“Mein Hari Piya” is the latest show to hit our screens from ARY Digital. Starring Sami Khan, Hira Mani, Sumbal Iqbal, Marina Khan, Maira Khan, Hassan Niazi and others, the story has been written by Qaisra Hayat and directed by Badar Mehmood. While the story does not appear to be particularly novel story-wise, the cast is interesting enough to pique interest.
In episode 1, the stage is set to introduce the main characters and their family dynamics. We are introduced to Sara (Hira Mani) and Fawad (Sami Khan), a couple celebrating their anniversary in a lavish way. One does have to stop and wonder who actually celebrates their anniversary like this? At the party itself, the taunts begin from Maira Khan’s character, Maria, regarding Sara and Fawad’s childlessness. These taunts continue throughout the episode and it’s disgusting from the get-go to see how vile Maria’s behavior is. Maria also divulges some private medical information that she “found out” from Sara’s doctor – and then instructs her mother to visit the doctor with her, so they can discuss Sara’s private reports with the doctor. Does this happen realistically in Pakistan? The two discover that Sara cannot become a mother and while Sara’s mother-in-law and husband are very supportive and loving, Sara cannot shake this feeling of being incomplete.
Farwa (Sumbal Iqbal) admires Sara and Fawad’s pairing from afar and it’s clear from Sara and Farwa’s scenes together that the two are very good, old friends. But after Farwa’s departure, Farwa is seen thinking about Sara’s good luck and comparing Sara’s life to her own, which isn’t as happy. From this moment, it’s clear that Farwa will be the cause of all Sara’s troubles. But will she enter Fawad’s life by force – or will Sara create these problems for herself by attempting to create a solution for her and Fawad’s childbearing issues? Outwardly, despite being mildly jealous of Sara’s happy life (which is only natural), Farwa appears to be a good friend who is simply bitter due to her own life circumstances.
Overall, the first episode of “Mein Hari Piya” is simply okay. It’s not a stand-out story or anything unique. Quite honestly, it’s Sumbal Iqbal’s performance which stands out the most as she’s very natural in her role as Farwa and her role has potential. Hira Mani and Sami Khan look sweet together and are natural performers as always. Maira Khan’s role is over-the-top, which has become expected of her lately and one wishes she would take different roles. One can already predict that this story will go the two-wife way with Fawad balancing Sara and Farwa in marriage, a situation which will tear apart a once-strong friendship. It remains to be seen if this will be worthwhile or not, but the team itself is strong enough to force the viewer to continue.
