Written by Asma Nabeel and directed by Mehreen Jabbar, the multi-starrer sent out several progressive messages before coming to an end earlier this week
Pakistani television has seen a surge in the past one year with channels and producers not shying away from exploring unconventional and/or taboo topics through their projects. From Ranjha Ranjha Kardi to Cheekh, from Inkaar to Dar Khuda Se and from Suno Chanda to Shahrukh Ki Saaliyan, there has been diversity in genres with characters that are layered.
One such play was the recently concluded Dil Kiya Karey that attempted to break stereotypes with subtle social messages. A mere love story on the surface, Dil Kiya Karey dug deeper into the complex world around us, highlighting social taboos and their impact on individuals and their relationships. It was a delight to see not one or two but almost all of the characters playing an integral role in developing the narrative and taking it forward, without bombarding viewers with too much preaching.
The script was penned by Asma Nabeel, who was nominated in the Best Writer category for Khaani at the recently held Lux Style Awards 2019 while the play was directed by Mehreen Jabbar, who has a very unique and warm way of storytelling. Produced by Asad Qureshi and Abdullah Kadwani under the banner of 7th Sky Entertainment, Dil Kiya Karey featured an all-star cast including Feroze Khan, Yumna Zaidi, Zain Baig, Marina Khan, Sarmad Khoosat, Shamim Hilaly, Abid Ali, Tanveer Jamal and Sonia Rehman.
The play followed the lives of modern day households with their grown up children – essayed by Feroze, Yumna, Zain and Mariyam – who dare to defy the norms and insist on following their hearts. It was a delight to see most of the elders letting their children do what they wished to, with a few exceptions such as Marina Khan, who essayed the role of Feroze’s mother. She was a typical and conservative woman who would look for the worst in every situation; she was a shown as a woman driven by superstition. Rumaisa (Marina Khan’s character) eventually realizes her mistakes, apologizes to the family for her behaviour and ends up being a supportive and progressive character too. Her evolution is gradual and very believable.
Breaking away from stereotypical stories, Dil Kiya Karey brought fresh perspectives to life. From a widow’s in-laws marrying her off to the person of her choice, to letting their daughter work and taking pride in it, to mothers in law becoming close friends, to elders taking their children’s opinions seriously, the play stood out with its progressive treatment of characters and concepts.
Performances, on the other hand, came as a cherry on top. New age actors including Yumna as the resilient Aiman, Feroze as the calm and romantic Armaan, Mariyam as the vocal and confident Faryal and Zain as the loving and caring Saadi won hearts with their effortless delivery while veterans including Marina Khan, Sonia Rehman, Shamim Hilaly and others were a treat to watch.
The play was a little slow paced and subtle as opposed to the melodrama we usually see on the small screen, and therefore a refreshing, light watch. It pointed out the fact that while there are numerous important issues at hand that need to be addressed, we are stuck in petty saas-bahu issues that only complicate lives and relationships.
Strong, resilient women and open minded, understanding men formed the core of Dil Kiya Karey and made it worth a watch. The episodes aren’t officially available on YouTube but those who weren’t able to watch the play can catch it once it makes it to some online platform soon. It’s the digital age, after all.
