The new star-studded drama serial Dobara is on everyone’s lips these days because of not only its brilliant star cast but also an eye-opening story. This show has unraveled many ugly truths in just a few episodes.
What’s the story about?
A young girl, Mehrunissa (played by singer turned actor, Hadiqa Kiani), is married off to a man, Hidayatullah (played by Nauman Ijaz), who is 20 years older than her, while she is just a child, as her dying father’s wish. The drama serial commences with Hidayatullah’s death and Mehru’s reflection on her life spent with him, which was clearly not a bed of roses.
What lessons does it teach?
1. A long marriage does not equal to a happy marriage:
Everyone in the family is delusional about Mehru & Hidayat’s relationship – they believed the love was mutual. The reason? They’ve been married for so long & Mehru practically spent her entire life with him being married so young. However, Mehru’s reaction to his death tells us otherwise. As if, she had been emancipated from a life-long sentence. She constantly hints that no one knows anything about her marriage and we see a series of flashbacks showing us her early days of marriage i.e. the start of her imprisonment.
2. Women and expectations:
There’s no denying that marriage changes a girl’s life forever but to what extent? The young Mehrunissa was expected to act like a woman at adolescence. Her husband dictated her life; what she will wear, will do, be called by and even, what music she would listen to. How suffocating would such a life be when someone’s consent, their choices are neglected to such extreme?
3. Age gap in marriage:
The age gap between Hidayatullah & Mehru was quite a lot but the story will take a new twist when Mehru will marry Mahir (played by Bilal Abbas), who is much younger than her. As a society, we hardly ever object an older man marrying a young, beautiful young girl but the same society blackens the name of a woman who opts to marry someone younger. As an audience, we know there will be a lot of hurdles in their marriage, and most importantly, opposition from family. I can’t wait to see how Mehru fights for her happiness and if she actually finds herself with this decision. It will be a great lesson for everyone!
Let us know what stood out for you in these few episodes.
Based on Umera Ahmed’s novel Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay, the eponymous drama serial is based on the story of a young girl, Mehreen Mansoor (played by Mahira Khan), who faces childhood trauma, which gravely impacts her adulthood. Despite being a flawed character, I am still rooting for Mehreen and here’s why!
1-She does not care about other’s opinions!
Mehreen is hated by her cousin Mashal (played by Kubra Khan), who loves getting the former into trouble and seeing her in pain. Childhood friendship turned into cousin rivalry!
But Mehreen’s mantra is: Ignore and move on! No, she doesn’t try to prove her niceness by being good to Mashal. No, she does do Mashal’s work so she’d like her. No, she is not like any typical protagonist! And I love seeing her take stand for herself!
2. She is financially independent!
Mehreen from Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay drama turns out to be an artist and notwithstanding belonging to a well-off family, she decides to pay her bills by selling her paintings online!
The drama conveys a great message to young girls out there to make use of their talent rather than waiting for a prince charming to save the day!
3. Not your typical roti-dhoti heroine!
A lot of progress was made in just two episodes and one important twist was Mehreen’s mother’s (forced) remarriage after her father’s suicide. The remarriage caused our female lead to become aloof from her mother and their meetings left her upset and troubled.
Shedding tears behind closed doors, in public she comes off as a confident and strong young woman. When her friend asked if she had been weeping, her response was “not every water that comes out of the eye is tear”.
4. Marriage is not the ultimate purpose of her life!
The second episode revealed that Saffan (played by Haroon Shahid), her best friend’s cousin, had proposed to Mehreen. Despite not minding the proposal, Mehreen politely refused saying she is not ready for a commitment. We loved how the character did not go gaga over a boy or the mere fact that ‘rishta aya hai’ but had her priorities set!
5. Prioritized education!
In a country where not even half of its female population is literate, Mehreen’s character is empowering. Being brought up without her parents, father accused of thievery and substance abuse, rebuked by her family, suffering from anxiety, she still pursued her education. Now an MPhil student, we see her excelling in her secular life; winning debates and being a gold medalist.
So what’s stopping those women who are privileged enough to obtain education, from doing so?
