Back in 2008, we fell in love with the drama series “Doraha,” a well-written, intriguing story about a young man who gets married and has his cousin inappropriately playing third wheel. “Doraha” was not only a hit show, but is also a show fondly remembered today. Enter “Bayhadh,” a new drama on Har Pal Geo which immediately reminds one of that show with its tale of an obsessive third wheel. Starring Affan Waheed, Madiha Imam, Saboor Ali, Srha Asghar, Humayoun Ashraf, Rubina Ashraf, Zainab Qayyum, and Shehryar Zaidi in prominent roles, the story has been written by Rukhsana Nigar and directed by Syed Ramish Rizvi.
In the first two episodes of “Bayhadh,” we are introduced to Jugnu (Saboor Aly), a spoiled, spirited young woman who is forever the target of her family’s scoldings for refusing to “grow up.” Of course, in Pakistani culture, this is referring directly to Jugnu’s free-mingling with her cousin Hamza (Affan Waheed), who she lovingly calls “Hamza Bhai.” She is often seen comparing Hamza to her own brother, saying she sees the two in the same light. Until, after getting engaged to Khurram (Humayoun Ashraf), she realizes her feelings for Hamza have never been brotherly at all. Jugnu’s realization of love not only comes too late, but it’s also unwarranted and unwanted.
Hamza, on his part, does not see Jugnu as anything but a silly younger sister. He is in love with Soniya (Madiha Imam), who is from the upper class – and her mother, Yasmin (Rubina Ashraf), does not allow her to forget it. She is the greatest opposition in Hamza and Soniya’s life. There’s also Osama Tahir playing a negative character of sorts and Srha Asghar as Soniya’s sister. Will Hamza and Soniya wind up together? And if they do, will Jugnu and Yasmin allow them to remain happy?
As previously stated, there isn’t anything extraordinary or novel about this story. It’s predictable and we can already see what’s going to happen for miles. Yet, there’s something engaging and entertaining about the way the first two episodes have been presented. Saboor Aly fits into the role of Jugnu really well with a mixture of innocence and madness while Affan Waheed dons the “gullible, oblivious” hero hat this time around. We can already see him being manipulated by Jugnu against Soniya. Madiha Imam is a good actress, but will Soniya really allow her to perform? Let’s wait and see. This show will certainly fall into the “guilty pleasure” category of viewing for many Pakistani drama fans. It has the right amount of melodrama along with a talented cast and mindlessness to make this a surefire success for Geo. Will it remain a worthwhile watch though? That remains to be seen.