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    Drama Review: Jhoom

    Written by: Hurmat Majid
    Posted on: June 07, 2023 | | 中文

    The main cast of Jhoom. (L to R) Haris Waheed, Zara Noor Abbas, Usman Peerzada, Haroon Kadwani, Ahmed Majeed Agloria and Noreen Gulwani

    Haroon Kadwani, a budding actor who has a long way to go before achieving star status, is the leading man in the enthralling drama Jhoom, a creation brought to life by the masterful pen of Hashim Nadeem and the directorial finesse of Ali Faizan. In this intense love story, Kadwani takes on the role of Aryaan, an anguished young man, while the talented Zara Noor Abbas is playing the character of Dr. Maryam, the enchanting leading lady. With an unconventional age difference adding depth to their connection, Jhoom dares to explore the intricacies of love while challenging social norms.

    Zara Noor Abbas as Dr. Maryam and Haroon Kadwani as Aryaan

    The first episode of Jhoom brought a blend of praise and criticism, it undeniably left an indelible mark on viewers. Among the varied opinions, Haroon Kadwani's acting skills received both applause and reproach. Though his performance displays commendable growth from his previous endeavors, there remains room for refinement in his dialogue delivery. Conversely, the Original Soundtrack (OST), aptly titled Zindagi Awargi Hai, captivated audiences and swiftly garnered millions of views within a mere twenty-four hours.

    The show airs every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm on Geo TV, unfolding a tapestry of seamlessly enthralling storytelling. The drama has managed to secure a place among the current top 10 Pakistani dramas. Against the backdrop of stunning cinematography and meticulous framing, the production quality of Jhoom stands tall, showcasing a commitment to excellence. However, at times, the allure of these visual elements, intensified by peculiar color grading choices, overpower the story, evoking a sense of cinematic dissonance. Often one is too mesmerized by the picture being painted in front of them to remember to pay attention to the dialogue and acting. But in hindsight, that may be intentional.

    Haris Waheed and Haroon Kadwani's fight scene in Jhoom

    Within the depths of this compelling narrative lies a tale of forbidden love, where Aryaan a mechanical engineer with rage issues, and Dr. Maryam, a woman who was once hurt while deeply in love. The drama shows us how the two courageously navigate the turbulent seas of societal pressures and familial conflicts. The drama dares to defy the societal taboo of pairing an older woman with a younger man, aiming to dismantle the walls built by narrow-minded conventions. As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into a world where age becomes a mere backdrop to the resilient power of love, shattering the constraints of marital stereotypes.

    The ensemble cast of Jhoom brings vitality to the characters they portray. Zara Noor Abbas shines brilliantly as Dr. Maryam, flawlessly capturing the essence of her character's profession and emotional journey. Additionally, Noreen Gulwani's stellar performance continues to impress, leaving audiences longing to witness her talent in a leading role. Reham Rafiq, a promising discovery, possesses the potential to expand her horizons beyond the confines of a stereotypical "hip friend" role, exploring the vast spectrum of diverse characters.

    Zara Noor Abbas, Reham Rafiq and Noreen Gulwani

    The return of Usman Peerzada to the screen is a refreshing delight, reminding viewers of his undeniable prowess as an actor. However, the drama falters in its portrayal of the friends of Dr. Maryam’s brother (played by Haris Waheed), casting a shadow over an otherwise stellar cast. Their performances fail to resonate with the depth and nuance required, leaving viewers yearning for a more thoughtful selection. Regrettably, the dubbing of Jhoom disrupts the immersive experience, veering into unsettling territory that detracts from its otherwise engaging narrative.

    Usman Peerzada in the drama

    Up till now Jhoom has succeeded in weaving a fresh and an engaging storyline, but how long will the audience’s interest last as Sherry (Maryam’s brother) continues to toy with Aryaan, based on a childish personal vendetta that is fueled more and more by his waster friends. It is good that the audiences were made aware of the fact that both characters have troubled pasts, making sense to the way the two choose to act in different situations.

    In conclusion, Jhoom offers viewers an exciting journey through the labyrinthine corridors of love, exploring themes of passion, heartbreak, patience and societal pressures. While the drama exhibits notable production quality, the directorial execution is mediocre.

    We would still recommend the drama to audiences, but also caution them to take it with a pinch of salt, as it is not very realistic and at times even absurd.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021