To give “Ishq Murshid” the title of “Pakistan’s favorite love story” would not be a stretch by any means. One episode racking up 13 million views within two days is not an ordinary feat, the love story of Shibra and Fazal Baksh winning over audiences across the subcontinent. Starring Bilal Abbas Khan and Durr E Fishan Saleem in lead roles, “Ishq Murshid” also stars Noor Ul Hassan, Omair Rana, Srha Asghar, Salma Hassan, Adnan Jaffar, Hira Tareen, Awais Suleman, Rabia Noreen and others in a story written by Abdul Khaliq Khan and directed by Farooq Rind.
In episode 10, Shahmir (Bilal Abbas Khan) has returned “home” from abroad, spending time with his father (Omair Rana), Faraaz (Awais Suleman) and, not necessarily by choice, Mehreen (Hira Tareen). While Mehreen and Shahmir’s families are plotting their marriage, Shahmir continues to string Mehreen along with a purpose – while clear in his mind that he’s in love with Shibra (Durr E Fishan Saleem). This is a dangerous game Shahmir is playing and it’s not entirely clear if he’s thought it through or if he’s just following his heart without any future planning.
Meanwhile, Nargis (Rabia Noreen) and Zohaib (Sajjad Paul) arrive at Salman’s (Noor Ul Hassan) home in a panic, freshly threatened by Shahmir, and grovel at Sukaina’s feet for forgiveness. Sukaina, on her part, is happy about the change of heart, but her anger towards her father remains, noting that he played no part in this turn of events. Sukaina is honestly one of the more frustrating characters in “Ishq Murshid,” a thoroughly selfish young woman who does not see that if her father gives in to Nargis’ demands, Sukaina herself will spend the rest of her life and marriage fulfilling more demands. While Salman’s thought process is correct, it seems he does not do a great job of explaining to his family – and winds up being the bad guy.
Meanwhile, as Shahmir returns to Salman’s home as Fazal Baksh, his love story with Shibra is in full bloom. There are so many sweet, lovable moments between the two, particularly the one with the “real” Fazal Baksh, which is hilarious. It’s nice to see a love story taking time to grow, a show investing in creating a bond between its leads so that when the inevitable happens, that bond of love is enough to remind viewers – and the lead pair – of what’s at stake (team “Mannat Murad,” please take notice).
As previously stated in past reviews, this is a Bilal Abbas Khan show through and through. Of course each actor is doing their job impeccably, particularly Durr E Fishan Saleem and Noor Ul Hassan, who are receiving the most screen space at present. Special mention must also be given to Awais Suleman as Faraaz. However, it’s Bilal Abbas Khan who is the glue holding the show and all of these characters together. Bilal has managed to make both the humorous Fazal Baksh and the suave Shahmir equally lovable. The way Shahmir has been written is what makes him such a likable character. His demeanor is unphased, cool, calm and collected at all times. This is a man who can think on his feet, as proved with how he handles Mehreen and being late for their lunch date. The direction, the writing and that beautiful OST are all highlights in what’s easily the best show of the season.
