“Parizaad” is the sort of show that focuses more on strong storytelling and less on action-packed episodes. The pace leaves its audience spellbound, leaving the viewer on edge at the end of the episode. Starring Ahmed Ali Akbar, Ushna Shah, Adeel Afzal, Yumna Zaidi, Nauman Ijaz, Urwa Hocane and many others in lead roles, “Parizaad” has been written by Hashim Nadeem and directed by Shehzad Kashmiri. Focusing on Parizaad, this drama highlights not only the issues Parizaad faces due to his appearance, but also societal problems faced by those around him.
In episode 4, we were introduced to Bubbly (Saboor Aly), a young girl who was raised as a boy – and never quite grew out of it. In episode 5, the audience gets to know Bubbly in depth. There’s a lot to unpack with the Bubbly character and much of the story is left to the viewer’s imagination as to how much Bubbly wants to be a boy – and what that really means. Bubbly does want to see her family happy, so she tries to play by societal rules, dressing more feminine and cleaning up. However, Bubbly’s anger overflows when she overhears the financial demands being set by the boy’s family and she not only rejects them, but insults their son openly. This may get her in trouble with her family, but as viewers, we simply want to cheer for Bubbly. Bubbly is already having to change herself for happiness of her family, but would allowing this highway robbery to take place leave her family happy? Bubbly may not be the blessed boy she was “supposed” to be, but she has principles and love for her family and so, she does what she believes is best. Unfortunately, her father is fed up of her behavior and wants to marry her off immediately while her mother begins to feel Bubbly needs to speak to a psychiatrist. Saboor Aly’s performance as Bubbly is solid. She is doing a brilliant job playing this confused young girl who does not understand why the world will not let her live as she sees fit.
The friendship between Bubbly and Parizaad (Ahmed Ali Akbar) is the highlight of the show. Both are outcasts in different ways and genuinely seem to like each other. However, Parizaad is dealing with problems of his own with his brother-in-law Saleem in trouble with the law after substandard products are found at his store. So, when Na Saaz (Adeel Afzal) suggests that Parizaad consider marrying Bubbly himself, one of the positives that force him to consider it is the money Bubbly’s family will give him. But will this thought end up being the very thing that comes between Parizaad and Bubbly? Bubbly may be confused regarding her identity, but her ideals are firm. Or will Bubbly reject the relationship outright before this problem even arises?
Like last week, Ahmed Ali Akbar and Saboor Aly are the stars of the show. Saboor’s Bubbly is endearing and Ahmed Ali Akbar’s Parizaad is the heart and soul of the show. However, along with these two, Malik Hamid Raza shines as Saleem, along with Kiran Tabeer as Parizaad’s sister. The beauty of “Parizaad” is how well fleshed out all of these characters are, from the leads to the “side” roles. With many more characters yet to be introduced, there’s no telling how the story will unfold (unless you’ve already read the novel). If “Parizaad” manages to keep this level of quality, this is a sure-fire classic in the making.