Years ago, the “Baraat” series (Azar Ki Aayegi Baraat, Dolly Ki Aayegi Baraat, Takay Ki Aayegi Baraat and Annie Ki Aayegi Baraat) became the show all eyes were glued to during the month of Ramadan, becoming a family tradition to sit around the TV and watch together after eating. Things took a nosedive after the series concluded its run. In 2018 and 2019, “Suno Chanda” and “Suno Chanda 2” stepped in to fill that void and becoming a beloved family tradition once again. The absence of a good Ramadan sitcom was felt in 2020, however, in 2021, there are not only one, but three options for Pakistani drama viewers. Let’s discuss the most-awaited show, “Chupke Chupke.”
“Chupke Chupke” is set to become the viewing choice for many this year. Written by Saima Akram Chaudhry of “Suno Chanda” fame, a pull in itself, the show has been directed by Danish Nawaz, who is not only a great director, but is well-known for his flair for comedy. The show stars Osman Khalid Butt, Ayeza Khan, Arsalan Naseer, Mira Sethi, Ali Safina, Asma Abbas, Uzma Beg, Sheheryar Zaidi, Tara Mehmood, Farhan Ali Agha and many others. So how did the first episode fare? Quite well, actually!
In the first episode, we are introduced to two families. The set-up is as such: Nawab married two women Naik Parvar (Asma Abbas) and Bakhtoo (Uzma Beg) and now, after his death, the two continue to be at loggerheads, not only competing with each other, but also attempting to pitt their families against one another. On Naik Parvar’s side, we have Meenu (Ayeza Khan), Hadi (Arsalan Naseer), Mirchi (Areesha), Waleed, Kifayat (Farhan Ali Agha) and Kaneez (Tara Mehmood). On Bakhtoo’s side are Fadi (Osman Khalid Butt), his sisters Gul E Rana (Mira Sethi) and Ramisha (Aymen Saleem) and Gul’s husband Miskeen Ali (Ali Safina). Despite the interference of the elderly ladies, the family seems to get along fairly well, particularly Fadi and Hadi, who are best friends. The two boys (men) bond over their inability to find a girl due to their “high standards,” wanting educated women. The bond between Hadi and Fadi is the highlight of the first episode, the two actors gelling well.
Meenu is a girl who marches to her own drum, not particularly talented in anything and without any interest in her education, which makes her brother Hadi angry. She is scolded by Fadi, who is her tutor, on a regular basis and fears him on a level. The chemistry between Ayeza Khan and Osman Khalid Butt is endearing and they are refreshing to watch together. It’s also great to see Ayeza in a light-hearted, fun role after a long time.
Ramadan Spotlight – Ishq Jalebi Episode 1: A Light-Hearted Family Drama
This is essentially what episode 1 is comprised of, simply an introduction to the characters. As Fadi’s family prepares to take his proposal, Hadi’s family does the same, which is the set-up for episode 2. Coming to first impressions, the first episode has a light, fresh, fun feel to it, a perfect entertainer. The entire cast is doing a great job, from Ayeza Khan, Osman Khalid Butt, Mira Sethi, Asma Abbas, you name it, but the actor who stands out the most in the first episode is Arsalan Naseer. While we’ve all seen Arsalan over the years on his YouTube channel, this is his debut – and he is such a natural, it does not appear to be his debut at all. Saima Akram Chaudhry did a great job with “Suno Chanda,” but it’s clear that she has sharpened her skills and the writing here may be a notch above “Suno Chanda” (so far). Danish Nawaz has done a great job keeping his cast from going overboard, keeping the comedy away from being over-the-top. Overall, episode 1 of “Chupke Chupke” is a winner. This show promises to be a sure-fire hit if it continues along the path of what it delivers at the onset.