When “Tumharey Husn Ke Naam” first began, it was often described as “poetic,” “romantic,” “for lovers of Urdu poetry” and so forth. Of course, this has often been interpreted as meaning “not for those who want generic, action-packed episodes.” For the most part, this is true. “Tumharey Husn Ke Naam” has been a love story through and through, but more than that, it has been a love journey. This has been a watch that started off as beautiful, took a turn for the tragic, began to infuriate viewers with Salma’s outcome and then, finally, brought us back to the main point: love and the importance of love. “Tumharey Husn Ke Naam” delivers a stellar final episode, cementing its place in the top dramas of 2023. Starring Saba Qamar, Imran Abbas, Asad Siddiqui, Sidra Niazi, Salman Shahid, Haris Waheed, Maha Hassan and others, the story has been written by Sarah Qayyum and directed by Saqib Khan.
In the finale, the episode is wholeheartedly dedicated to Salma (Saba Qamar) and Sikandar’s (Imran Abbas) wedding, a wedding which is a visual spectacular. It’s not over-the-top, loud or a grand celebration. Rather, this wedding is simple, beautiful and exactly what suits these two characters, their past and their future. The icing on the cake are the moments with Sarah (Maha Hassan) and Umar (Haris Waheed) supporting their parents in their own individual ways. Sarah openly recognizes her mother’s life hardships, showering her with love and pampering. This mother and daughter duo is incredibly lovable. Umar, on the other hand, has gradually realized the complicated woman his mother was and the amount of brainwashing he went through due to her biases and unhappiness. It’s wonderful to see him come to this realization, because often this sort of mindset cannot be undone and both child and parent have to live with the lasting ramifications. Fortunately, Umar and Sikandar’s road to healing has begun. Quite honestly, this finale is not as storyline driven as it serves as a satisfying conclusion for viewers, a celebration not only of Salma and Sikandar’s love, but also a celebration of family bonds.
When Umar realizes why Sarah stepped back, sacrificing her love for her mother, he approaches her to discuss things. It’s then that Salma and Sikandar overhear the conversation and things fall into place. What takes place here is what the overall message of “Tumharey Husn Ke Naam” ultimately is – why do we care what others think? Marriage is the union between two souls, one of love and happiness. If our religion allows it and nothing “wrong” is being done, why does one need to sacrifice? Umar and Sarah, regardless of their parents’ marriage, are not siblings. They are unconnected – and therefore, why is any sacrifice necessary at all? While it’s beautiful to see the sacrifices Salma made for Sarah coming back to her in the form of love, does Sarah need to sacrifice her love? In the end, the bond between parents and children is one of unconditional love and support and it’s this love and support which heals.
Imran Abbas has returned to what he does best, quiet, intelligently written love stories with soul. This is Imran at his finest, a return to the actor who has disappeared in recent years with the chase for TRP success overtaking the industry. We want to see him in more roles like this, as Sikandar has been a perfectly lovable hero. Saba Qamar is, as always, brilliant. Salma goes through many ups and downs in “Tumharey Husn Ke Naam” and with each era of Salma’s life, Saba Qamar has given this character her all. Of course, the supporting cast is excellent as well, both pre and post leap. Maha Hassan and Haris Waheed could have come across as the annoying next generation, but they found a place in our hearts as well through their heartfelt, realistic performances and reactions. Of course, full credit to Saqib Khan’s direction and Sarah Qayyum’s writing for giving us this gem of a show. “Tumharey Husn Ke Naam” is a show which, after it winds up, makes the viewer want to rewatch the show from start to finish, a show which has given us love, laughter, tears, heartache and, in the end, peace and happiness. What a magnificent, underrated show this has been, one that will be remembered for years to come.
