Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: May 13, 2024 | 
| 中文
Nauman Ijaz and Saba Qamar in Mrs. and Mr. Shameem
After premiering on Zindagi's YouTube channel on April 26th at 7:30 PM, Mrs. & Mr. Shameem boldly strides onto the screen, immediately captivating audiences with its unapologetic narrative and powerful performances. This 20-episode series, airing every Tuesday and Friday, marks a significant milestone in Pakistani drama, offering a refreshing departure from conventional storylines and daringly tackling societal taboos head-on.
The brilliance of Mrs. & Mr. Shameem lies in its fearless exploration of societal issues and its poignant portrayal of an unconventional love story. Saji Gul's script intricately weaves together themes of love, masculinity and societal prejudices, inviting viewers on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As Saba Qamar, who portrays Umaina, eloquently puts it, "This series fearlessly challenges societal norms, highlighting the genuine essence of love and marriage."
Saba Qamar and Nauman Ijaz
The narrative unfolds with Umaina's pregnancy, setting the stage for a rollercoaster of emotions as she navigates her marriage to Shameem, and grapples with postpartum depression. Through Umaina and Shameem's relationship, the series confronts toxic masculinity, gender inequality, and the stigma surrounding HIV-positive individuals. Qamar's portrayal of Umaina's evolution from a naive teenager to a resilient woman is nothing short of captivating, capturing the essence of her character's inner strength and vulnerability.
Describing the show, Saba Qamar said: “Mrs. & Mr. Shameem is a story of two very different individuals who explore the true meaning of love, they define their marriage by their own rules, and don’t abide by the stereotypical norms set by society. Very unconventional couple and love."
Central to the success of Mrs. & Mr. Shameem are the powerhouse performances of Naumaan Ijaz and Saba Qamar. Ijaz's portrayal of Shameem defies stereotypes, offering a nuanced portrayal of a soft-hearted, caring man who challenges societal expectations. As Ijaz aptly describes, “Shameem is not like the usual hero you get to see in series and films”. His chemistry with Qamar's Umaina is palpable, infusing each scene with raw emotion and authenticity.
Mrs. and Mr. Shameem offer prayers in the tomb of a saint
Talking about the social norms that the show is challenging, Qamar said that a big part of the story is about redefining what a “good” prospective husband should be like: "He should have muscles, should be good looking, should have money, should have a good job, and be from a good family. In our society this is a perfect man’s definition but reality is something else. When we talk about Shameem’s character he’s not transgender or gay, he is effeminate but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have feelings. He also has the right to love, and probably knows the definition of love much better."
Qamar's dedication to character development shines through in her portrayal of Umaina, a character who defies societal norms and asserts her independence. From her carefree spirit to her struggles with motherhood, Qamar breathes life into Umaina, earning the audience's empathy and admiration. As she reflects on her character's journey, Qamar emphasizes the importance of challenging conventional perceptions of love and marriage, stating, "We define our marriage by our own rules, and don’t abide by the stereotypical norms set by society."
Shameem (Nauman Ijaz) picks Umaina (Saba Qamar) from her hostel
Kashif Nisar's direction infuses Mrs. & Mr. Shameem with authenticity and emotional depth, allowing the narrative to unfold organically. Nisar's collaboration with the cast is evident in the seamless performances and compelling storytelling, elevating the series beyond mere entertainment. "Naumaan has immense range as an actor, and it often gets underplayed. Only he could play a role like this one, add human shades to it and make it relatable,” Nisar said while talking about Ijaz’s powerful performance.
Behind the scenes, Saba Qamar's commitment to her craft is commendable, as she immerses herself in Umaina's character, collaborating with Nisar to bring authenticity to every scene. "Saba would come to my home with a boxful of food and we would develop Umi’s character while having dinner together. When Saba is on your set, her phone doesn’t ring and she doesn’t even coordinate timings for other projects. She’ll come early in the morning and stay till 2 am, if it’s required of her. She’s very passionate and extremely hard-working,” he said.
Beyond its captivating storyline and stellar performances, Mrs. & Mr. Shameem serves as a powerful commentary on societal norms and the importance of acceptance and love. Through Shameem and Umaina's unconventional love story, the series challenges traditional masculinity stereotypes and offers a poignant reminder of the power of empathy and understanding. As writer Saji Gul reflects, “It is not bold, it’s sensitive. It is a family drama and it will be relatable for everyone watching it”.
Saba Qamar and Nauman Ijaz in Mrs. and Mr. Shameem
"Perhaps if Shameem had been played by another actor, he wouldn’t have been as relatable. The actor has to believe in the character that he’s playing," Gul said while talking about the fact that Ijaz had come up with a sketch of Shameem 13 years ago, and had wanted to craft a role like this for a very long time.
In conclusion, Mrs. & Mr. Shameem emerges as an underrated gem of Pakistani drama, offering a compelling narrative, powerful performances and a fearless exploration of societal issues. From its unique love story to its nuanced characterization, the series captivates audiences with its thematic depth and emotional resonance. As viewers embark on this journey with Shameem and Umaina, they are sure to be moved by the series' thought-provoking narrative and timeless message of love and acceptance.
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