Generally, if a drama does not air on ARY Digital, Geo or Hum TV, the likelihood of it succeeding is not high. “Ek Jhoota Lafz Mohabbat,” airing on Express TV, is no different, arriving with little to no publicity despite having some popular faces in the cast. Starring Junaid Khan, Amna Ilyas, Aiza Awan, Sajid Hassan, Saima Qureshi and others, the story has been written by Mamoona Aziz and directed by Syed Zeeshan Ali Zaidi.
We are introduced to two sisters at the beginning of the show. Areesha (Aiza Awan) is a confident young girl who is always looking to grab an opportunity, which is in stark contrast to her loving, accepting, humble sister Aleeza (Amna Ilyas). Areesha and Maaz (Junaid Khan) are not only cousins, but sweethearts who have been engaged since childhood. Both share a good relationship and while Areesha has a genuine affection for Maaz, it’s clear that Maaz loves Areesha much more than she loves him. Unfortunately, Areesha meets Emmad Irfani’s character at a wedding and he quickly proposes, showing Areesha visions of a wealthy, happy future. Areesha runs away from her own wedding, eloping with Emmad Irfani’s character instead, which leaves Aleeza to step in and “save the family honor” by marrying Maaz, a young man she always saw as a brother. While Aleeza is being mistreated by her mother-in-law and sister-in-law as the newly appointed house help, Areesha is quickly realizing that all is not well with her new husband, a man who doesn’t waste a moment to taunt her regarding her “class.”
The story here isn’t innovative and has a heavy feeling of déjà vu over it, resembling the Bollywood film “Aaina.” There are two full episodes of crying, which feels a bit much considering the characters have not even been properly established. Areesha runs off with a man she met only once, which feels nonsensical and unrealistic. She may be opportunistic, but is any girl this dim? And when will stories regarding “honor” marriages be done away with? How is anyone winning by marrying off two people who do not want to be together? Honestly, it’s exhausting watching stories like this – however, seeing Junaid Khan and Sajid Hassan in this show leaves hope that there may be something here worth watching after all. Aiza Awan is also proving herself to be a natural as an actress, along with being attractive. But is an interesting star cast enough to hold audience interest – especially considering the show is running on a less-watched channel?