This was another interesting episode of Raqs-e-Bismil which focused more on Moosa’s mad love for Zohra more than anything else. I must say that I am not the kind of person who instantly warms up to the love-at-first-sight scenarios but Moosa’s madness was quite convincing. I also feel that through this story the writer has shown just how quickly things can change! All the characters and performances are turning out to be the most interesting aspect of Raqs-e-Bismil. So far, all the leading characters have some surprises in store in every episode. I especially like the way the writer has shown contradictions in Moosa’s personality. He is much more than another religious figure with double standards. Being in love has revealed a naïve side of his personality, some degree of innocence even which is completely different from his rigid and regressive side which we were shown in the first episode.
I find Moosa’s character most interesting at the moment and Imran Ashraf did exceptionally well tonight while translating just how clueless he is at the moment. Zohra took me completely by surprise because of the way she ‘introduced’ her real self to Moosa! Esa is extremely likable but he is not the kind of person who would quietly put up with everything; his vocal side makes him more appealing. Sakina is stubborn, more than anything else, which gives the viewers variation in characters. Momin Saqib’s dialogue delivery was beyond impressive tonight especially when he was giving Sakina a reality check. So far, fate has been driving all these characters in different directions and even though all of them are intelligent and capable individuals, they are completely helpless in the face of destiny.
The Irony
The irony of the situation Moosa is in started when he introduced himself to the people Zohra called out for help. The fact that he was so sure that he was not doing anything wrong was reiterated by him repeatedly throughout this episode. He is too afraid to acknowledge that he is in love because only a few days back he vowed never to fall in love. He is also someone who has always looked down upon love in general and would have killed someone who dared to fall in love! All his circumstances can easily be termed as a direct outcome of the buddua Sakina gave him when he forced her into getting married to Esa. There can be no other explanation for Moosa pursuing a woman the way he has been in these episodes. Even now, he is not willing to admit that he ‘likes’ her. Moosa was like a young child today who had discovered something brand new and was trying really hard figuring out what it was. He wants to spend the rest of his life with Zohra but he does not know why! That is why I feel that the writer has shown through his track that sometimes a person has no idea what fate has in store for them. Only a few days back Moosa was completely in charge and focused; now he is trying hard to figure something completely new out.
Another irony in this entire situation has to be Zohra’s hijab and even the tiny details such as why she wears those gloves. Moosa’s dialogue about wanting to marry someone who wouldn’t even show her hands to others will surely come to haunt him. The writer has shown in such an impactful manner that the stereotypes attached to hijab can sometimes be so wrong just like any other such fixed beliefs. It was amusing that Moosa questioned the views attached to his beard and men who looked like molvis but he did not for a second question the beliefs he had attached to women who cover themselves. I am still waiting to find out what will make Moosa pursue Zohra even after finding out the truth.
Moosa’s first interaction with Saleem Mairaj’s character was another meaningful scene. All of a sudden Moosa realized that even though he was lost in his own world at the moment, everyone around him could see what was going on. I absolutely loved Moosa and Zohra’s interactions tonight. Imran Ashraf was convincing throughout and Sarah Khan it seems will be playing a different role in this one after all. Instead of telling Moosa who she was, she decided to show it to him! I thought that was really amusing and much more effective. Moosa’s engagement was a little too sudden, I am waiting to watch how that will impact his track.
The Dare & Promise
Esa decided to give Sakina a reality check in this episode. His dialogues were brilliantly written since they reflected so many different aspects of his personality. We all know that he is in love with Sakina and he is also hurt. His dialogues tonight also showed how much respect he had for Sakina’s mother and his father. His definition of ghairat was also different from that of Moosa. The most interesting aspect of this confrontation however was the dare; unknowingly he provoked Sakina who is already quite agitated as it is. It seems she will try to get in touch with Kamran and she might even end up falling in love with Esa at some point. Her dialogue, ‘khuda na kare wo wakt aye ke mujhe tum se mohabbat ho’, could turn out to be another one of those dialogues that will be proven wrong as the story progresses. Esa and Sakina’s track keeps my interest alive as well even though they do not get a lot of screen time.
Final Remarks
I must admit that I was not expecting Raqs-e-Bismil to be such an unconventional love story full of irony. So far, the tracks of all the leading characters are unusual and interesting. The preview of the next episode showed that Moosa’s father will find out about his meetings with Zohra. Moosa’s ‘confusion’ will only worsen after finding out the truth. His expressions in the preview of the next episode however clearly suggested that he is madly in love and will now feel more helpless than ever! I am eagerly looking forward to what the writer has in store for us in the upcoming episodes.
Did you watch tonight’s episode of Raqs-e-Bismil? Do share your thoughts about it.