“Mere Ban Jao” can be called many things, but tame is not one of them. From episode one alone, this show took a dark turn as Uzmi’s (Kinza Hashmi) fiancé, Fardeen (Azfar Rehman) requested her to perform inappropriate actions during a video call. Uzmi, being taught to be obedient and pacify those in her life, agreed, but later recognized Fardeen’s aggressive, manipulative behavior and escaped his clutches. Unfortunately, Fardeen now hoards Uzmi’s video over her and her life, controlling her actions every step of the way. Starring Zahid Ahmed, Kinza Hashmi and Azfar Rehman in lead roles, the story has been written by Samira Fazal and directed by Syed Ahmed Kamran.
In episode 21, Fardeen continues to meddle in Uzmi’s life, not only informing Hassan of Uzmi’s business with Zaki, but also stating he will invest in her business. The family happily goes along with this plan, Hassan and Fardeen plotting to invest in “Uzmi’s business,” icing Zaki and Nadira (Hira Tareen) out of the scenario while Uzmi listens in a state of panic. With Uzmi’s family eating out of Fardeen’s hand, lapping up his every word, how can a girl confide in those who should protect her? There’s this telling moment where Fardeen discusses the business venture in front of Zaki and Nadira. Zaki speaks to Uzmi’s mother, stating that where he comes from, business is not done with ex-husbands. Uzmi’s mother’s reaction is exactly why Uzmi is in this situation, as she immediately jumps to Fardeen’s defense, agreeing with his stance. This woman is so dense, she refuses to protect her daughter from a man Uzmi was so desperate to get away from, she ran away from the wedding. And yet, is this unrealistic? Fardeen is her sister’s son and so, this is the stereotypical South Asian woman who has been trained to do what’s best for the family, even if what’s “best for her family” is to put her daughter in uncomfortable, awkward positions and tie her career to an ex-husband.
Zaki is an absolute blessing in Uzmi’s life and it’s wonderful watching how he supports her. Initially, Fardeen blackmails Zaki right along with Uzmi and has him place a phone call to Uzmi, convincing her to run away from her marriage and marry Fardeen. This sounds as ludicrous to Uzmi as it would to any logical person and she, already in a fragile state of mind, threatens to swallow pills. Zaki realizes his mistake and rushes to her home to ensure her safety. The scene that ensues is beautiful as Zaki proposes to Uzmi, telling her that he will protect her and respect her in this relationship. Uzmi refuses, not because she doesn’t consider Zaki an equal, but because she believes Zaki will leave her if he learns her truth. The way this scene is handled is great, because it shows the genuine bond between these two characters. They aren’t romantically involved, and neither is pushing a love angle in any way (even if Zaki does have feelings for Uzmi). These are two people working through a problem and trying to find a solution.
Zahid Ahmed and Kinza Hashmi are both doing such a beautiful job in their roles with Kinza emoting just the right amount of fear and anxiety while Zahid Ahmed as Zaki struggles to find a way to make her problems go away. If there’s a complaint, it’s that too much focus is put on Fardeen. Rather, we’d love to see how Zaki and Uzmi’s relationship grows in to love and how Zaki finds success in his education, leading to a strong profession. Instead, we’re constantly forced to watch Fardeen harass Uzmi. Yes, we are aware of the problem and the danger lurking, but more happiness and positivity would be welcome. That being said, Azfar Rehman is doing a great job as this loathsome character. Overall, “Mere Ban Jao” has us on the edge of our seats and with Uzmi’s marriage set to take place next week, will Uzmi choose to run away with Zaki after all?