Daily shows like “Taqdeer” tend to keep interest alive by giving viewers a daily dose of drama – and drama it is. This is a show that follows the life of Rumi (Alizeh Shah), a young girl who has grown up in the lap of luxury, raised as the pride and joy within her family. Her life is turned upside down after marrying Asad (Sami Khan). “Taqdeer” stars Sami Khan, Alizeh Shah, Javed Sheikh, Annie Zaidi, Asim Mehmood, Amna Malik, Khalid Anum, Saba Faisal, Maryam Noor, Zain Afzal, Aliya Ali and others. The story has been written by “Doorway Entertainment” (still waiting for an explanation) and directed by Mohsin Talat.
In episode 18, Rumi is back at her parents house after Haaris is shot. It’s with this story that the proceedings have become a bit indigestible. It’s one thing that the entire show is full of saazish (manipulations) and a different thing when the once-sweet-and-loving parents have completely lost it and decided to enforce an unwanted marriage on their son. Haaris has made it clear that he’s in love with Rumi’s friend, Saira. Saira also likes him and the two wish to get married. Rumi’s parents are well-aware of this and yet, all it takes is Phupo’s fake tears, worrying about her daughter’s future, to decide Haaris must marry his Phupo’s daughter. And now, after Haaris has been shot and the family has realized their mistake, he is still listening to his sister’s complaining. It’s ludicrous.
This story aside, it’s a heavy dose of evil on both sides. At Rumi’s home, Hamna (Amna Malik) is there to destroy Rumi’s life. At Asad’s home, Maheen (Aliya Ali) is there to run Rumi into the ground. Of course, Rumi’s mother-in-law (Saba Faisal), sister-in-law (Maryam Noor), Phupo, Bhabi’s sister….these are all individuals out to “get” Rumi for no real reason at all. If one person had a problem with her, it would be easier to watch, but this is a truckload of evil. Adding to things, Asad is almost bipolar with his “love.” He is sweet and loving over the phone, but borderline abusive in person after listening to his mother’s complaints.
Sami Khan is the highlight of this show, his performance the most engaging one. Alizeh Shah is also doing a good job, but one wishes she would go back to her “Ehd E Wafa” look. The colored contacts and heavy makeup is very distracting, especially while playing a role like this, a role which is meant to be more simple. Is “Taqdeer” really worth a watch? Initially, it seemed entertaining, but at present, it’s very heavy and follows an almost Star-Plus type of format.