Written by: Hareem Zafar
Posted on: April 20, 2020 | 
Ameer Gilani as Hassan and Mawra as Anaya
‘Sabaat (To Last Forever)’ is the latest Hum TV drama directed by cinematographer-turned director Shehzad Kashmir, and produced by Momina Duraid. It features a stellar cast of Mawra Hocane, Sarah Khan, Usman Mukhtar and Seemi Raheel. ‘Sabaat’ marks the return of the television darling Mawra Hocane, who has already proven her mettle in drama serials like Sammi, Daasi and Angan. A tale of prejudice and antagonism between different social classes, the drama has a unique storyline to offer viewers. Four episodes down, the plot looks promising and the audiences are hooked.
Firstly, we are introduced to Miraal Fareed, a refreshingly new role for Sarah Khan. Miraal is a materialistic shallow girl, who believes money can buy anything and anyone. While she has portrayed mostly timid girls in previous dramas, Khan portrays the ‘spoilt rich brat’ quite flawlessly on-screen. She is spoilt by her father, who did not lead a privileged childhood, and does not want his children to experience the same. Miraal has always had her way, and is seen trying to control people’s lives, including that of her brother Hassan (Ameer Gilani).
Miraal in Hassan's University after slapping Anaya
Next, we are introduced to Anaya Mirza (Mawra Hocane), a free spirited, intelligent and a confident girl, who has a firm grasp on her values. What’s interesting about Anaya’s character is that, though modestly dressed, she comes across as liberal, strong willed, optimistic and affectionate. It won’t be wrong to compare her to Kashaf of Zindagi Gulzar Hai, though Anaya is not as bitter. Her scenes with her parents, played by Seemi Raheel and Syed Muhammad Ahmed, make for some of the most compelling parts of the drama. The scene in which she welcomes her father after his retirement, perfectly captures her loving relationship with him, and shows how much she values her relationship with her parents.
Anaya welcoming her father
Anaya is the only child of a middle-class family. She studies in the same university as Hassan Fareed, who is a rich, popular and a privileged kid in school. The feud between Anaya and Hassan in the first episode metaphorically highlights the long-standing class antagonism between the rich and middle class. However, it will be both cliché and disappointing if the plot descends into another love story between a rich, spoilt hero and a strong willed, middle class heroine.
For instance, it was unconvincing to watch Hassan change his ways and start contemplating his life choices so drastically, after just one incident with Anaya. Miraal’s interference in Hassan’s matters is reiterated when she slaps Anaya in the latest episode.
But one of the positive things about the drama is its depiction of sexual harassment at workplace. It highlights Anaya’s progressive views and desire for social injustices. It is good to see Pakistani dramas put an effort to show strong minded, female leads who care about making an impact on the society.
Though Miraal has been portrayed as a shallow character in the first few episodes, the last few episodes reveal more complexity. The dialogues between Miraal and her dying Naani (maternal grandmother), remind me of Falak from Shehr-e-Zaat, another multi-layered character. Miraal is deeply shaken by her grandmother’s death, who on her deathbed, reminded her about the ephemeral nature of beauty, power, youth, money, and health. Miraal begins to read her grandmother’s diary in the latest episode, and realizes how alike the two once were.
Miraal's Naani in Sabaat
This drama was shot in Rawalpindi after quite some time, with breathtaking visuals of university life. Another positive aspect is the introduction of new faces as supporting characters. Their roles and chemistry are both convincing and relatable.
More than Anaya and Hassan’s budding romance, it will be more intriguing and exciting to see how Miraal’s character unfolds. Audiences must be eagerly awaiting Usman Mukhtar’s entry in the drama too. Whether he plays her love interest and/or a catalyst in Miraal’s journey, is yet to be scene. Now that the characters’ personalities have been fully developed, audiences watch eagerly for the plot to unfold, and take each character on their individual and collective journeys. ‘Sabaat’ airs every Sunday on Hum TV.
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