“Ishq Murshid” is the sort of story fairytales are made of. Females of all different age groups and generations have been singing Bilal Abbas Khan’s praises as Shahmir/Fazal Baksh. The romance between Shahmir and Shibra is of the sort which we rarely see on our television screens, one that comes with support, devotion, friendship, comfort and much more – but also, simply, romance. Up until now, the feel of “Ishq Murshid” has remained light. However, when Shibra discovers Shahmir’s deceit, what turn will the story take? Starring Bilal Abbas Khan, Dur E Fishan Saleem, Omair Rana, Noor Ul Hassan, Salma Hassan and others, the show has been written by Abdul Khaliq Khan and directed by Farooq Rind.
In episode 17, Shahmir (Bilal Abbas Khan) toys with the idea of telling Shibra (Dur E Fishan Saleem) the truth. How long can he keep up this charade? Is it possible to continue a relationship, that too one which he wants to end in marriage, through a fake persona? Shahmir realizes that and plans his confession to Shibra, one of both love and the truth. However, in the last moment, he backs out after envisioning Shibra’s reaction. In this episode, we see a trickle of insecurity in Shahmir, a man who has always seemed otherwise so confident. He is not comfortable with his identity and what he stands for, preferring to remain Fazal Baksh, a man who is loved and admired by all he comes into contact with. It’s an interesting choice to make, but how much longer can this go on? Shibra is an incredibly honest, pure-hearted soul and it’s already doubtful that she will forgive this deceit – but the longer it goes on, the worse it will be.
The Fazal Baksh and Shibra relationship is so wholesome, one of familiarity, comfort and understanding – along with, obviously, love. This is the sort of romance between pure souls that we want to root for – but the reminder that Fazal Baksh is a fictional character created by Shahmir is a real problem which has begun to loom over Shahmir’s head – and ours. When will the truth come out? It also must be said that with the show currently at episode 17, Shahmir as a character needs to step up and take control. As entertaining as Fazal Baksh is, it’s Shahmir who is our “true” hero, the real individual – and so, we’d like to get to know him more and Shahmir grow without the façade of Fazal Baksh.
Episode 17 has some excellent scenes, particularly those between Bilal Abbas Khan and Dur E Fishan Saleem. Fazal Baksh’s orange suit and his dilemma with his tie are such well-written, humorous scenes with repeat-watch value. Bilal Abbas Khan has truly won the audience over with this role and his chemistry with Dur E Fishan Saleem, who is lovable as the relatable Shibra, is excellent. “Ishq Murshid” is a show that has been entertaining audiences for weeks now and, quite honestly, we are nowhere near ready for this show to end – nor has the narrative progressed enough to end in a satisfying way. If “Ishq Murshid” manages to allot enough episodes for a satisfying conclusion, this show will be remembered for years to come for its sweet, complicated romance.
