lillyy2k2

Anarkali (Drama 88)
Director: Iqbal Ansari
Writer: Gohar Sultana Uzma
Background Score:Javed Allah Ditta
*ing Zeba Bakhtiar, Mehmood Akhtar, Latif Kapadia, Nirala, and others.

One of those memorable dramas from the golden age of Pakistan television.

Zeba Bakhtiar was cast in the role of Saba - a very pretty rich girl with many admirers. Contrary to her outward appearance she's quite simple and idealistic. Tired of being judged by her looks, she's looking for a man who cares to find out the person behind her pretty face . She meets Sherry(played by Mehmood Akhtar)- a shrewd businessman. He spots her in a stage play 'Anarkali' and falls head over heels in love with her. They get married soon after. Gradually, Saba realizes that sherry is quite different from what she had thought him to be. He’s a calculating and business-minded husband who wants his wife to help him in his social climb. He treats her as a pretty face who's presentable. But doesn't care to find out her feelings and simple needs. He's just like her mnay admirers who never care to look beyond her appearance. Slowly, she's driven into seclusion as nobody cares to share with her. Her status-concious husband and in-laws look down upon her for her unwordldly ways. She 's too simple and unambitious to fit into their social circle where people care more about wealth and status.

The drama was titled anarkali because it makes a comparison of the central character of Saba with the famous courtesan anarkali who was put in shackles and buried alive. Had anarkali known that saleem 's love was superficial she would never have got betrayed by him. Same holds true for Saba. The basic premise points out how for many people marriage is a compromise, a business deal and not just a sacred relationsip between a man and a woman.

Zeba's innocent looks made her the most suitable choice for the role of Saba no wonder she became quite popular after this drama got aired.

The writing was top notch. The characters were realistic and empathizable. The dialogues were pithy and perfectly echoed the inner conflict of the characters.

I would specially like to mention the background score composed by Javed Allah Ditta. It was absolutely haunting and enhanced the emotional impact of the scenes. Parveen Shakir's ghazal's Khubu Ki Tarteeb Hawa Ke Raqs Mein Hai was used in the background. It's a must listen for music afficionados. I'm impressed by the director for putting so much effort into every aspect of this drama.

I don't think anyone has touched upon these simple issues in recent times. These people fail to understand that the key to writing heart felt stories lies in simple realities of life. We don't need complicated plots or shocking twists.

samb

thanks for the well written review. and for explaining the story. I'd heard lots about it but when I watched it, I totally didn't get the story.

and Zeba looked stunning in the play.

lillyy2k2

thanks