“Dil Na Umeed Tou Nahin” is a show the audience looks forward to each week, a show that always seems to end too quickly and has been presented in a way that keeps the viewer engrossed in the storyline. The show has been written by Amna Mufi, directed by Kashif Nisar and stars Yumna Zaidi, Wahaj Ali, Noman Ejaz, Samiya Mumtaz, Yasra Rizvi and Noor Ul Hassan in lead roles. In the last episode, we saw Ramsha’s death and Sumbal reacting badly to it, along with Jamshed’s plans to run away from home.
The opening scene of episode 5 with Jamshed scolding Allah Raakhi for suggesting he marry her is laugh-out-loud funny. This story takes a dark turn when Jamshed’s friends put their plan in motion to run away to Lahore. While Allah Raakhi’s family is busy celebrating Saadia’s marriage, they have heartbreak in store when Jamshed’s friends break into the house and steal the loaned money for Saadia’s wedding. Unaware of what has happened, the family continues their celebrations as Jamshed and his friends run away. Runaways do not have it easy and Jamshed is certainly naïve for trusting these wayward friends of him who are not much older than he is. Once the trio arrive in Lahore, the boys realize their money has been taken and abandon Jamshed at a dhaaba. There are many opportunists out there only too happy to take advantage of children and Jamshed is a sitting target once he realizes he’s been abandoned. A man takes the tearful, lost Jamshed to a “safe” place with other kids and tells him to get a good night’s sleep before sending him home the next day. The way this scene plays out, there is no room for doubt as to what will be Jamshed’s outcome. The young man has a world of grief headed his way and it’s this knowledge that weighs heavy on the viewer’s heart. While Jamshed is about to be thrown into a terrible world, Allah Raakhi and her family are about to go through their own share of difficulties when Saadia’s marriage is stopped. Little Jamshed and Allah Raakhi are not only wonderful characters, but the child actors playing them are so endearing on-screen. It’s difficult to take your eyes off of them and their scenes instantly bring a smile on the face when they are interacting with each other – and draw out tears in moments of grief. These child actors deserve a round of applause.
Sumbal (Yumna Zaidi) and Savera (Yasra Rizvi) discuss Ramsha’s sudden death as Savera fills in the gaps, discussing the torture Ramsha endured before her death. This information jolts Sumbal and it’s clear Sumbal’s mental strength will not allow her to simply accept this fate for herself, even if she has been enduring it for several years now. Overhearing Madam (Navid Shahzad), Zulfi (Omair Rana) and the doctor’s discussion with Pasha’s men, Sumbal snaps and decides to run away. Unfortunately for Sumbal, she is caught and beaten terribly by Ikram. One thing is made clear in this episode – Zulfi is definitely not a supporter of Sumbal, despite seeming to be a supporter in previous episodes. He is deeply involved in this business along with Madam and appears to be the brains behind the operation. Doctor Sahab is a confusing character, because while he’s also an accomplice to covering up the deaths of these young women, he also appears to be a support system for Sumbal. He and Savera do their best to convince Sumbal to follow the rules – for her own safety. It goes to show how complex and yet well-oiled this type of business is that those living within those confines begin to view it as their own “normal.” Who is the victim and who is the savior? The lines have blurred!
Little Naheed’s story is still seemingly unattached from the other tracks, but there are some wonderful moments this week here. When Noor Ul Hassan’s character visits the school principal with several other men to discuss girls education, the principal knows exactly how to deal with these men. She sweetly puts forward her ideas while allowing the men to feel as though she’s listening to them – while actually manipulating them. The way she puts the so-called protectors of decency in their place by laying out the realities of running a school is applause-worthy and not only has this scene been very well-written, but also excellently performed. Samiya Mumtaz’s character is one who wishes to support her daughter’s large dreams of being a sportswoman, but her environmental constraints do not allow her to do it openly. Still, it will be interesting to see the journey on which Naheed’s story will take viewers.
Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahin Episode 4: Brilliant Performances Week After Week
The performances on this show are all applause-worthy. Navid Shahzad, Yumna Zaidi, Samiya Mumtaz, Noor Ul Hassan, the child actors…..everyone has put their best foot forward. Overall, episode 5 of “Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi” is like all the other episodes so far – it’s brilliant. If anything, this episode has done a great job of giving the drama proceedings a gentle push forward now that Jamshed is in trouble. With Jamshed’s story coming to light, will we now begin to see more of Wahaj Ali as Jamshed’s elder persona?