Although we love Mahira Khan’s character, Mehreen, in Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay drama, we cannot not appreciate Kubra Khan, as a shrewd antagonist and, Usman Mukhar, whose character has an air of mystery to it. Special mention to Omair Rana for a powerful cameo, Zainab Qayyum, Laila Wasti, Haroon Shahid, Huma Nawab and veteran actress Shamim Hilali for delivering amazing performances.
Have you been following the drama? Share your thoughts with us below!
Sanya Mithani is a content writer at Femmerang. She’s a lifestyle Instagram blogger passionate about books. Follow her on Instagram @bookshelf.and.closet.
Airing on Geo TV network, Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3 is probably the one Pakistani drama that everyone from youth to elderly are watching and hyping up these days. But I think, Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3 is getting problematic episode after episode, with not only its plot but its toxic male characters too.
Here is my list of top 3 such toxic male characters from the drama!
Taufeeq Sahab
Played by Waseem Abbas, Taufeeq has a toxic relationship with his son, Farhad/Feedi where he left no opportunity to belittle him and never showed affection, which eventually led to Feedi feeling incapable and useless.
Can we blame Feedi’s bold step to elope for so-called love on the lack of fatherly love?
Nazim Shah
Our male lead, Feedi, in spite of his jolliness, is the most toxic of them all. The intention of portraying him as a Romeo-style lover has miserably failed.
Whenever I watch his scenes, he is doing nothing but forcing Mahi to fall in love with him, making her risk her dignity and respect. With her constant refusal, we see him emotionally blackmailing her. So not a hero now, is he?
Maybe Feedi does not understand, but the educated awaam that watches Pakistani dramas, knows that no means no and that leaves no room for imposing your own feelings on another.
Nazim Shah
One cannot help but feel nervous when Nazim Shah, played by Sohail Sameer, appears on screen. His intense personality and husky voice do the job!
Despite holding highest regards towards his values and social status, Nazim Shah has a very unhealthy relationship with his sister, Mahi, where he is against her education and discourages her to study further. Like any typical male from Pakistani drama, he just wants her to get settled (AKA marry a rich boy), shattering her dreams.
Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3, so far is a huge disappointment for me, without any moral or message. If you are following this show, let us know your thoughts about this Pakistani drama on Instagram @femmrang.
In 2019, Alex Michaelides stunned all the readers with his thrilling debut, The Silent Patient. All his fans, including me, were eagerly waiting for his next, The Maidens, which was released earlier this month.
Although fast-paced and happening, Alex Michaelidesfailed to impress me with his new novel despite all the dark academia & Greek aesthetics that leave you in awe.
Keep reading to know some reasons why The Maidens was a letdown for me.
Weak characterization
The story revolves around a woman, Mariana, who has recently lost her husband and is now looking to prove a murder. The intention must have been for readers to sympathize with Mariana but all I felt was annoyance and frustration.
The way Mariana was stuck in her past, her indecisiveness, and the way she was dealing with the entire ‘murder’ situation were rather immature and uncalculated. I only saw glimpses of her capability as a protagonist, usually making foolish decisions and in constant need for others approval.
An uncomfortable suspense
Without spoiling the book, I was expecting Alex Michaelides to drop a bombshell with the revelation of the culprit. Sadly, that was not the case.
The murderer turned out to be someone I had guessed all along with a very weak and eerie motive. Moreover, we realize they had an accomplice too, which in itself was an uncomfortable picture and further complicating it with a second narrator.
Unnecessary additions
I am personally not fond of thrillers that introduce characters and events that have nothing to do with the plot.
For instance, in The Maidens, I could not grasp the need for Henry AKA stalker’s character till the end. Just a red herring!
A forced story of a key character
Apart from Mariana and the rest of the gang, there is one more character that’s in the spotlight. The one initially portrayed as the culprit, the handsome, dazzling professor.You do not have to be Sherlock to guess that it can never be him just because that’s the first instinct. Notwithstanding his charming, confident personality,
Michaelides gave him a terrible persona, not thought-out at all rather rushed for the sake of making him look wicked, nonetheless
These were some points that had disappointed me after finishing the book. Have you read The Maidens? Let us know on Instagram @femmerang!
