Khuda Aur Mohabbat Episode 5: Farhad Arrives in Mahi’s Hometown

While “Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3” is set to take viewers down a heavy, tragic path, the show is currently defining “entertainment” on our television screens. The show has been written by Hashim Nadeem Khan, directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain and stars Feroze Khan, Iqra Aziz, Junaid Khan, Mirza Zain Baig, Sunita Marshal, Javed Sheikh, Seemi Pasha, Waseem Abbas, Tooba Siddiqui, Momina Iqbal and several others. With Farhad now realizing his feelings for Mahi, he is ready to confess his feelings to her – but will she be present (or care) to listen?

Taimoor (Mirza Zain Baig) returns home, much to his mother’s (Hina Bayat) happiness. However, after hearing about his exchange with the “malang” (Noor Ul Hassan), she becomes worried. Maa Ji has a deep respect for and belief in the words of the malangs, believing their words to be a blessing and a premonition of what’s to come. So she visits him at the dargah, asking him about his words. While Maa Ji is initially shaken, hearing the malang speak of someone being carried away, she is reassured when he states that a “doli” will be lifted for both her sons. While this may have reassured Maa Ji, viewers are aware that his words are ominous and have neatly brushed over an impending tragedy.

Meanwhile, back in Lahore, Mahi (Iqra Aziz) and Sahiba (Sunita Marshal) are called back to Bahawalpur after an emergency arises and are forced to cut their trip short, heading back home immediately. Of course, this throws Farhad (Feroze Khan) for a loop when he realizes his love has not only left Lahore, but has also gone back to such a strict environment that he may not ever see her again. Determined to not let his love story end there, he concocts a plan to go to Bahawalpur to complete his education, enlisting the help of Nisar (Javed Sheikh). Nisar puts him in touch with Kazim (Usman Peerzada), his friend from Bahawalpur – and also Mahi’s father. Of course, Farhad is well-aware of this and happily prepares to meet Mahi again.

The best scenes in this episode are those featuring Farhad’s family and Naheed (Momina Iqbal). While Mahi may be the heroine of “Khuda Aur Mohabbat,” it’s Naheed who genuinely loves Farhad and is pure of heart. It’s difficult to see how her love is brushed aside by Farhad and how heartbroken she is by his leaving. Momina Iqbal suits this role perfectly as the chirpy, slightly intrusive neighbor and one almost wishes Farhad would leave Mahi alone and turn his attention towards Naheed – but of course then where would that leave the story? While leaving home for a year to Bahawalpur may not be a life or death situation, the entire family is left in tears after his departure – a scene that is a red herring for where Farhad will end up. Will this be their last meeting under this roof?

Once Farhad arrives in Bahawalpur, he is shocked to see Mahi’s background and the lavish lifestyle she comes from. Mahi’s family is not only well-off, they are rich and powerful, but with a rigidly conservative way of life. More than that, Farhad realizes rather quickly that Kazim’s business may not be as “clean” as one would think after he meets Nazim (Sohail Sameer), Sahiba’s husband. Nazim has a violent side and seems to expect promises of life and death from his driver – who is now Farhad. As a viewer, one finds themselves internally screaming for Farhad to run back home and leave this mess behind him. Of course, we know that Farhad has no intention of leaving Mahi behind and will not depart without getting an answer from her.

Episode 5 is a great episode in terms of content and moving the story along. In a matter of scenes, the story has transported viewers from an innocent, sweet love story in a safe space to now relocating our lovebird into uncharted territory with little hope of meeting the object of his affection despite being in the same house. Feroze Khan is simply wonderful as Farhad, playing his innocence, confusion and bewilderment in such a way that one truly believes he IS Farhad. Feroze Khan has always been a great actor, but this may just be his career best – and there’s so much more to go. Everyone is doing a great job in their roles and this new turn promises interesting sequences ahead. More than anything, the show is visually stunning, simply a treat for the eyes. We will have to see how the show proceeds, but so far, it’s potentially the most entertaining show on air.