Be Adab Episode 1: Not Off To a Strong Start, But Has a Promising Team!

It’s the time for a new batch of dramas with one premiering after another these days. Hum TV’s latest offering for Friday nights is “Be Adab.” The show stars Rehan Sheikh, Sania Saeed, Hajra Yamin and Faryal Mehmood in lead roles. Momin Saqib made headlines and became a national craze with his “Mujhe maaro” clip during the India-Pakistan match. This show is Momin Saqib’s launch as a hero and his involvement seems to be the USP of the show based on fan reactions. Written by Inam Hasan and directed by Shehzad Kashmiri, “Be Adab” appears to be a promising show, but does it live up to expectations?

In episode one, we are introduced to Sheena, played by Hajra Yamin, who comes from a simple background. A working woman, she is in love with Rohail and wards off proposals despite pressure from her parents to get married. One has to wonder if Sheena is supposed to be the “be adab” character here, but as of episode one, there isn’t anything particularly impolite or off-putting about her. She is an independent girl who is making her own choices and trying to rise above her circumstances. She clearly does not get along with her mother, but looking at her mother’s behavior, should this come as a surprise? In fact, her demeanor and attitude towards her father is respectful and kind, so it remains to be seen how her character progresses. Hajra Yamin is always an effective actress and she brings Sheena to life, making this outspoken, proactive character intriguing.

Rohail (Momin Saqib) is a good guy who loves and respects his family. In fact, he’s almost too good, a Mama’s boy, a boy who holds back his voice in front of his father out of fear of disappointing them. His parents, played by Rehan Sheikh and Sania Saeed, have disowned their other children for marrying against their wishes. It also seems one of their sons was supposed to marry Fatima (Faryal Mehmood), their niece who is now (unhappily) married. Rohail’s father holds control over Rohail, pinning all his hopes on him that he will marry a girl of their choosing. Unfortunately for them, Rohail is in love with Sheena and wants to marry her. However, it’s clear that Rohail does not have a backbone and despite discussing the situation with his mother, his father puts his foot down and declares that Rohail cannot marry Sheena. Rohail is not a particularly likable character at this point, having the courage to get into a relationship with a woman but lacking the courage to actually fight for his relationship. It’s interesting to see Momin Saqib in this sort of role considering he’s known for his comedy, so it feels like a strange choice. His acting is natural enough so far.

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This cast is solid and each actor is one that always tries to put their best foot forward when approaching their roles/characters in a show. Episode 1 of “Be Adab” is pretty slow with a slightly dull start and the storyline does not seem particularly unique. It’s difficult to assess a show from the first episode. However, the casting is strong and the writer-director team is known for quality work, so, for that reason, one hopes that the show pans out to be something worthwhile.