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