Sanya Mithani is a content writer at Femmerang. She’s a lifestyle Instagram blogger passionate about books. Follow her on Instagram @bookshelf.and.closet.
With three new TV shows airing in Ramadan, we are in love with Chupke Chupke starring Ayeza Khan & Osman Khalid Butt, which makes us convulse with laughter with each episode.
We are giving you our top-5 reasons to watch this show!
Meenu ki tabahee!
Meet Meenu, the clumsiest girl ever! We see our protagonist Meenu AKA Ayeza Khan casually, distractedly breaking things around house. Wherever she goes, trouble follows. From breaking lamp while wearing her bag or dropping sugar, tealeaves on the floor or tripping and what not, we have seen it all. Despite her gracelessness, she melts our hearts with her innocence and of course, the pet dialogue “Meenu larki tu bari cool hai…ye dunya badi fazool hai”!
The sautan-battle:
So apparently, the story revolves around two houses whose matriarchs are co-wives of the leads’ (deceased) dadajee. Their never-ending rivalry becomes a competition of everything from likes on social media to whose grandson will get married first. We love the dadi-conflict and how they pull each other’s leg!
CBA debut:
Chupke Chupke is a treat for CBA army who were waiting for Arsalan Naseer’s on-screen debut. Followers of his YouTube videos love how his subtle (yet on point) comedy cracks us up. He did not fail to impress us with his debut performance and made us fall in love with Hadi. Also, how can one miss the iconic ‘bhae wah’, which is something all his fans were looking forward to!?
Kifayat ki kanjoosi:
If there’s one character that has fab screen presence it is Kifayat AKA Farhan Ali Agha. The owner of poultry farm and ever so stingy! He needs hisaab kitaab of every petty expense, has a habit of turning off lights at home (to save money) and is all-time worried about bills. His wife, Kaneez, the ultimate clean freak, played by the elegant Tara Mehmood and his mother, the social media addict, played by Asma Abbas are frustrated! But we love how he leaves no opportunity to save up!
Gul & Miskeen’s chemistry:
We have been seeing a culture of ghar-jamai in Pakistani dramas these days and it thrills us to see how the roles have been switched. The husband has taken over the domestic responsibilities, an unusual situation. In Chupke Chupke, Gul-e-Rana (mira Sethi) and Miskeen’s (Ali Safina) couple has our heart. No matter how much Gul fights with her husband, we see her blushing when someone mentions their couple. Somewhere in-between the nok-jhok and Miskeen’s weirdness, their love exists. Their on-screen chemistry is thriving!
Let us know which Ramadan show you have been following on Instagram @femmerang!
Sanya Mithani is a content writer at Femmerang. She’s a lifestyle Instagram blogger passionate about books. Follow her on Instagram @bookshelf.and.closet.
One of the Ramadan shows, Tanaa Banaa starring Daniyal Zafar and Alizeh Shah is all about the post-marriage life of an ambitious young girl and shows her struggles to balance her studies and home. Here are three such realities that have really stood out for us!
The unhappy saas:
“Dus din k liye tum Zoya ko apni beti samjho aur Zain ko damaad, phir dekhna, tumhe Zain mei khamiyan aur Zoya mei khoobiyan nazar anay lagengi!”
Zoya’s (Alizeh Shah) mother-in-law is not happy. While in search of a perfect bahu ‘jo pura ghar sambhalegi’ she found one who wanted to study ahead and complete her MBA. Zoya’s husband, Zain (Daniyal Zafar) fully supports her and that frustrates the MIL even more. Sounds familiar? How many times are girls forced to let go of their dreams and aspirations to fulfill the expectations of their in-laws, even when there are ways out? Countless. Even when Zoya tries to help out in the kitchen, the saas finds flaws in her work and yells at her for petty mistakes.
The need to justify doing something for your wife:
In a typical joint family, it is easy to get labelled as ‘joru ka gulaam’ if a husband extends help to his wife or goes out of his way for his wife’s comfort. And this is not connotated positively, sadly. In one of the episodes, we saw Zain making up excuses for ordering pizza for his wife who he had upset earlier, trivial but significant. Even when he allowed his wife to study further, his family got offended because he didn’t tell them earlier. Zain is also a constant victim of sarcasm and taunts when he does not bat an eye when Zoya asks him for something. His love being repeatedly degraded to submissiveness to his life partner!
