“Mujhe Vida Kar” is a show that airs Monday through Friday on ARY Digital. On the surface, the show seemed like an excuse to portray excruciating levels of misery to pull in TRPs, however as the show progresses, it has become apparent that this drama is highlighting a very real issue. Written by Samra Bukhari and directed by Saqib Zafar Khan, “Mujhe Vida Kar” has a talented star cast including Madiha Imam, Saboor Aly, Muneeb Butt, Raza Talish, Ali Rizvi, Shabbir Jan, Saba Hameed, Sana Askari, Paras Masroor, Tara Mehmood, Shaista Jabeen and others.
In episode 5, we see that Rida (Madiha Imam) and Sadia (Saboor Aly) are now both married and settling into their lives. While Sadia seemed to have a good time initially, Tauseef (Ali Rizvi) is now coming under his mother’s influence, showing that as nice as he may have appeared initially, he is ultimately his mother’s son. As Tauseef’s sister’s marriage preparations begin, Tauseef and his family make it clear that Sadia doesn’t need to worry or meddle in their affairs….though Sadia is well-aware that Tauseef is planning on taking all the items she brought with her and giving them to his sister. This is a difficult situation for any girl and Sadia’s frustration with her in-laws is already boiling over, as her husband is equally as difficult as her in-laws.
On the flip-side, Rida and Usman (Muneeb Butt) seem to share a very warm, trusting relationship. Usman’s family is essentially much worse than Sadia’s in-laws are, but Rida is blessed in the way that Usman is aware of their faults and is a supportive husband, protecting his wife from their words. Unfortunately for Rida, Usman has to leave for England again and will work on her paperwork from there – leaving her stuck with her in-laws until then. Not only does Rida have to deal with absolutely awful in-laws, but also a lecherous brother-in-law (Paras Masroor) who seems to have eyes for any female that moves. It’s Farheen (Sana Askari) who is a blessing for Rida, not only advising her, but also becoming a support for her in this otherwise toxic household. What’s interesting here (and almost unbelievable) is how both Azhar, Farheen’s husband, and Usman are the sons of their terrible, vile parents – and yet, these are two solid, intelligent, protective men who have turned out very different from their parents (and sister). This is in stark contrast to Tauseef, who is a mirror image of his (internally) very ugly family.
Chupke Chupke – The Finale: A Perfect Ending To a Near-Perfect Show
Both Saboor Aly and Madiha Imam are doing a great job, but the supporting cast is also good. Special mention to Tara Mehmood, Shaista Jabeen, Haaris Waheed and Raza Talish who are doing such a wonderful job showing the “other side,” playing the inherently “good” characters. These families show the stark difference between the homes these women have come from and the hideous families they have been married into. While these two sets of in-laws may appear over-the-top on the surface, a very different form of nasty, it’s unfortunately a reality for many women. Not only is the concept of “jahaiz” still a prevalent one, but the concept of women getting married and leaving their family behind is also one that continues to exist in the minds of many. Adding to that insult, there are many who love their own daughters, but do not spare a moment to realize their daughter-in-law is also someone’s daughter and is loved by her family as well. “Mujhe Vida Kar” is heartbreaking to watch, but one can’t doubt the validity of it all. While one couldn’t term this a must-watch or even a guilty pleasure (as it’s much too heavy), this is an interesting story with some great performers.