“Khuda Aur Mohabbat” continues to be a winner with Pakistani drama audiences. Starring Feroze Khan, Iqra Aziz, Junaid Khan, Tooba Siddiqui, Sunita Marshall, Sohail Sameer and many others in prominent roles, “Khuda Aur Mohabbat” boasts of one of the greatest ensemble casts in recent years. Written by Hashim Nadeem Khan and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain, this drama tells the story of how a young man finds a new path after being rejected in love.
Much of episode 18 takes place in Sikandar’s home, casting light on Mahi’s (Iqra Aziz) new environment. Mahi’s situation is troubling in many ways. She is a new widow, navigating her way in a strange new “home” which she was never given the opportunity to call home, her husband dying before she even stepped foot into the house. Watching Mahi touch Taimur’s things and thinking of his words during their engagement is heartbreaking. Mahi is a young girl who had her bright future snatched right out from underneath her. And adding to this misery is Maa Ji’s (Hina Bayat) grief, which has consumed her entire personality. Once soft, caring and accepting, only wanting for the happiness of her two sons, Maa Ji has been ripped apart inwardly at her son’s cruel murder. She blames Mahi and her family (technically rightfully) for his murder and is unable to treat Mahi with anything other than callousness. Honestly, can anyone blame her? Mahi’s family is responsible for Taimur’s death – Taimur, a man who did not have a single enemy and had his whole life ahead of him. So while the viewer’s heart breaks watching Mahi being mistreated for something which she personally had nothing to do with, one can also sympathize with Maa Ji for her anger towards the death of her son on his wedding day for something which he also had nothing to do with. Both Iqra Aziz and Hina Bayat are performing incredibly well, making the viewer feel for both their characters. The moments between Mahi and Sikandar’s children are sweet.
Sikandar (Junaid Khan) and Rumana (Tooba Siddiqui) share a unique relationship and the extent of that relationship is brought to the forefront in this episode. Sikandar is a “zameendaar” (Landlord) and such “activities” are seemingly expected of them. Sikandar is a man who had a wife and doted upon her, but turned to Rumana after his wife’s death, seeking comfort not only otherwise, but also emotionally. Therefore a bond has been build between the two and so, it’s not surprising that Rumana comes running when she hears of Taimur’s death. And yet – her presence in his home is not acceptable. It’s interesting to see Sikandar’s reaction to Rumana’s arrival and it’s clear that he is a man with a conscience. He does not wish to disrespect Rumana and yet, he struggles with how her visit would be perceived. Rumana is only too aware of her own reality and handles the situation with grace, leaving after offering her condolences. This appears to be a genuine bond between the two, but much like the barriers between Farhad (Feroze Khan) and Mahi, the invisible societal walls between Sikandar and Rumana are high.
What is “Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3” without Farhad? Of course, Farhad makes his appearance towards the latter part of the episode, taking his place in the “dargah” where he is spotted by Rumana, who has been searching for him since their first meeting. While she loses him in the crowd, it’s clear that her search will continue. Will Rumana be the link that ties Farhad to Mahi once again? Overall, “Khuda Aur Mohabbat” is gradually picking up once again now that Farhad is back on the scene. It’s difficult to watch these tragic scenes, watching a mother, wife and brother all mourning for an untimely loss and one can only hope the show picks up in speed sooner than later. But the show has, after a few sluggish episodes, become interesting once again, giving the audience something to look forward to.
