Some shows are absolutely illogical and yet, one cannot stop watching the foolishness. “Bebasi” is one such show. The character sketches, the actions of each individual character and the basis for the storyline, everything is constantly under question by the viewer. Starring Ali Rehman Khan, Alizeh Shah, Khushhal Khan, Farhan Ali Agha, Javed Sheikh, Waseem Abbas and many other talented actors, it’s a big question mark as to how this sensible cast signed on to such a weak script. Written by Aliya Bukhari and directed by Barkat Sidiki, “Bebasi” delivers its most irritating episode with episode 23.
Ifrah (Alizeh Shah) has now given “permission” for Ahmer (Ali Rehman Khan) to get remarried – as if she ever had a say at all. Ahmer continues to be a royal oaf, suddenly attracted to his young bride, but still refusing to stand up to Mahnoor (Nausheen Shah). What is particularly irritating is Ifrah’s sacrificial nature. There isn’t any reason for Ifrah to continue rejecting Saahil (Khushhal Khan) when her conditions are so bad. She is with a husband who has no real need for her – sure, he is kind to her, but he also allows his sister to treat her like the household servant, verbally abuse her daily (sometimes even physically) and is now agreeing to marry again. What good is this sort of husband?
Beyond this, Ifrah’s loyalty to her father and her talk of “izzat” is what’s most infuriating in this episode. What is “izzat”? Is it what her biological father gave her when he called her characterless and had her married off by force to a man other than her legitimate fiancé? Ifrah is a character who loves spouting off nonsense about love for parents and respect, particularly to her half-sisters. When Noori visits Ifrah, it’s mind-numbing to hear Ifrah scold Noori over her disrespect for their father. This is a father who verbally, emotionally and physically abused Noori and her sister (and mother) throughout her childhood and Ifrah, who only had to tolerate him for 3 months, is now instructing Noori on how she should treat her own toxic father. These are the moments that make Ifrah most unlikable. Of course, it’s not lost on us how Noori, despite hating Ifrah, is making herself at home at Ifrah’s house.
The biggest victim in this entire scenario is Saahil, who has been mistreated by his fiancée and continues to be as she does not speak up for him or their relationship – not before marriage and not now when he continues to pursue her. He has been betrayed by his own family and is essentially living on the streets because of his loyalty to Ifrah. Does she deserve any of this loyalty? Unfortunately, not a single actor is worthy of praise in these roles either, barring Khushhal Khan who is doing the best he can with his limited role. At this point, “Bebasi” could end in any way and it would remain absolutely ridiculous.
