Once in a while, Pakistani television delivers shows like “Damsa,” and “Meri Guriya,” shows that are hard to watch – and yet, they are also shows that strike the viewer as being important to watch. ARY’s “Bikhray Moti” is one such show. Starring Neelum Munir, Yasir Nawaz and Wahaj Ali in the central roles, “Bikhray Moti” also stars a talented crop of child actors that emote so well, they pull at the heart strings. In a show that essentially focuses on the mistreatment of children, the show will go on to tackle topics like child domestic labor and child marriage.
At present, “Bikhray Moti” has completed 6 episodes. The story opens with Faiza (Nausheen Shah) who is married to Zulfi (Yasir Nawaz) and the two have three young children. Zulfi is a druggie, a gambler and is highly abusive, not only to his wife but also to his children. Heavily under the influence of his manipulative, scheming mother (Samina Ahmed), Zulfi leaves household decisions to her and this does not bode well for his family. When Faiza passes away suddenly due to illness and neglect, the children are left at the mercy of their abusive, uncaring father and their calculating grandmother. On the other end, we have Ayeza (Neelum Munir), Faiza’s sister, who is committed and deeply in love with Ahad (Wahaj Ali). The two have grown up together and share a strong bond. However, when Faiza passes away, Ayeza finds it difficult to care for the children from a distance. Will she sacrifice her love and marry Zulfi to protect her sister’s family?
Read our review of the first episode of Jalan here
This is the premise of “Bikhray Moti.” While it seems fairly basic on the surface, it’s a heart-breaking story. While Yasir Nawaz, Neelum Munir and Wahaj Ali really stand out, it’s the child actors that are stealing the show. The little boy playing Janu is amazing, bringing the viewer to tears with just a look. While Janu has been sent away at present to work with his Taaya at his shop, it’s already evident that Janu will be put to use as child labor. His sister Shehzaadi, while currently working as domestic help, will be married off to a much older man. These children are suffering after their mother’s demise and the way they are now essentially left unprotected and unable to defend themselves is hard to sit through. Depression and misery looms large on the horizon for the characters in this show, but the way the story has been presented keeps the viewer interested – and more than interest, rooting for the characters to get the happy ending they deserve. It’s too early to predict what direction the show will take from here onwards, but it is promising so far.