“Tanaa Banaa” is set apart from other shows in that it’s a breezy, 20-minute show that has gone from being a decent family show to being one that’s meaningful in a subtle way. Starring Daniyal Zafar, Alizeh Shah, Javeria Abbasi, Komal Rizvi, Hassan Noman, Aamir Qureshi and Ismat Zaidi (amongst others), the story has been written by Hassaan Imam and directed by Saife Hassan. While Zoya and Zain have been brought together in an arranged marriage situation, the two are not only learning how to navigate their new relationship, but also how to successfully live as a young, modern couple in a joint family system.
Episode 19 is a one-track episode, focusing on the relationship between Fauzia (Javeria Abbasi) and Zoya (Alizeh Shah). This storyline is the highlight of the show, the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law allowing for a lot of scope and exploration. While Zoya may not be Fauzia’s ideal daughter in law due to her lack of cooking experience and disinterest in domestic work, but slowly and surely Zoya has managed to work her way into Fauzia’s heart. Fauzia has grown accustomed to being neglected and unappreciated by the household, her hard work being taken for granted. However, Zoya notices and gifts Fauzia flowers and a small gift, which has Fauzia overcome with emotion, as she’s not used to being appreciated in this way. She excitedly shows off her gifts to the family only for Zain (Daniyal Zafar) to break the news that he and Zoya are going away on their honeymoon – which initially causes controversy until Zoya sets the record straight. She declares that they are sending Fauzia, Daadi and the rest of the family on a trip for Umrah and, once again, wins the family over with her thoughtful gesture.
At this point, Zoya has not only bonded with Fauzia, but the entire family. Fauzia, who is the mother of an only son, has never been on the receiving end of such affection before and while she’s initially unwelcoming of Zoya, she has now begun to see her as her own daughter. There’s a wonderful moment where the two are seen bonding behind closed doors as they share a heart-to-heart. Unfortunately, not everything can be perfect and so, while Zoya is busy winning over Zain’s family, will her own marriage suffer? Up until now, we have seen Zain as the picture perfect husband. Sure, he’s a bit silly and immature, trying to do everything to please his wife, but even the most dedicated husbands will have a breaking point. Is Zain nearing his? Zoya is a very sweet character and she’s doing her best in a new home, but while she may be an excellent daughter-in-law, she may not be the best wife. Zoya takes Zain for granted and shows little appreciation for everything Zain endures on her behalf – going so far as to even do her homework for her. Will the roles reverse when Zain grows tired of having to please Zoya all the time? Will Zoya wind up having to make amends for the neglect she’s been showing towards her marriage? We will have to wait and watch, but the natural way in which these problems have been depicted so far only promises more stellar episodes to come. Daniyal Zafar, Alizeh Shah and Javeria Abbasi are all doing a wonderful job in this show and this episode in particular.
