“Mere Humsafar” is ARY’s latest love story with a heavy dose of family drama. Starring Hania Amir and Farhan Saeed in lead roles, they are supported by Saba Hameed, Wasim Abbas, Samina Ahmed, Tara Mehmood, Zoya Nasir and others. The story has been written by Saira Raza and directed by Qasim Ali Mureed. “Mere Humsafar” has had a “Mirasim” hangover from the beginning and with Saba Qamar as the “zaalim saas” once again, that feeling has lingered. However, the story also gives off a “Cinderella” vibe. Hala (Hania Amir) is essentially the reason for this entire family living in luxury, as her father has been sending money for her expenses all these years. That money hasn’t been used on Hala at all, rather it’s been spent on her cousins and the remaining family members, Hala living as a second-class citizen.
In episode 4, Hala’s romance with Khurram (Omer Shehzad) continues in secret with Hala’s “new” phone. And while Omer Shehzad is always a joy to watch and is incredibly good-looking, it’s almost immediately clear that Khurram’s intentions are “off.” But what is the story behind Khurram’s desire to keep their relationship secret? There’s a sneaking suspicion that Khurram may be engaged to friend (his cousin) and is simply having a fling with Hala on the side. Will Khurram be the cause of further misery for Hala? One thing is clear though – Omer Shehzad deserves more lead roles and doesn’t deserve to be relegated to playing a side character.
We also see how much abuse Shah Jahan continues to endure at Raees (Wasim Abbas) and his mother’s (Samina Ahmed) hands. While Raees physically and verbally assaults her, it’s his mother who throws oil on the fire, blaming Shah Jahan for every small thing. She also interferes in every decision Shah Jahan makes, even stopping her from disciplining her own daughter. And while this certainly does evoke sympathy on Shah Jahan’s behalf, it doesn’t excuse Shah Jahan or Sofia’s (Tara Mehmood) behavior towards Hala.
There’s a heartbreaking scene where Hala, on Sameen’s (Zoya Nasir) encouragement, calls her father and is just beginning the conversation when Raees storms in. The family accosts her over the call, questioning why she spoke to him – and it’s here we realize that Hala isn’t even aware that her father sends her money consistently. Shah Jahan and Raees have pocketed the money so silently and taunt Hala that her father has never sent her anything before and has dumped her on their heads. This is a big burden for a child to bear, to hear that not only does anyone in her home love her, but neither does her father.
With Sameen and Rumi’s battles, it’s difficult for Hala to escape unscathed as the two use her as a pawn against one another. Still, Sameen seems more logical and intelligent at this point – until Hamza (Farhan Saeed) enters the picture, which it’s clear that she will turn against Hala over his affections.
Hania Amir is carrying the show with her sweet, natural performance. Performing well is something that’s expected of Hania and she doesn’t let us down this time either, though the role is a bit more “bechaari” than we are accustomed to seeing her. Overall, “Mere Humsafar” is an interesting story, though not one that we haven’t seen before – and we’ve seen it done better. There’s a heavy dose of melodrama in this one and the cruelty Hala has to endure at the hands of her family members is difficult to watch. And still, there’s enough intrigue in this show to bring the viewer back each week and Farhan and Hania’s chemistry is sure to light up the screen.
