“Aakhir Kab Tak” focuses on the issues faced by women from an oppressive background where women are seen as a burden rather than appreciated. Starring Ushna Shah, Srha Asghar, Javeria Abbasi, Shahood Alvi, Gul E Rana, Haroon Shahid, Adeel Hussain and others, the story has been written by Radain Shah and directed by Syed Ali Raza Usama. Following the lives of two sisters with vastly different personalities, this drama highlights how these girls move towards finding peace.
The relationship between Noor (Ushna Shah) and Nasir (Adeel Hussain) has hit a point where the two are aware of their feelings for each other and, honestly, it’s refreshing to see a romance like this between two career-driven individuals who are mental equals. When Noor is confronted by her Chacha, it’s great to see how Nasir steps in to defend and protect her while also recognizing that Noor is capable of defending herself. Despite her Chacha’s tactics to land her in trouble, Noor no longer fears him. Most of this is due to Safia’s (Javeria Abbasi) change in attitude as well. It’s wonderful to see how Safia has finally realized that she is in a place of power. While she was once the victim, she now holds the power to be the abuser – and despite all the years of trauma she endured, she is a good person at heart and chooses good over evil. What makes this even more powerful is how her husband (Shahood Alvi) lays in bed, groaning with effort, wanting to say/do something, but finds himself incapable. What this really highlights is that this man, despite everything he has gone through and how his daughters have stepped up for him, hasn’t changed at all. Will he change later? It’s possible and it would be nice to see. But does it really matter? No, what does matter is that his wife and daughters are stronger women without him.
Of course, Saim (Haroon Shahid) and Fajar’s (Srha Asghar) relationship is a highlight of the show, depicting exactly what a good, loyal partner should be like. Fajar has only shared a positive relationship with Noor, every other relationship always trying to control her and put her under their thumb. It comes as such a pleasant surprise then when Fajar feels comfortable enough with Saim to confide in him about Basam. This is honestly a breakthrough for this character, because while Saim gives her a way out, telling her to tell him when she feels comfortable, she still presses on and tells him the truth. Haroon Shahid and Srha Asghar are so sweet in these roles and while it’s great acting of course, it’s also great writing. Saim’s personality is exactly the kind of personality Fajar needed in her life and while most girls who endure such trauma do not get a “Saim” in their lives, it’s nice to see positivity in Fajar’s life. Unfortunately, her mother-in-law frowns upon this relationship and wants Fajar to leave her house as soon as possible – something made worse when Fajar’s Chachi corners her mother-in-law and tells a different version of events, making it seem as though Fajar had eyes for Basam. Fortunately now that Fajar has told Saim the truth, one expects that he will act as her shield.
The greatest aspect of “Aakhir Kab Tak” are not only the (strong) performances, but also the overwhelming feeling of optimism and positivity that radiates from this grim tale. These girls have suffered a lot, Fajar more than anyone, and so has their mother. However, that chain of abuse is coming to an end with power – the power of education, the power of a supportive partner, the power of self-realization…..the light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to shine through. Ushna Shah, Javeria Abbasi and Srha Asghar are the stars of this show, given strong support by Haroon Shahid and Adeel Hussain (and even Shahood Alvi). This is one of the best shows on television right now and deserves to be spoken about more.