Uncertainties of a woman:
How saddening is it to see a girl making his future husband sign a contract before marriage, as per which, he will not only allow her to study but also not force her to work at home after studies (which would compromise her results). Is it the lack of trust or the fear a woman has before marrying that all her dreams will be crushed? It’s not surprising because this mindset exists in every other desi household where a girl is stuck between ‘shaadi ke baad karlena’ and ‘shaadi pehle karlena tha’. The pressures from married life (which in itself should ideally be very beautiful), leaves a girl hanging in between.
But, this drama is just not about the sad realities but also highlights what we should be doing as a society! Here are two of our favorite instances!
Everyone needs appreciation:
Part of the reason for Zoya’s MIL’s frustration was the lack of appreciation from her family. Let alone her birthday that no one remembers, no one has ever been grateful to her for all the work she does rather consider it as her duty. We were brought to tears (of joy) when Zoya surprises her with a bouquet and gift as a token of gratitude.
Husband helping out his wife:
Shahid phupa (Hasan Noman Qureshi) is our favorite character because unlike other male characters, he is not afraid to express love for his wife. He feels no shame in ironing her clothes or helping in the kitchen on behalf of her. He gives her surprises on her birthdays (and she always knows there will be one) and encourages her to work as per her wishes. We all stan Shahid Phupa – he is the new benchmark for ideal husbands!
Are you watching Tanaa Banaa? Let us know your thoughts on Instagram @femmerang!
Sanya Mithani is a content writer at Femmerang. She’s a lifestyle Instagram blogger passionate about books. Follow her on Instagram @bookshelf.and.closet.
1. Live life as or bring to life, your favorite character from the Urdu novel, for a day?
Live life as favorite character
Bring to life a favorite character
2. Have no biryani or no chai for the rest of your life?
No biryani
No chai
3. Go on a family vacation to Muree or travel solo to Dubai?
Family vacay
Travel solo
4. Have the parlour-wali ruin your haircut or your brows?
Haircut
Brows
5. Have unconcerned relatives who don’t give Eidi or nosy relatives who give Eidi above 10K (each)?
Unconcerned with no Eidi
Nosy with 10K+ Eidi
6. Never get invited to family weddings or have no one attend your wedding?
Never getting invited
No one attending your wedding
7. Never have to pay delivery charges or always get early access to new collections/sales of your favorite brand?
Free shipping
Early access
8. Eat daal chawal every day or never have daal chawal ever in your life?
Everyday
Never
9. Be forced to talk to relatives on call for one hour daily or forced to visit them for half an hour daily?
Talk on call
Visit them
10. Watch one Pakistani drama you don’t like over and over again or never watch movies in your life?
Watch same drama
No movies ever
Sanya Mithani is a content writer at Femmerang. She’s a lifestyle Instagram blogger passionate about books. Follow her on Instagram @bookshelf.and.closet.
Do you really want to read a book based on your favorite colour and not sure about which book you should pick up next? Check out the below recommendations based on what your favorite colour signifies!
1. Black: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo:
Colour significance: Power, death and evil
Those who love the color black tend to love dark academia – a concept that involves literature about themes such as death and Goth. Ninth House is a classic example of this genre with the protagonist having the ability to see ghosts and Yale’s secret societies practicing dark magic. A murder, a suspect, and another side to the story; Ninth House will keep you at the edge!
2. White:To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han:
Colour significance: Innocence and goodness
Want to lighten up the mood? Then, this should be your next pick. You will cherish the sweet moments and chemistry development between Lara-Jean and Peter Kavinskyas the love letters from Lara’s childhood, kept inside her hatbox are mysteriously sent to all her crushes. The kind of book you’d finish in one sitting!
3. Blue: Reclaim Your Heart by YasminMogahed:
Colour significance: Wisdom and inspiration
A much-celebrated author back with an inspiring novel – Reclaim Your Heart is the perfect cure to a wounded heart or distressed mind. Mogahed’s thought-provoking words of wisdom, backed with religious (Quranic)affirmations will evoke hope and give undesirable situations a positive perspective.
