“Tere Bina Mein Nahi” is a show that is capturing audience attention due to its interesting concept coupled with the usual cliches. There is a lot of “drama” happening in this show while also giving the viewer something to think about after each episode ends. Starring Sonya Hussyn, Shahzad Sheikh and Aiza Awan in lead roles, the story has been written by Maha Malik and directed by Ali Masud Saeed.
In episode 8, Noor (Sonya Hussyn) continues her plan of inserting herself into Tehniyat (Aiza Awan) and Murtaza’s (Shahzad Sheikh) wedding preparations. The entire scenario is so ridiculous that it’s hard to even take a side. What’s right, what’s wrong, who is right, who is wrong? Is there any concrete answer? And yet, that’s the reason “Tere Bina Mein Nahi” works as a show. While Noor is saying all the right things, talking about women empowerment, being strong and waiting for the right man at the right time, inside, her ego is tearing her apart. Noor really loved Murtaza from the bottom of her heart and when everything was falling apart, she did everything she could to fix it. She even groveled while speaking to Murtaza, begging him to make his family see reason – and only got betrayal in return. What Noor was asking for, being allowed to build her career and get married after a few years, was absolutely not wrong. However her demand regarding Murtaza’s mother and sister and specifically the phrasing used was wrong. Noor spoke in a rush, not being able to express herself properly and yes, it is a flaw in their relationship if they want different things.
However, where Murtaza and Tehniyat completely go wrong and lose any audience favor is in their decision to marry one another. Yes, the decision was made by their (toxic) families, but both are grown adults and have the ability to say no. They could have found any other proposal, specifically Murtaza. Why would he choose to marry Noor’s best friend and strip her not only of their relationship, but also her best friend? This is a low blow from Murtaza – and this fact is not lost on Tehniyat either. Given, Tehniyat also has a mouth and could have said no. She is proving herself to be a weak friend, but her position is much weaker than Murtaza’s. She expected Murtaza to say no and show some respect towards his so-called love. But his refusal to let his family down (and to rub it in with Noor) and Tehniyat’s inability to convince her parents has led them down the path towards marriage.
In the mehndi scenes, Noor’s pain is visible and Sonya Hussyn’s acting is incredible. It’s through Sonya’s acting that we are able to relate to Noor and feel exactly what she is going through. Noor is in complete revenge mode, refusing to let Murtaza get his way. She sees this step as the ultimate betrayal, marrying her best friend, and makes it clear that she will get back at him for this betrayal. Unfortunately, Tehniyat is too blind to Noor’s intentions and while there’s little sympathy with Tehniyat, she isn’t a bad person at heart. She is aware that Murtaza will not make a good husband, as he was disloyal to Noor.
So who is right? Who is wrong? Noor is wrong for extracting revenge in this way, but can anyone really blame her? Tehniyat is wrong for marrying Murtaza, but seeing how her family treats her, does she have any other option? What we can all agree on is that Sonya Hussyn and Aiza Awan are both doing a wonderful job in their roles, making their characters feel believable and their angst understandable. “Tere Bina Mein Nahi” is heading into messy territory, but fortunately, the audiences have been able to connect with the (female) lead characters – and that’s a good sign.