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    Drama Review: Noor Jahan

    Written by: Dr. Saba Noor
    Posted on: July 25, 2024 | | 中文

    Saba Hamid, Hajra Yamin, Ali Rehman, Alina Abbas and Noor Hassan in Noor Jahan

    Written by Zanjabeel Khan, directed by Musaddiq Malik, and produced by Six Sigma Plus Productions, the drama serial "Noor Jahan" boasts an impressive ensemble cast including the likes of Saba Hamid, Kubra Khan, Ali Rehman, Noor Hassan, Ali Raza, Zoya Nasir, Hajra Yamin and other actors.

    Centered around a formidable matriarch and her sons, the drama delves into the intricate dynamics shaped by Noor Jahan, portrayed with authority by Saba Hamid. Noor Jahan, who belonged to a lower caste background, asserts control over her sons' lives in response to familial rejection, creating a narrative ripe with challenges and unexpected turns.

    Ali Rehman, Saba Hamid and Noor Hasan

    Noor Jahan's elder son, Hunaid (Noor Hassan), relies heavily on his mother's decisions, leaving his wife Safina (Alina Abbas) powerless against familial pressures. Safina, depicted as a vulnerable figure in her in-laws' home, struggles despite understanding Noor Jahan's manipulations, adding layers of complexity to the storyline. Ali Rehman Khan plays Safeer, Noor Jahan's second son, torn between his love for Maha (Zoya Nasir) and his mother's wishes for him to marry Sumbul (Hajra Yamin). Noor Jahan also harbors a rivalry with Mukhtiar Shah (Yousuf Bashir Qureshi), her husband's younger brother. She manipulates Mukhtiar's daughter, Noor Bano (Kubra Khan), into marrying her third son, Murad (Ali Raza), as a means to exact revenge and assert dominance, typical of family-political dramas.

    Ali Raza and Kubra Khan

    Despite living in a modern era, Noor Jahan maintains a traditional mindset. She desires a baby boy to continue the family's lineage and blames Safina for not being able to conceive a male heir. The mental trauma inflicted by Noor Jahan and Hunaid on Safina is so severe, that it tragically leads to the demise of her unborn baby girl. The drama poignantly addresses societal biases against girls from infancy, showcasing the impact of such prejudices on individuals.

    Noor Hassan and Saba Hamid as mother-son

    The evolving plot promises heightened tension as Noor Bano emerges as a potential adversary to Noor Jahan, driven by a desire for revenge. This thematic development resonates with similar narrative arcs seen in other dramas, adding suspense and intrigue for viewers. It will be interesting to see how Noor Bano plans her revenge and what actions she takes against Noor Jahan, especially after the demise of her father after a scuffle with Noor Jahan and her sons.

    Regarding the similarities between the revenge story in this drama and Khaie, it does seem like there are some parallels. Just like in Khaie, where Zamda was the one seeking revenge, it appears that Noor Bano will be taking on a similar role in seeking revenge against Noor Jahan. So, these themes and plotlines can be observed across different dramas, adding to the excitement and suspense for the viewers.

    Zoya Nasir and Ali Rehman

    Saba Hamid's portrayal of the cunning matriarch and Yousuf Bashir Qureshi's powerful performance as Mukhtiar Shah, are commendable, alongside strong contributions from Alina Abbas, Ali Rehman, Hajra Yamin, Zoya Nasir, Noor Hassan and Ali Raza. Their collective efforts make "Noor Jahan" a compelling watch, showcasing the evolution and diversity in Pakistani storytelling.

    Yousuf Bashir Qureshi and Kubra Khan as father-daughter

    While "Noor Jahan" explores familiar themes, its nuanced characterizations and plot twists offer a refreshing take on familial dynamics in Pakistani dramas. It is imperative for the media industry to balance such narratives with healthier portrayals of relationships, ensuring a positive influence on viewers. In conclusion, Saba Hamid's exceptional performance in "Noor Jahan", underscores her talent and elevates the drama, making it a standout in contemporary Pakistani television.


    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