In episode 1, we are introduced to a few different families. First, we are introduced to Neeli’s oppressive, stifling household in which any normal girl would feel trapped. Neeli isn’t a “normal” girl, mind you. While her actions are not objectionable from the general viewpoint, she quickly passes a comment to her sister Shabana about her dark complexion, which eradicates any soft corner the viewer could feel towards her. Still, there isn’t any doubt that the “objectionable” practices like dancing (as Neeli points out – within her own bedroom walls) and eating dinner before her father gets home are not practices that should label anyone as “bad.” Her father, played by Waseem Abbas, is a thoroughly restrictive, verbally abusive, horrid excuse for a parent. Therefore the stage has been set to recognize why Neeli will ultimately rebel – and create trouble?
Next, we are introduced to Ifrah (Alizeh Shah), a girl much like Neeli, except she is from a well-to-do family and shares a loving relationship with her parents. Ifrah has been raised to speak her mind and live life with confidence. She even has a love interest (Khushhal Khan), a young man who is not only loyal, but also committed to marrying her as soon as possible. However, there’s a secret that is being kept from Ifrah and it appears that the secret is related to her birth – Ifrah is adopted. How will this information impact Ifrah’s present and future?
On the onset, based on subject matter, “Bebasi” reminds the viewer of another Hum TV drama – “Ki Jaana Main Kaun.” This drama also had a similar subject. Still, looking at the OST, the story overall appears to be headed in a different direction. In the first episode, it’s Khushhal Khan who makes the strongest impression, a natural actor with just the right balance of sweetness and intensity to be a potential star in Pakistani dramas. Of course, Alizeh Shah is a confident actress and she’s a pleasure to watch when she isn’t in roles that require her to cry all the time. Her pairing with Khushhal Khan is fresh and easy on the eyes. It’s too early to tell how the show will pan out, but the cast is interesting enough and despite some over-the-top writing, the it’s a digestible story so far. This one could have a lot of promise, particularly with Ali Rehman Khan’s entrance. Let’s wait and watch!