4. Pink: Field Notes On Love by Jennifer E. Smith:
Colour significance: Romance and charm
With an abundance of romance novels, it is difficult to come up with a unique story that manages to hold your attention. Field Notes On Love won’t disappoint. Hugo and Mae, strangers who come together on a train journey, will restore your faith in love and won’t let that smile disappear till the novel reaches its end.
5. Purple: Heartless by Marissa Meyer:
Colour significance: Royalty and ambition
There’s a king and there’s an ambitious baker who doesn’t want to marry the king. An odd fairytale that dates back to the time before Alice in Wonderland, Heartless is about a girl who wants to live her passion and fall in love. Will she surrender to her parents’ wishAKA become the next queen of Hearts or fight for her dream?
6. Red: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff:
Colour significance: War, danger, and passion
Did someone say space war and artificial intelligence? An unusual futuristic novel, written in the form of memos, emails, digital conversations, and interviews, Illumiaeis a complete package for all sci-fi fanatics. The inside is equally beautiful as the orange glossy cover, with special black pages allocated to the AI and diary entries.
Kady Grant tells the story of the space war (although not a first-person narration) of the year 2575, which is also the classified record of the war itself. While the book is primarily sci-fi, there’s a romantic angle to it as well. The story continues in two more books following Illuminae, making it a trilogy.
7. Yellow: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell:
Colour significance: Happiness and positivity
Cath writes Simon Snow fanfiction and her work is massively read and appreciated. But what happens when she goes to college, accompanying her twin sister, and leaves behind her old life? Will she be able to keep a balance between academics and her passion or will she have to make a choice?
Full of life, Fangirl is a rollercoaster ride, where you’ll experience the ups and downs with Cath, find love, and live life as a true fangirl. Also, enjoy snippets from the Simon Snow saga after every other chapter!
8. Green: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett:
Colour significance: Nature and freshness
If you really love to read a book then read this novel for its wonderful character growth and development. Mary, an arrogant little girl changes completely when she finds an enchanted ‘secret garden’ at her new guardian’s house. Although it’s a children’s classic, people of every age would enjoy this celebration of magic and friendship. Bonds created based on secrets that will stay with you forever!
9. Orange: Kafka On The Shore by Haruki Murakami:
Colour significance: Fascination and determination
Magical realism is the genre not everyone enjoys but Murakami’s works are undoubtedly enjoyable for everyone. Two tales simultaneously move forward only to intertwine at one point. This book is nothing less than a masterpiece with eerie situations and strong imageries.
10. Brown: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover:
Colour significance: Loneliness and isolation
It ends with us is not an unhappy book per se but sheds light upon some of the crucial issues of our society, which need to be discussed. Lily’s story is not uncommon yet beautifully portrayed by Colleen Hoover.
We give them the power to hurt us to those we love and that’s the price for love Lily had to pay, every single time. Despite life being difficult on her, she didn’t lose hope and kept ongoing. This novel is a great message of courage for everyone battling and struggling in life.
Sanya Mithani is a content writer at Femmerang. She’s a lifestyle Instagram blogger passionate about books. Follow her on Instagram @bookshelf.and.closet.
Winner of the 2020 (Goodreads) Best Fiction Award, THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY BY MATT HAIG is one book you should definitely read once in your lifetime (no pun intended). Here are the top 5 lessons I learnt after completing this beautiful novel.
P.S: Contains spoilers!
1. Do not regret over what did not happen!
We all at some point regret certain decisions that we made and think about how life would have been different if we did not make them. But what is the guarantee that not making those decisions would lead to a more satisfactory outcome?
When Nora selected instances from her Book of Regrets, trying to fix those decisions (her marriage with Dan, being a responsible cat owner, chasing her dreams and so on), she realized that she was still not ‘happy’. Dan was not the ideal husband, Volts was not the fittest cat any way and its death was inevitable, and her dreams costed lives of her loved ones. Fame and success came with a heavy price too.
