What’s a good love story without a good villain? In the case of “Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri,” the villains are the family members of the duo in love, creating an enjoyable Pakistani version of Romeo and Juliette. Starring the immensely talented Khushhal Khan, a superstar in the making, and the sweet and innocent Dananeer Mobeen, “Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri” largely works due to casting, this fresh pairing winning our hearts in believable roles. The show also stars Omair Rana, Ayesha Toor, Farah Sadia, Ali Tahir, Leyla Zubairi, Ali Raza, Naureen Gulwani and others while the story has been written by Rahat Jabeen and directed by Shahid Shafaat.
In episode 13, Zubia (Dananeer Mobeen) is in the middle of her forced engagement ceremony when Saim (Khushhal Khan) enters and has an outburst, essentially chasing away Zubia’s potential in-laws. As always, Daniyal (Ali Raza) is the first to jump and jump he does, assaulting Saim directly in front of the house. Daniyal is the least likable character, a character who is not only abusive and uses his fists rather than his brain, but also spends his time obsessing over his sister-in-law’s love story rather than his own marriage and newly wed wife. True to character, he has Zubia locked up in her room while scolding Rushna (Naureen Gulwani) about not keeping a close enough eye on Zubia. This is the perfect example of a household which is run entirely by a young, hot-headed man. Daniyal is the true “head of household,” despite his father and chacha being alive and in control. The character may be unlikable, but Ali Raza is doing a good job of portraying this character.
The real gems in this show are Ibrahim (Omair Rana) and Faiqa (Ayesha Toor), Saim’s parents. They genuinely love and support their son, only wanting what’s best for him and his future. When they attempt to separate Saim from Zubia, it’s for his betterment. Now that they’re trying to help him and Zubia unite, it’s for his betterment. These are good parents and are portrayed by Omair Rana and Ayesha Toor in an endearing manner (in direct contrast with Zubia’s physically and emotionally abusive family). Of course, Zubia and Saim refuse to be separated and share several sweet moments on the roof, plotting and planning their future – a future which involves a secret Nikkah. It’s hard not to root for this sweet, innocent couple, especially looking at what they’re up against.
Unfortunately, Zubia’s family has finally been swayed to agree upon an engagement between Zubia and Saim. Will their trust be betrayed in the upcoming episode when Saim and Zubia run away? Or will Zubia get caught before she even makes it to her own Nikkah? “Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri” is a really sweet show with a conflict that’s being presented in a believable way. We do not like Zubia’s family – but we know families like Zubia’s family. We do not agree with Zubia and Saim’s plans – but we can think back to this time of innocence and connect with their emotions. Khushhal Khan is simply a delight to watch on screen in both happy and tragic scenes. He is a superstar in the making. Dananeer Mobeen is a natural in this role. This drama is all heart and that’s exactly why it works.