“Tere Bin” arrived like a whirlwind, sucking in Pakistani drama viewers with its melodrama, intense story and the raging chemistry between Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi. However, at present, fans of “Tere Bin” are less than happy with the twists and changes that have taken place over the past few weeks. During this time, many have found themselves remembering and revisiting the show that has often been suggested as Nooran Makhdoom’s inspiration for “Tere Bin” – the 2019 Hum TV production, “Malaal E Yaar.” Yes, even Murtasim’s shawl flip has been inspired by Malik Balaaj’s shawl flip. Airing in late 2019 to early 2020, “Malaal E Yaar” ran for 54 episodes. Starring Mirza Zain Baig and Azekah Daniel in lead roles, the story has been written by Hina Huma Nafees and directed by Asad Jabbal. While it must be said that “Malaal E Yaar” is an over the top show with loud characters and situations, this is a show that started off as a guilty pleasure watch for many and gradually turned into a quality love story. Centered around the feudal system and two modern girls being thrown into this background, the show certainly kept viewers coming back for more with its spirited heroine and comically aggressive hero.
While Balaaj, played by Mirza Zain Baig, literally marries Hooriya, played by Azekah Daniel, at gunpoint and brings her into his life as a possession, Hooriya holds her own and stands up to Balaaj at every turn. “Malaal E Yaar” plays on shock value, audiences consistently wondering how Hooriya can survive a marriage with a brute like Malik Balaaj – and yet, the writer deserves credit for turning a toxic relationship into something worth rooting for. A character that’s initially both repulsive and hilarious at the same time, Balaaj is the character that sees the most growth throughout the show, realizing his own hang-ups, flaws and molds himelf to change – not only for Hooriya, but for himself. Hum TV deserves props, as does the entire “Malaal E Yaar” team for how progressive and strong of a character Hooriya is from beginning to end an the genuine manner in which Balaaj mends is ways.
Sure, “Malaal E Yaar” has its annoying sub-plots and could have easily been ten episodes shorter. This is not an all-round perfect show, but it is thoroughly entertaining and leaves the audience with a love story to remember. If “Tere Bin” has left some viewers feeling disappointed, consider giving “Malaal E Yaar” a watch.