“Qissa Meherbano Ka,” written by Fakhra Jabeen and directed by Iqbal Hussain, has been a highly awaited show for some time for many reasons. First, it’s Mawra Hocane’s return to television post the success of “Sabaat.” Second, it sees Ahsan Khan in a solid central role in a Hum TV production after a while (Aangan?). And third, it marks the debut of Nauman Ejaz’s son, Zaviyar Nauman Ejaz, who is already proving to be a regular chip off the old block, a talented young actor. With support from Areej Mohyudin, Mohammad Ahmed, Zeb Rehman and Khushal Khan, the first episode took off on a positive note.
In episode 2, the circumstances surrounding Meherbano’s (Mawra Hocane) marriage are revealed. When her elder brother’s marriage is visibly in shambles due to his wife’s previous relationship – and desire to resume that previous relationship -, he decides it’s better to end the marriage. However, her father (Mohammad Ahmed) and mother place blame directly on their son’s shoulders and decide that in order to “save” his marriage, they will arrange Meherbano’s marriage to their daughter-in-law’s brother. Unfortunately, post the nikkah, Meherbano’s brother and wife get into a heated argument and he divorces her – which not only causes Abba Ji to disown his son, but also leaves Meherbano in a state of “married, but not married” when she’s abandoned by her husband.
While the story does make certain things fall into place, it still places Abba Ji directly into the category of “bad guy.” Not only did he not listen to his son, who had a very valid reason to divorce his wife, but he also forced his daughter to remain married to a man who didn’t have any interest in being married to her. Why does Noor (Areej Mohyudin) have to cheerlead Meherbano into marrying Mehrab (Zaviyar Nauman Ejaz)? Why can’t Abba Ji realize what he has done to his own daughter’s life? Why is Meherbano still sitting in this state of marriage no-man’s-land? It’s difficult to blame anyone on this show other than Abba Ji. And so, we do find ourselves rooting for the slightly immature, but kind-at-heart Noor. Areej Mohyudin is playing the role well, likable in her silliness.
What’s sad is that even though Meherbano has this other “option” in Mehrab, his mother plays the part of the typical disapproving woman. Logically speaking, what problem could anyone have with a young girl who was abandoned before she even entered her husband’s home? Meherbano was single and remains single and seeing that Mehrab is such an open-minded individual, why is his mother like this? It’s irritating to see opposition where it isn’t necessary.
Overall, “Qissa Meherbano Ka” is an interesting enough watch. Mawra Hocane gives a sincere, mature performance as Meherbano, while Areej Mohyudin is lively and cute as Noor. Zaviyar Nauman Ejaz is incredibly likable as Mehrab and it’s already clear that he’s a star in the making. The next episode will see the entry of not only Ahsan Khan, but also Khushal Khan, which will liven up the proceedings.
