“Parizaad” has been winning rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. Starring Ahmed Ali Akbar, Ushna Shah, Saboor Ali, Yumna Zaidi, Urwa Hocane, Nauman Ejaz and many others, “Parizaad” has been written by Hashim Nadeem and directed by Shehzad Kashmiri. The high point of “Parizaad” is Parizaad himself, a character who is so pure of heart, so kind, generous and innocent that he wins the hearts of all those around him. While Parizaad has seen a world of highs and lows in his life, many rough moments from his own family members, he has always remained true to who he is at heart.
Episode 19 moves forward, highlighting exactly this as Parizaad not only reconnects with his family, but also helps many others from his past out of their own troubles. Of course, we first witness Parizaad’s reunion with Sayeeda (Kiran Tabeer) and Salim (Malik Raza), a reunion that has been much awaited. If anyone in Parizaad’s life has always been in Parizaad’s corner, it has been Sayeeda, a sister who has loved Parizaad more than anyone – and their relationship has rubbed off on Salim as well, who considers Parizaad one of his own. It’s incredibly sweet to see then how Salim and Sayeeda have named their daughter after Parizaad (Parisa) and also worked to repay Parizaad’s loan – which, true to Parizaad’s nature, he gifts to their daughter. This is the most genuine, purest bond in Parizaad and it’s one that we can only hope remains this pure throughout the show (and there’s no doubt it will).
Of course, there are several other hard-hitting moments. We do see how the entire town has now rushed to praise Parizaad, particularly his greedy brothers, but Parizaad himself is now reaching out and truly giving back to his community. Not only does he hire Shauky (Raza Ali Abid) in his company, but he also comes through for Laila (Ushna Shah) in a big way when he hires Majid (Ahmed Taha Ghani) as well when the two are not only facing financial troubles, but also marital problems. This shows the purity of Parizaad’s heart, helping those who were responsible for his own fall from grace.
Two moments particularly stand out in this episode. Up until now, Kamali has seemed like a negative character, but we also have to note that Kamali has been in this business for a long time. It’s during the interaction between Kamali and Parizaad that we realize how Parizaad is beginning to soften Kamali’s demeanor and influence his mind. When Parizaad tells him how he has learned how to make money, but now how to spend it, that’s a thought that registered not only with his listener, but the audience. Do we truly know the right way to spend our money in this world that revolves around financial gain?
Another moment that stands out is when Parizaad, finally, goes back to the old shop to buy his piano – and finds it missing. Obviously, it has been years now and that piano has found a home. Parizaad, despite having a new piano of his own, has never been able to forget that piano. The piano isn’t just an object – it represented so much more for Parizaad. It represented his dreams, his ambition, his desire to escape his life circumstances. And so, winning our hearts again, Parizaad pays for a piano that has not yet arrived, telling the shopkeeper to give it to any young man with dreams in his eyes, wishing to own a piano.
It’s rare when the lead character of a show remains the central focus for why the audience continues to come back for more. There are so many star faces in “Parizaad” who deliver incredible performances and so many characters that manage to make their mark and yet, it’s still Parizaad himself that brings the viewer back each week. We consistently root for him, wishing better for him and hoping his dreams come true. And this is why we will continue to watch “Parizaad” – not just for the wonderful performances, the star cast, the great music, the appealing cinematography and brilliant direction…..but because we genuinely care about Parizaad himself and root for his happy ending.