“Ibn E Hawa” is one of Hum TV’s newer shows and while it has had a slower start, the story is unfolding in a way that keeps the viewer guessing how the story will unfold. Starring Shahzad Sheikh, Hira Mani, Aymen Saleem, Nadia Afgan, Noman Habib and others, the story has been written by Saji Gul and directed by Syed Ahmed Kamran. Patriarchy has been the basis for South Asian culture for decades (if not centuries) and when and how patriarchy can evolve into misogyny is the basis for the plot, specifically highlighting how women are affected.
In episode 4, Mehjabeen (Hira Mani) has a heart-to-heart with Shabratan (Nadia Afgan) regarding her responsibilities to her late husband. It’s revealed that she was an orphan when her late husband took her in, but through flashbacks, we realize he was an abusive, volatile spouse and Mehjabeen endured much grief at his hands. Still, she has held her sense of duty to him close, as she holds him responsible for changing her world. However, after the conversation with Shabratan, she decides that she wants to go for Hajj – and for this, she will get remarried. The relationship between Shabratan and Mehjabeen is sweet and it’s great to see that Mehjabeen has a trusted companion. And yet, we also have cause to suspect Shabratan may double-cross Mehjabeen in more than one way.
Meanwhile, Aaliya (Aymen Saleem) continues to pursue Zahid (Shahzad Sheikh) in the cutest way. Aymen Saleem is a breath of fresh air in this role, happy and even comical when she cries. In her pursuit of Zahid, he has begun looking at her in a different way, softening his heart towards her……however, his misogynistic upbringing will not allow him to give himself to her entirely and he holds back. It will be fun to see how this relationship continues to grow – or if it does. Will Shabratan send trouble Mehjabeen’s way in the form of Zahid to keep her own daughter safe? This is a real possibility.
Overall, “Ibn E Hawa” is a likable story that avoids the run-of-the-mill path. It is interesting with unique characters that stand out. While the story is heavy overall, it also has characters like Aaliyah and Shabratan who balance it out and keep the mood light-hearted. Nadia Afgan, Aymen Saleem, Shahzad Sheikh and Hira Mani are all doing a great job with their individual roles. So far, this is a winner.