Ramadan dramas of late have been synonymous with comedy shows with large ensemble casts, a lead pair romance and a lot of gags. While comedy shows are a welcome relief during the long days, what about a show which reminds us of the spiritual month we’re in and what’s important? A show like “Umm-E-Ayesha” has been a refreshing change, a show which has been a hit with audiences this Ramadan season with its unique concept. “Umm-E-Ayesha” is essentially your stereotypical Geo daily soap with an innocent heroine, a scheming vamp, a rude male lead – but it has been repackaged with a twist in the form of a hijab-wearing, religiously driven female lead. “Umm-E-Ayesha” stars Nimra Khan, Omer Shahzad, Mehmood Akhtar, Nida Mumtaz, Tara Mehmood, Asim Mehmood and others in a story written by Hina Huma Nafees and directed by Saleem Ghanchi.
At the start of the month, we drew comparisons between “Umm-E-Ayesha” and the Hum TV drama from 2014 “Shanakht.” Unfortunately, recent occurrences in “Umm-e-Ayesha” have left us wishing Hum TV had put “Shanakht” on air for Ramadan to show the makers of “Umm-E-Ayesha” where they have lost the way. In recent episodes, Aswad (Omer Shahzad) and Anushay (Ayesha Rajpoot) argue after Anushay disrespects his mother. Up until this point, Aswad has been, at this mother’s encouragement, thinking about pursing Ayesha (Nimra Khan) as a potential life partner. Aswad and Anushay have been childhood sweethearts, sure, but as of late, Aswad has not seemed invested in this relationship – at least not as much as Anushay has been. Yet, randomly after Anushay asks Aswad to leave her alone, he decides to attempt suicide. Why? For what reason? Aswad has never shown any signs of having any mental health struggles and the writers have lost the plot here, making a strong character suddenly attempt to kill himself. This not only mocks mental health, but also sends out a strange message to young viewers. Adding to the chaos, instead of showing sympathy, Ayesha begins yelling at Aswad as he’s attempting to take his own life that his life is a gift from God, preaching at the worst possible moment. These lines are meant to resonate with Aswad as he is seen thinking about her words later on…..but they were really not as meaningful as the team would have us imagine.
The insanity only grows in the next episode as Aswad drives Ayesha home and she arrives to an empty house with no one other than Ehtishaam (Asim Mehmood) at home. Ehtishaam, up until now, has had zero interest in Ayesha. He has seen her as a bore and made it clear to her that he is marrying her as per his mother’s wishes. However, for the sake of moving the storyline forward, Ehtishaam decides to become wayward and barges into Ayesha’s room as she comes out of the shower and admires her without her hijab. This entire moment has us questioning the team’s sanity. Ehtishaam keeps repeating that Ayesha is taking his intentions the wrong way, but won’t leave her room seeing that she’s uncomfortable with him seeing her without her hijab….but Ayesha basically accuses Ehtishaam of attacking her in front of Aswad. Was Ehtishaam wrong? Yes. Did he assault Ayesha? No.
For a show which had 30 episodes to create a solid storyline and wrap it up in a satisfying way, we are now racing forward towards the finish line in full speed without any thought given to what’s playing out on our screens. What made “Shanakht” so special and resonate with the audience was the way it took a girl from the elite class and not only showed her as religious, but she also preached through example – not through words. She allowed those around her to see her actions – and likewise for Fahad Mirza’s character. In “Umm-E-Ayesha,” even Aswad’s mother consistently mistreats Anushay and then railroads the young woman for her choices. The “preachy” nature of “Umm-E-Ayesha” is beginning to rub audiences the wrong way. It’s a good attempt, but unfortunately as it comes to a close, it’s not a particularly strong one.