“Agar” continues to be a refreshingly different watch, focusing on the issues women face in Pakistani society – and at home. Following the lives of three sisters and their struggles through life, “Agar” is a show that leaves the viewer wanting more. Starring Junaid Khan Juggan Kazim, Hina Altaf, Hina Bayat, Maheen Siddiqui, Hira Soomro, Ali Abbas and others, the story has been written by Madiha Shahid and directed by Ilyas Kashmiri.
In episode 17, Annie (Juggan Kazim) finally starts her married life with Shahwazi (Junaid Khan) and their daughter. The scenes depicting her departure are beautiful. This is a woman who has been the breadwinner for her family for years, her home being her world, her sisters and brother her companions. She is very connected to the home that has also taken so much away from her – specifically the precious early years of her daughter’s life. More importantly, Annie’s mother (Hina Bayat) finally acknowledges her hand in Annie’s actions. Along with Shahwaiz’s mother, the two women recognize their faults and how their decisions hindered the happiness of their own children. Annie leaves her childhood home with a smile on her face, content with her decision ad what’s in store for her future. Juggan Kazim and Junaid Khan make such a nice pair and they are two lovable characters as Annie and Shahwaiz, we cannot help rooting for them.
Meanwhile, Hooriya (Hina Altaf) continues to make a mess of her life. Meheryaar (Ali Abbas) may be a patient man, but for how long? Hooriya not only sees Meheryar as “beneath her,” but now has also started openly comparing him to Farrukh (Usama Khan). To make matters worse, she even throws Meheryaar’s ex into conversation, taunting him about how and why his first wife left him. It’s fortunate for Hooriya that she has such a kind, soft-natured, understanding mother-in-law, but again…..for how long? How long will a woman listen to her son’s bride behave so callously? Hooriya could have worked and supported herself and Hooriya, but she did not have any interest in working nor did she have any interest in housework and simply wanted to be pampered. What she fails to understand is that Farrukh loved her – and that’s why he pampered her. Why would Meheryaar pamper a woman who does not even lift a finger to make him happy in any way? Hooriya is the sort of character who makes it difficult to have any positive thoughts for. She has been through a tragedy, sure, but kindness begets kindness – and Hooriya is generally void of kindness.
In this episode, it’s Hina Bayat’s performance which really stands out. This is not an easy character to play, a character who is generally worried about finances at all times and has even trampled upon her own children to secure her financial stability – even if she does not realize she has trampled over them. Her moment of self-realization comes very late – but better late than never. But will this carry on to her other daughter, Chandni, or will the mistakes of the past be repeated? Ali Abbas also makes an impact with his performance as Meheryaar, a soft-spoken, kind-hearted man with low confidence. Fortunately, Meheryaar is not a doormat and seeing how he reacts to Hooriya’s taunt about Farrukh, he will start giving Hooriya a taste of her own medicine. The entire cast is doing a great job and the flow of the writing and direction is solid, making this an A-grade drama. “Agar” is a must-watch.