Even in this day and age when women are seen climbing up the professional ladder and doing just as great as their male counterparts in leadership roles while simultaneously looking after their families, there are certain men who find this derogatory for their egos.
Unlike a myriad of serials that leave female characters to weep and whimper without rhyme or reason, Pakeeza shows how a successful working woman may have to deal with conflicting relationships.
Even in this day and age when women are seen climbing up the professional ladder and doing just as great as their male counterparts in leadership roles while simultaneously looking after their families, there are certain men who find this derogatory for their egos. They continue to view women as weak, incompetent and incapable and feel that their destiny lies in the confines of their homes. Aamina Sheikh-starrer drama serial Pakeeza seems to reflect on the same.
With two episodes already aired, the play focuses on the story of how a successful working woman appreciated for her skill can threaten a man who finds her ambition hard to bear.
Pakeeza shines because of its brilliant ensemble which features actors Adnan Siddiqui, Alyy Khan alongside Aamina Sheikh who is back on television after more than an year. Their collective weight is enough to keep one glued. Add this to the fact that Pakeeza consists of characters that are closely linked and consequently is an easy one to follow amidst a sea of cringe-worthy television serials.
Familial ties and professional ties come together as the drama shies away from presenting plotlines that feel cliched, so far.
Aamina Sheikh essays the titular role of Pakeeza, a successful painter married to an obnoxious rich man called Jibran, played to perfection by Alyy Khan. Their story plays around the themes of a horrifying marriage that includes verbal and domestic abuse without redeeming factors.
Pakeeza works at a gallery where she has two friends: Jibran’s sister (Angeline Malik) and Azeem (played by Adnan Siddiqui) who confesses his love for her in the second episode.
Pakeeza is the story of a woman, who is appreciated and encouraged by her friends at work, but has no standing in her own house, especially in front of her husband. This takes away all her confidence and undermines her abilities as an artist. Her husband’s sarcastic comments pull her down as her ego takes a daily beating.
The play also highlights another important issue: the effect of environment on a child’s mental health and how a peaceful environment is necessary for nurturing children. A case in point is Pakeeza and Jibran’s daughter, a young teenager who is deeply disturbed by her parents’ abusive partnership.
In the latest episode, she addresses her father’s behavior by questioning him about the treatment he metes out to his wife. The struggle of this family is at the heart of this tale.
It is still fairly early to comment on how this play will unravel in the next few episodes. Will Pakeeza put up with her husband despite his consistent degradation of her or will she stand up for herself, remains to be seen.
Written by Bushra Ansari and directed by Misbah Khalid, the play deserves appreciation for tackling issues that are a pervasive part of our society. Plays like Pakeeza can serve as a lesson for viewers and can even contribute to the betterment of the society.
