Written by: Mehr Jan
Posted on: October 28, 2021 | 
| 中文
Film poster of 'Aik Hai Nigar'
For quite a long time the Pakistani cinema and entertainment industry has been criticized for its rather constricted frame, which projects stories that focus on genres of romance and drama. So when you get to see biopics that are about women’s empowerment, it is a breath of fresh air. Nigar Johar Khan is the first and only woman in the history of Pakistan Army to reach the rank of a lieutenant-general. Currently serving as the surgeon general in the Pakistan Army, her life is a living embodiment of how your hard work and resilience allows you to break the glass ceiling of traditions. When the news broke that a telefilm projecting her meritorious service to the Pakistan Army will be on air, the excitement was undeniable. The news that Pakistan's A-list star Mahira Khan, will not only be acting but also producing this project, raised expectations further.
A scene from 'Aik Hai Nigar'
This telefilm, 'Aik Hai Nigar', having premiered on Oct 24, has garnered around 4 million views on YouTube already. While it is truly a tribute to a woman who overcame societal pressures and became a three-star general in the Pakistan Army, the film has emphasized her personal struggles. Nigar Johar, like anyone else, was not immune to family tragedies. Despite having lost most of her family members in a heartbreaking car accident, she continued to be passionately committed to her work. Her association with the Army meant the world to her, and her only demand when discussing marriage prospects with her father was that her future husband should not have any reservations about her professional commitment. The star of the show is Johar Ali Khan, Nigar’s husband. Nigar is like any girl out there with big dreams and aspirations, but what sets her apart from others is her extremely strong support system, in this instance, her husband.
(Left) Nigar (Mahira) with her father, played by Sohail Sameer and Nigar's marriage scene in the film (Right)
Her husband is her rock, someone she could rely on when the pressures at work were overwhelming. We see this beautiful couple getting to know one another, there is also lighthearted humor as the film's major success lies on how it portrays the relationship. The film shows some significant moments of Nigar's life, and some of the professional hurdles she encountered while remaining committed to her work. Mahira Khan proves why she commands the screen like no one else, capturing the intensity of the moment when Nigar Johar discovers that her husband has only a few months left after being diagnosed with cancer. Mahira’s persona of an officer who is trying to control her emotions as she learns that her confidante and life partner won't be with her for long, having already suffered the loss of her family, is remarkable. There was great attention to detail in the sets, dresses, jewelry including the 'shamiyana' (tent) at the wedding, and the 80s and 90s era was recreated with finesse. The supporting cast, specifically Bilal Ashraf, gives a decent portrayal of a loving husband, who till the very end is a supporting partner as his wife progresses in her career. While some may suggest the film lacks a stronger reflection of Nigar Johar's professional struggles, it is probably looking into how her personal life played a major role in her achievements.
(Left) Mahira Khan as young Nigar Johar Khana and Lieutenant General Nigar Johar Khan (Right)
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