So, just go with the flow and do not cry over what did not happen because chances are you are living your best life already (with just some tweaking required)!
2. There is no ‘perfect’ life!
The final life that Nora entered made her believe that it is the life she yearned. A loving husband, gorgeous daughter, no financial pressure – a dream come true!
However, she still found herself returning back to the midnight library (which meant she was disappointed with that life, deep down). But why?
That was the life Nora had borrowed or stolen from her other self in this multiverse not the one she created by herself, for herself. We cannot be handed a utopian life rather, we take our existing one and make it beautiful through our efforts!
3. Don’t judge and react to quickly!
Nora thought her long lost friend, Izzy was ignoring her, Leo no longer required her piano lessons, and her brother still blamed her for leaving the band. All this bottled up and compelled her to overdose and take her own life.
When her experience with her other lives made her appreciate life, she realized she was too quick to judge. Izzy was just caught up with ‘thesis antithesis synthesis’ but was delighted to see her text and wanted to catch up, Doreen was guilty for not letting Leo have piano lessons and wanted Nora to continue, and her brother had no grudges against her, after all.
So do not make rushed decisions based on temporary emotions! Give people and life a chance – you never know in what ways you are surprised!
4. Kindness is what the world needs!
Kindness multiplies. Nora imagined Mrs. Elm in the midnight library because she was the only one who was kind to her (as far as she remembers) and comforted Nora when her father died.
Nora reciprocated that little act of kindness by reassuring Mrs. Elm, later in life when she had given up after a failed marriage. So be kind to someone and you never know when that kindness returns and spreads!
5. Do not give up (no matter what)!
Instead of giving up try to amend! If Nora had given up she would have missed out on love, friendship, family, career and so much more. Her willingness to simply live fixed everything that went wrong. Gave her the confidence that there is nothing that cannot be amended with a little effort – conversing and acting upon. Live your life as per this mantra and you shall never give up on life!
If you have read this book, let us know your thoughts @femmerang on Instagram!
Sanya Mithani is a content writer at Femmerang. She’s a lifestyle Instagram blogger passionate about books. Follow her on Instagram @bookshelf.and.closet.
What do we normally see in Pakistani dramas? Saas-bahu rivalries? Sisters fighting over one guy? Are lovers not marrying each other?
If no one else, writer Imran Nazir realized that we do not need to see more of these issues on our screens & penned down a fabulous drama like Ghissi Pitti Mohabbat. The drama is as unusual and unconventional as its name and here’s why everyone needs to watch this show!
1. Aurat ki chaar (4) shaadiyan?
Yes! The story revolves around a woman who marries 4 times. Not a man. A woman. How intriguing! But is the Pakistani audience from a fairly backward society, ready to see and accept a ‘woman’ in such a situation?
2. Bhaag kar shaadi!
It’s not new to see lovers eloping, in our dramas, but what’s not common is to see the kind of reaction we saw in GPM. Sooner than expected, both sides accepted their marriage & they started living a normal life at the boy’s house. No continuous ‘loug kya kahenge’ taunts or violence in the name of honor!
3. Aurat ki asli jagah kitchen hi hai’
Whoever said this has not met Naheed Sahab, who proved everyone who thinks that women belong in the kitchen, wrong. Not only do we see Saifie Hassan AKA Naheed as a dutiful husband (fear or love, we don’t know) but also as a brilliant cook & a great retired homemaker.
4. Farmabardar bahu?
Gone are the days when we used to see obedient & naïve daughters-in-law in our dramas, especially if she is the main lead. Samia Anwar is the kind of bahu every Pakistani saas fears. She isn’t disrespectful but also not the kind who would suffer in silence and not complain about injustices and constant criticisms by her saas. We also see GPM normalizing a woman giving her income to her side of the family. A change we definitely need!
We are super excited to see what more GPM has in store for us! It’s great to see how we are progressing from our old school mindset and depicting the changes needed in our society, in mass media! Hoping to see the drama making the impact it deserves!
Sanya Mithani is a content writer at Femmerang. She’s a lifestyle Instagram blogger passionate about books. Follow her on Instagram @bookshelf.and.closet.
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