is very awkward around her at first but seems to get comfortable as they meet more often.

When news of his engagement to Ameena is broken to him, Urwah balks and rushes home. He goes back with the assurance though that although engaged, his marriage is no time soon. That backfires too when his father’s jasoos, I mean friend in the city spots Urwah with Azra and reports back to him. Furqan feels it is time to get things moving and has Urwah rushing back home under the pretext that he is unwell. Emotional blackmail and the way things were back in that era prevent Urwah from sticking to his refusal and he is wed to Ameena.

Since I am not a very observant person,therefore if there were any slips in attention to detail then they went unnoticed by myself. I did however like the whole feel of the drama which made me feel I was taken back in time a bit. I enjoyed watching the wedding festivities too for they lacked the overly drawn out grandiose presentations and glamour so common in dramas generally, yet drew me in and that was refreshing in itself.

For me, Shahzad Sheikh is perfect as Urwah. His stiff and awkward demeanour, a young man trying to make sense of this new modern world and liking it yet held back by ties back home, indignant over Sohail’s outrage comments, flattered and awe struck by Azra’s attention, wanting to take a stand for himself but giving in to his parent’s wishes – I can not fault his performance. Iqra Aziz, on the other hand, while I appreciate for coming out of her clogs, I mean comfort zone and throwing herself into a different character, tries a bit too hard and has left me cringing at times. If only she could ditch the childish, lower lip jutting out dialogue delivery and the overly loud crying and comments which no matter how immature you may be do not seem fitting for a teenager – I could relate to Ameena more. Nimra Khan’s acting seems effortless although I still find it a bit difficult to see how Azra is attracted to Urwah to the point of wanting to marry him.

It seems Urwah is not ready to give up Azra yet or tell her of his marriage and since he will return to the city to complete his studies, I wonder how things will develop. How soon, if anytime soon at all, will Ameena ‘grow up’ and what will be the chain of events that will get her on that track? Will Urwah give up Azra? While Choti Si Zindagi does not rank up there amongst the dramas that have us hooked from scene to scene, or shock us with controversial, out of the box stories or emotional blockbusters that have us reaching for a tissue – there is something about the drama that lets you sit back and enjoy watching it unfold.

Oh – and this would not be complete without mentioning the OST and the background music that is often played during the episode and makes you want to, well – do this:

What do you all think of the drama so far – would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid