“Kuch Ankahi” is a show that has impressed Pakistani drama audiences with its realism, its tale focused on a middle class family with financial struggles, family feuds and hopes to achieve dreams. 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 himself and directed by Nadeem Baig. However, while the show has otherwise been near-perfect with its storytelling, episode 8 is its weakest episode to date.
In episode 8, the focus is on Samiya’s (Mira Sethi) impending wedding. With the mehndi in full swing, the family is preparing to send Samiya off. But what about the matter of Shagufta (Uroosa Sididiqui)? Well, such things can’t remain a secret for long and, in the case of Shagufta, she won’t even allow for it. Shagufta places a call to Samiya and makes it clear that even if Samiya does marry Saif (Ali Safina), she will face divorce down the line. For a young girl already worried about her impending marriage and unsure of her relationship with her to-be groom, this is a terrifying phone call to receive, one that would rattle anyone. But Samiya has been portrayed as the sacrificing, obedient young daughter and will do anything for her parents. In this case, however, her denial and silence does not make sense. Will it help her family in any way if Saif divorces her two months after the wedding? Will it make it any easier for her if Saif takes on a second wife and throws her in a corner? Samiya’s future with Saif looks horrifyingly grim and being given a warning in advance is a blessing. What is the point of such a meaningless wedding? Sure, money has been spent on arrangements, but Saif’s family should cover that anyway after this betrayal. Even worse and almost illogical is Aaliyah’s (Sajal Aly) reaction to Samiya’s confession. Aaliyah has never supported this marriage, so one would’ve expected Aaliyah to run out of the room screaming bloody murder – but instead, she’s calmly asking Samiya what she wants to do. What should she want to do? Samiya clearly doesn’t know how to speak for herself, so this is the moment where a sister, who has always served as her mouthpiece, should step in – and yet, she doesn’t. What’s worse is the way Shanno, played by Irsa Ghazal, continues to push this marriage despite the hundreds of red flags. It’s understandable that a mother would want a bright future for her daughter, but pushing her daughter into an already lit fire is ridiculous.
Moving on to the other stories, there is a lack of narrative building at work here – or should I say…..not at work here? Salman (Bilal Abbas Khan) has suddenly begun flirting with Aaliyah after moving into her house and it has come out of nowhere. Initially, it seemed as though he might be doing it to get under her skin. Can someone fall in love with a person just after watching them drop flowers in a wedding? It’s unlikely and so Salman’s care and softer demeanor with Aaliyah makes it feel as though we’ve missed something. Regardless, Bilal Abbas Khan and Sajal Aly’s chemistry is so sweet, they’re a joy to watch together. Likewise with Tania (Qudsia Ali) and Shakeel (Adnan Samad Khan), who we have been watching for several episodes now and not once has there been any inclination that Shakeel likes Tania. So how is he suddenly proposing marriage to her and falling over himself to impress her? How? Why?
Performance-wise, this is a Mira Sethi centric episode and she performs extraordinarily. Her actions are understandable to an extent and we can feel her inner turmoil, particularly because she’s stuck in this conundrum. She is the only one who knows about the phone call, so she’s the only one who can state the truth…..and that’s a heavy burden to carry for an obedient daughter unwilling to hurt her parents. Mira’s performance is all heart. Unfortunately, it seems as though Samiya’s dilemma will be dragged out for even longer now that the preview shows Shanno falling ill. Here’s hoping “Kuch Ankahi” is put back on track as soon as possible, because these dragged out stories of illogical silence are not particularly likable, especially in an otherwise perfect, lovable show.