A highly awaited show on ARY, “Habs” stars Feroze Khan and Ushna Shah in lead roles, a pairing that has viewers excited. The story is described as a one that follows a young couple bound together in marriage trying to work through the misunderstandings created by their own loved ones. Written by Aliya Makhdoom and directed by Musaddiq Malek, the cast also includes Ayesha Omar, Saba Faisal, Hina Rizvi, Irsa Ghazal, Javed Sheikh and Imran Aslam.
In the first episode, we are introduced to Ayesha (Ushna Shah), a young girl who is education-driven and career-oriented. While she has plans to pursue her masters, a wrench is thrown in her plan when her sister, Bano, who has been supporting the family, wishes to finally marry Talal (played by Imran Aslam), her long-time love interest who has been patiently waiting for her. Unfortunately, their mother has been hurt in love and neither she nor her sister have any faith in men, depending on the women of the household to be “the providers.” This is all fine and well, but their mother takes it much further than necessary. While Bano could simply reassure their mother that she will continue working post-marriage, their mother is a very business-minded person and will not support her daughters.
Meanwhile, Basit (Feroze Khan) is mourning the loss of his father (played by Javed Sheikh), a father he doted on throughout his life. Basit has been burned by his parents’ relationship, not seeing the value in marriage after his mother (Irsa Ghazal) left them. However, as his dying wish, Basit’s father not only asks his ex-wife to come back to support Basit, but also includes it in his will that Basit must get married in order to get his share of the business.
The circumstances have been set for Ayesha and Basit’s union, if one sits down to think about it. With Ayesha now hunting for a job, desperately wanting to make things right for her family, will Basit and Ayesha strike a deal that results in a marriage of convenience? This is where the show seems headed and it’s not necessarily a unique concept, but it works. It’s great to see Feroze Khan in a role that doesn’t require him to pine over a girl he can’t ever have and this will allow naysayers to truly appreciate his acting talent (which he has an abundance of). He is already doing incredibly well as the muted, injured Basit. Ushna Shah is a natural actress as always and it’s great to see her in another role that highlights women as go-getters. The Feroze and Ushna pair is already highly awaited!
Right away, “Habs” feels like a combination of two dramas/telefilms, the first being Feroze Khan’s “Dino Ki Dulhania” with Sana Javed, where his character is forced to get married due to his grandmother’s will. The second is “Noor Ul Ain,” starring Imran Abbas and Sajal Aly, where a young couple faces turmoil due to trouble stemming from their families. Both of these were solid projects, but “Habs” could possibly wind up being the best of both with its impressive presentation and incredibly talented cast. The first episode has managed to win over viewers with its intriguing first episode due to its immediate appeal. This will be a show to look out for if it maintains this level throughout its run.