Written by: Muna Moini
Posted on: January 27, 2023 | 
| 中文
Bilal Abbas Khan and Sajal Aly in Kuch Ankahi
Switch on the television, and you will find unlimited Pakistani dramas to choose from, however, not all content being produced is up to the mark. Love triangles, cousin marriages, mother-in-law versus daughter-in-law issues, sibling rivalries (mostly between two sisters over one man), remain the prime-time offerings of our major channels. It's a race for Television Rating Points (TRP) and producers aim for a very formulaic approach for achieving the number one spot on the charts. They do not hesitate in adding scenes of abuse and violence only to increase the number of viewers, although this practice should be discouraged.
Amongst the many serials that rely on cheap sensationalism, Kuch Ankahi starring Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas Khan, comes as a breath of fresh air. It is the lead pair's third collaboration, after their drama O Rangreza and film Khel Khel Mein. Co-produced by Humayun Saeed and Shehzad Naseeb under the Six Sigma Plus banner and Kashf Foundation, Kuch Ankhaki has been directed by Nadeem Baig, and the script has been penned by Syed Mohammad Ahmed who is also playing the role of Sajal’s father (Agha Jan) in the drama. The cast also includes Sheheryar Munawar, Annie Zaidi, Vaneeza Ahmad, Asma Abbas, Mira Sethi, Babar Ali, Irsa Ghazal, Ali Safina, Qudsia Ali, Adnan Samad Khan, Yousuf Bashir Qureshi and several others making it a treat to watch.
Muhammad Ahmed and Mira Sethi
Kuch Ankhai is a simple story, which is relatable and addresses issues without being preachy or boring. For once, a drama does not show daughters as burdens, breaks stereotypes and promotes equality. So far, it is safe to say that this drama has all the ingredients to become a commercial and critical success.
Salman (Bilal) helping his mother in the kitchen
Described as a modern day and light-hearted drama that is full of messages, Kuch Ankahi, discusses issues relating to women’s legal and religious rights to property, harassment at workplace, pressurizing girls to get married, body shaming and many other problems prevailing in Pakistani society, but it is wrapped in humor and wit. “The plot revolves around Agha Jan’s ancestral house where he lives with his three daughters. Agha is not willing to share the property with his sister, and his second daughter Aaliya is working day in and day out to settle the claims over the house. The story also takes an amazing turn when Salman – another young real estate agent – enters their house as tenant,” reads the official description.
The first episode introduced us to the main characters and their families. Sajal plays the character of Aaliya. She lives in her ancestral house with her father, Agha Jan, mother (Isra Ghazal), older sister Samiya (Mira Sethi) and younger sister Tanya (Qudsia Ali). Now a middle-class family, old parents and three daughters might make one think that it would be a story of three “bebas and mazloom” women waiting for a prince charming to come and rescue them, however, surprisingly that is not the case.
Sajal Aly, Qudsia Ali and Mira Sethi
We see Agha Jan as a loving and friendly father who takes pride in his daughters, and does not care what the society has to say. Despite his wife worrying about Samiya’s age (28), he is in no rush to push his daughter into a marriage that she would come to regret. While Samiya is willing to sacrifice and make compromises to make her mother happy, Aaliya is focused and determined about what she wants in life. She is a real estate agent, which is mainly considered a male profession. Not only has Aaliya chosen an unconventional path for herself, the woman would be competing against some successful real estate agents, including her direct rival Salman (Bilal Abbas Khan), and give them a run for their money. Tanya is the youngest and the most cheerful amongst the three sisters, despite being constantly nagged by her mother to eat less and lose weight in order to meet the beauty standards set by society. However, Tanya is least interested in conforming to the society’s demands, and is just a fun-loving and focused media student.
Bilal is phenomenal as Salman, and his comic timing is just perfect. He’s a bit of a mischief maker, but he is not toxic. He loves his mother and also helps in household chores, like doing the dishes and getting “meetha soda” from the grocery store. While he is often seen fighting and arguing with Aaliya, we can see that he does not mean ill towards her. He won hearts when he lets her make the property deal since she needs it more, and waits while she fixes her car. We do not see that often in television serials! While some might take offense, even his statement about the aurat card, while arguing with Aaliya was pretty realistic and relatable. It is not like it does not happen.
Sajal Aly as Aaliya and Babar Ali as Thanvi uncle
Aaliya and Salman never get along, yet continue to cross paths every now and then. Their chemistry is an absolute treat to watch. However, it would be unfair to say that they are the only highlight of the drama, because every actor adds value to the plot by playing his/her role to perfection. Even the support characters have a story to tell; for example, Meena who works at Agha Jan’s house. The inclusion of a Hindu character is subtle yet powerful. Despite having religious and economic differences, she is treated like a family member and also holds strong intelligent opinions and suggestions. She isn’t just serving tea and eves dropping like house helps in most dramas these days, she has a story of her own.
Meena has two kids; Neha who is obsessed with social media and Deepak, who she gets employed at a tailor’s shop. Through these characters we feel the negative effects of obsession with the social media, as well as the exploitative nature of child labor, will be highlighted. Saqib Sameer plays her drug addict and abusive husband, another scourge plaguing our society.
It’s 2023, yet not having a son is considered a stigma. Agha Jan only has daughters, and that is the reason his brothers are demanding their share in his inheritance. He is constantly being sent legal notices even though he has paid whatever he owed the brothers (without any legal documentation). Agha Jan’s contradiction is that while he is fighting for his daughters’ rights to his property, he continues to deny his only sister her rightful share.
Sajal Aly, Qudsia Ali, Mira Sethi, Vaneeza Ahmed and Isra Ghazal
Sofia Agha (Vaneeza Ahmed) plays Samiya, Aaliya and Tanya’s favorite and only phupoo (aunt). Unlike the evil depiction of phuppos in many Pakistani dramas, Sofia is a refreshing addition, welcomed with open arms not only by her nieces but her sister-in-law also.
Bilal Abbas and Sheheryar Munawar
While there’s a fight over inheritance in process at the Agha house, we are also introduced to Aaliya’s client Sehrish, played by Alina Abbas. She has been given most of her father, Yousuf Bashir Qureshi’s, properties, instead of her younger brother Asfar inheriting them. Asfar is played by Sheheryar Munawar, who appears to share an unpleasant relationship with his father due to some past misunderstandings.
The drama has many plots, but somehow nothing seems unnecessary. Even Babar Ali as Thanvi uncle has the audience intrigued. Little details, beautiful writing, and great performances are the beauty of this drama. Three episodes down, Kuch Ankahi has touched several issues, broken stereotypes and redefined gender roles. For now, this drama is definitely a must watch.
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