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    Drama Review: Nauroz

    Written by: Dr. Saba Noor
    Posted on: August 15, 2023 | | 中文

    Mawra Hocane and Shamil Khan in Nauroz

    Amongst various dramas that Green Entertainment has tabulated, Nauroz stands one step ahead. Nauroz, starring Mawra Hocane as the lead character, is different from the top offerings of most television channels that revolve around cousin marriages, family rivalries and fictitious love stories. Nauroz, the captivating drama with its unique storyline focuses on self-discovery, survival and resilience. It is produced under Nuqta productions and skillfully directed by Shahzad Kashmiri, while Kashif Anwar is the script writer, who has also penned many famous dramas like Neem and Sabaat, all featuring Mawra Hocane as the lead protagonist.

    The story of Nauroz revolves around a young girl “Rishtina”, played by Mawra, who has lived 20 years of her life confined to the premises of her house in a mountainous valley. Rishtina has never stepped outside the confines of her house. Raised and educated by Agha Jaan, played by Shamil Khan, a friend of Armaghan Khan (played by Alamdar Khan), the biological father of Rishtina. Armagahan had married a singer against his father’s wishes and was blessed with Rishtina. Rishtina’s mother died while delivering her, and when Armaghan took the new born to his home, his father threatened to kill her. Armagahan flees from his home and hands over his daughter to his friend Agha Jaan, who along with his wife raises Rishtina.

    Rishtina's parents, Armagan Khan (Alamdar Khan) and his wife, the singer

    Rishtina lived in a basement for 20 years, hoping that one day she would get a chance to see the world. Upon turning twenty, Agha Jaan asked her to leave the village and go to the city on her own. She waited for this to happen for years, but the world was not as kind as she expected it to be, nor did she expect to be sent off unaccompanied to the city. Poor girl lost all contacts with her Agha Jaan, and discovers the underside of the world. The naïve girl undergoes a profound transformation, for Agha Jaan with foresight had taught her several self-defense techniques.

    Shamil Khan and Mawra Hocane

    It is evident that the director, Shahzad Kashmiri, has done an amazing job in arranging the appearances of little Rimisha, 16-year-old Rimisha (Maimoona Khan) and 20-year-old Rimisha (Mawra Hocane), as all of them bear striking resemblance, making the portrayal real.

    Since the storyline of Nauroz does not revolve around a romantic theme, it will be interesting to observe if the audience continues to watch the drama. This departure from the hackneyed storyline is refreshing for the audience, as it offers a chance to engage with a different range of experiences.

    One notable characteristic of the drama is its absence of a male lead character, and the complete lack of a romantic relationship. The audience is eagerly waiting to witness how this innocent girl shall encounter and deal with a harsh world on her own and seek retribution for those who have caused her irretrievable harm. The turning point in her life is yet to come, for this naïve girl has just started befriending a TikToker (played by Manhoor Shaukat), and it is expected that Rishtina will emerge stronger for having overcome all adversity.

    Mahnoor Shaukat (the Tiktoker) and Mawra Hocane in Nauroz

    Mawra Hocane is a versatile actor, evident from the diverse roles that she has played over the years with socially relevant plotlines. Nauroz has brought out the best of her acting abilities, since in the drama she has been portrayed walking barefoot on the streets, scavenging from dustbins, rubbing mud on her face and sitting in the garbage. In this role, she has completely shed her glamorous image and stepped out of her comfort zone.

    Mawra Hocane in Nauroz

    Nauroz is enthralling viewers with its divergent and varied storyline, as well as its talented and versatile cast. Other than Mawra, the cast of the drama includes Manzar Sehbai, Shamil Khan, Alamdar Khan and other seasoned actors. The dynamics between Manzar Sehbai and Mawra Hocane's roles in Neem and Nauroz are distinct. In Neem, Mawra epitomizes the personality of her teacher, portrayed by Manzar Sehbai, while in Nauroz, however, the relationship between the two takes a dark turn, as Manzar Sehbai’s character (Karvaan Khan) seeks to end her life. The teasers indicate that Mawra as Rishtina will eventually confront Manzar Sehbai, after getting to know about Agha Jaan’s demise. This transformation of the on-screen relationship between Manzar Sehbai and Mawra denotes their versatility as actors and adds an element of awe. Sehbai has portrayed the intensity and assertiveness of the character of a tribal elder with ease. Moreover, Shamil Khan has delivered a remarkable performance as Agha Jaan, portraying the strengths and weaknesses of the character with mastery.

    Manzar Sehbai and Shamil Khan

    Nauroz has set a high standard, and the audience is waiting for the story to unfold with the evolution of Rishtina’s character from a naïve girl confined to the basement, to a strong independent girl defying an extremely patriarchal grandfather. The remarkable performances of the actors combined with a socially relevant plotline, makes Nauroz one of the most promising dramas by Green Entertainment.


    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