“Kuch Ankahi” is a quiet, natural paced show that continues to impress viewers looking for quality television. Focusing on the problems within one household and the lives connected with those family members, this is a story with many characters and stories to explore. Starring Sajal Aly, Bilal Abbas Khan, Mira Sethi, Mohammed Ahmed, Irsa Ghazal, Vaneeza Ahmed, Babar Ali, Adnan Samad Khan, Sheheryar Munawar, Asma Abbas, Ali Safina, Qudsia Ali and others, the show has been written by Mohammed Ahmed and directed by Nadeem Baig.
In episode 15, Shanno (Irsa Ghazal) is now an ally to Samiya (Mira Sethi), recognizing her fault in pushing Samiya into this marriage, but also serving as her confidant. While Shanno is still adamant that Saif (Ali Safina) will pull through as a good husband, she also has some words of advice here – and they are good ones. She declares openly that she has never hidden the truth from Agha (Mohammad Ahmed) and she won’t do so now. She encourages Samiya to be honest with the family, but also hold her ground within her household. And, quite honestly, Samiya has begun to handle herself well. She is building a relationship with Saif, not only encouraging him to think independently of his mother, but also bonding with her manipulative mother-in-law (Asma Abbas) in her own way. While Samiya’s marriage is a pure compromise that we wish she didn’t take, how many women wind up in marriages like this? The answer is many – and for Samiya’s sake, we hope she emerges victorious.
Much of this episode revolves around Aaliyah (Sajal Aly) and Salman’s (Bilal Abbas Khan) fight. Salman is visibly angry with Aaliyah for taking up a job with Azfar (Sheheryar Munawar) and Aaliyah, while apologetic, is also miffed with how Salman has displayed such a “typical” attitude towards her career. Salman may be behaving in an unlikable way, but this is a layered reaction. Not only is he well-aware of Azfar’s business tactics and is upset that Aaliyah would sell her principles for money, but he’s also, well…..jealous. Salman has been demanding importance in Aaliyah’s life for a while now, asking for a commitment, and she has been brushing him off. Taking a job without running it by him or even discussing it with him first is what’s really bothering Salman, feeling as though he does not matter in Aaliyah’s life. Honestly, Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas Khan share what one would call “sweet” chemistry. They are so beautiful to watch on-screen and they are the perfect boy and girl next door. Their relationship is beautiful, realistic and root-worthy. That being said, Annie Zaidi’s Almas is the star of this relationship right now, actively scolding Salman for his behavior towards Aaliyah. This is a mother who wants to raise a strong, independent man who respects woman – and vocalizes her disappointment when he lets her down. Almas is a wonderful character.
Azfar, meanwhile, is proving himself to be the boss from hell. Forcing Aaliyah to compromise on her principles and push herself out of her comfort zone to live up to his expectations, Aaliyah is already deeply uncomfortable in her new position. Unfortunately, as Azfar reminds her, she is locked in a year-long contract and cannot leave. Sheheryar Munawar is performing this role exceptionally well and looks great doing it, but if he’s meant to be a “hero” in any way, shape or form, he is not winning viewers over – at least not this viewer. The way he speaks to Aaliyah is downright demeaning and creepy, insinuating all kinds of uncomfortable things. How could anyone root for such a character? This love “triangle” is anything but a triangle – rather, Azfar’s presence feels like a shroud of dread.
Overall, “Kuch Ankahi” continues to be a beautiful piece of work. The entire cast is performing well. Of course, Vaneeza Ahmed and Babar Ali’s scenes together as Sofia and Tanvi are just wonderful and we can’t wait to see more of them together. “Kuch Ankahi” continues to go from strength to strength with its simple, yet effective storyline that highlights the issues encountered in day-to-day life in Pakistan. This is a must-watch.
