“Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha” is technically a hit show, bringing in high TRPs and views on YouTube each week. However, as far as critic and audience acclaim goes, this show has not been an audience favorite. The show is often criticized for its weak storyline and the inability of audiences to connect with any of the characters. While Wahaj Ali’s Saad is often cited as being the pull for viewers watching, even Saad’s character has frustrated viewers for being too forgiving. Along with Wahaj Ali, the show also stars Hania Amir and Zaviyaar Nauman Ejaz, supported by Angeline Malik, Shahood Alvi, Salma Hassan, Shaheen Khan, Noor Ul Hassan and Rabya Kulsoom. The story has been written by Sidra Seher Imran and directed by Badar Mehmood.
In episode 25, Areeb (Zaviyaar Nauman Ejaz), unable to take no for an answer, presents Maheer (Hania Amir) with divorce papers in front of her entire family and Saad (Wahaj Ali). This finally sparks a much-needed, long overdue outburst. Maheer’s outburst and outright refusal to entertain Areeb anymore is a great scene – and it’s even better as she has done it in front of her entire family and Saad. Unfortunately, as great of a scene as it is, would such an outburst absolve Maheer of her behavior in the real world? Maheer has created this entire situation with her wishy-washy attitude. Neither did she accept Saad as her husband nor did she stop meeting Areeb, which was only made worse by her not clearly telling off Anabia. While it’s cute to hear Maheer tell Areeb that she feels disgusted by him, when will she turn the blame back on herself and feel disgusted by herself? In the end, it’s Maheer who has led two men on at the same time, neither accepting nor refusing either until the last two episodes and she continues to play victim.
The problem with “Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha,” quite honestly, is the writing. We all care for Saad and want him to have a happy ending – and so we find the Maheer and Saad moments sweet and endearing. However, we also have to remind ourselves that Saad, in his love for Maheer, has always put aside his own self-respect and even overlooked the feelings of his father, mother and sister for Maheer’s sake. Even in episode 25, Saad speaks rudely to Neelo (Rabya Kulsoom) and his mother, disregarding their feelings on a situation which has been presented to them over time. Their reaction is not unfounded. It may be unfair, sure, but they are only responding to the months of behavior they have seen from Maheer.
In the end, Maheer and Saad finally unite and begin their happily married life as a couple. Meanwhile, Areeb has begun to spiral out of control. While he’s being painted out to be the villain now, again, can we blame him for reacting badly? Maheer has, again, led him on for months. Unfortunately, this has been a show from the beginning which made it difficult to sympathize with the lead characters due to the way the show played out. These characters are shallow. Their behavior is fickle. Their reasoning is illogical – and unrealistic. At this point, while we may feel brief happiness for Saad finally getting happiness in his marriage, is it really a winning moment? If any of these characters had a tragic end, would it really break any hearts? “Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha” is, sadly, a love story without a soul.
