“Rang Mahal” is a daily soap on Geo. Written by Shafia Khan, the show has been directed by Zahid Mehmood and stars Ali Ansari, Hamayun Ashraf, Sehar Khan and Arooba Mirza in lead roles. This is a drama that has become an underdog of sorts – a show that came without expectations and yet, has somehow managed to pull in a large number of viewers with its interesting story.
In episode 23, Mahapara (Sehar Khan) and her grandmother are left mourning after Mahapara’s father passes away – after cursing himself for the way he brought up Mahapara. This leaves Mahapara heartbroken in many ways, feeling she disappointed her father and he did not believe in her innocence. This takes Mahapara and Daadi back to Sohail’s (Humayun Ashraf) house where they are taunted by Hajra (Arooba Mirza) and Mahapara is propositioned again by Sohail. Having had enough, Daadi pulls an incredible move, leaving her relative’s address in Hyderabad with the family, knowing Sohail will follow them there – and then the two go, instead, to a relative’s house in Karachi. This comes across as a pleasant surprise, seeing how Daadi protects Mahapara from Sohail’s advances.
What’s great about “Rang Mahal” is its female lead. Sure, Mahapara has been naïve and completely unaware as to how the world works and how society treats those it deems “lower” than them. Mahapara looked at the world through her happy lens of acceptance and could never have imagined the woman who raised her like a mother would ever turn on her. But she has – and not only that, but the entire family has turned against her, believing her to be a thief and characterless thanks to Sohail and Hajra. After facing character assassination, her father’s death due to shame and now being left homeless, any typical drama character would be crying and waiting for a savior. This is what sets Mahapara apart. She not only knows how to raise her voice against Sohail and Hajra, but also sets her so-called “mother figure” straight and points out that her “tarbeeyat” (upbringing) brought up two flawed men. We also see, in upcoming episodes, how Mahapara will rise through her education and make something of herself. Outwardly “Rang Mahal” may look like a typical soap with a regressive story, but (so far) it’s the character of Mahapara who is refreshingly different and makes the show worth a watch.
Sehar Khan’s performance started off choppy when “Rang Mahal” began initially, but as the episodes move into more emotional ones, she is proving this is her strength as an actress. In the next episode, we will see Rayed (Ali Ansari) in the hospital in rough shape, traumatized by Mahapara’s betrayal. How long will it take Rayed and his mother to realize their lapse in judgement? And when they do, will it simply be too late? Mahapara has her sights set on success and making her father proud. Will she rise above her circumstances and create a new life for herself?