Shanno and Humaira shared first impressions and deep dark secrets whereas Maqsood and Khalil discuss a masoom, bebaas, and laachar Shanno. With confidence that only youth and a belief in true love can bring, both Shanno and Khalil had compelling sequences. In such pacheeda circumstances, Shanno is all eyes, ears, and mind in awe of her man, Khalil. Wouldn’t it be appropriate, then, to unite the families by marrying Shanno and Khalil? Oh well… talk about Byzantine. So, let me get this straight (ahem!) ‘Sheeda is up in arms against Khelu because Khelu’s Abba-ji was her one time fiancé. ‘Sheeda was once engaged to Lahore-walay Khalu-ji till Badi Baji came in and stole her thunder (not to mention her man!). Having known for a while that Shanno and Khalil’s impending betrothal is going to be broken off at the flimsiest of pretexts, I wasn’t prepared for the shocker that hit me point blank as Shanno and Humaira were talking about akadaylu Khelu. Mumtaz?! I don’t want you to go down in television history as the chaant, shatir, and cunning maa-jee/ saas. From Meri Zaat Zara-e-Benishaan, where she plays the oh-so- mazloom aurat, to a Canadian play called Dust (shameless Canadian plug!), that challenges ways of thinking and perceptions about Pakistan, Islam, and masculinity in a post-9/11 world, to her most recent foray as a leading lady in Dukhtar (review coming soon, read the preview here!), her ability to tackle roles that are at times difficult and for the most part different is something I admire and respect, but really with ‘Sheeda.

She is an amazing, talented actress and what I actually love about her body of work is its diversity. Now, and its no secret, I absolutely love Samiya Mumtaz. In an ode to Farida from Humsafar, we have yet another mother to hate, I guess. What boggles the mind, to use the expression, is that the zulmi would be none other than Shanno’s mother, Rasheeda. Enter stage left, dastaan-e-dard, as they say. For us, for our lovers, and for Sadqay Tumhar e, the first signs of a cruel world dead set against its lovers is in place. In strict cinematic and literary tradition, a tale of love is never complete without an oh-so- zalim-zamana. Kothay uttay bay kay, akhiyaan miloonday.

Jago pakistan jago thora jee le