Are you watching Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum? We hear the loud YES! Are you on the lookout for your very own Mustafa and Sharjeena? Another big YES? But have you ever thought about exploring the scripts of the pen who weaves the story to discover the magic she’s been creating on our screens for years, even before Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum? Today, let’s take a moment to revisit the iconic dramas written by Farhat Ishtiaq that once took the television world by storm!
When we tell a story or a love story, it doesn’t always have to be filled with rainbows or overshadowed by dark clouds. Sometimes, the small moments matter the most—those subtle details that often go unnoticed, but that go towards painting the bigger picture. When comprehended in all their nuances, they can either calm a storm or ignite one. That’s one of the key takeaways from scripts penned by Farhat Ishtiaq. Her writing centers on these moments of understated power, conveying strong messages with simplicity. Farhat Ishtiaq masterfully aligns her stories with societal norms, making them relatable and easy to grasp, yet her dialogues carry immense emotional depth.
For over a decade, Farhat Ishtiaq has created memorable stories that have left a lasting impact on the television industry. Her powerful narratives and unforgettable characters stand out due to their emotional richness and social relevance. Let’s take a moment to look back at some of her most popular TV screen contributions!
1. Humsafar – 2011
The love story that made wearing black a mood on its own.
Have you ever wondered why Humsafar became such a massive hit? It wasn’t just about the stunning performances by Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, but also the story itself that pulled viewers in from the start. The drama revolves around Khirad and Ashar, two individuals from very different backgrounds, forced into a marriage due to family circumstances. At first, their relationship is strained, but over time, love blossoms between them. However, just when things seem to be falling into place, misunderstandings and betrayals turn their lives upside down, testing their love and trust in ways they never imagined.
What made Humsafar stand out was its relatable storyline, paired with simple yet powerful emotions. It wasn’t overly dramatic or complicated, which is why so many people could connect with it. The struggles of marriage, family pressures, and how quickly things can go wrong even when love is present in a relationship, are themes that resonated deeply with the audiences at the time. It’s no wonder that Humsafar still holds a special place in the hearts of drama lovers today!
Although the characterizations have been subject to criticism in the present age (after nearly 15 years, times change), Pakistani drama Humsafar, at the time, was a mood to be reckoned with. And Khirad and Ashar’s love story has been immortalized, going down as the most loved love saga ever, amongst Pakistani drama fans the world over.
So, if you haven’t watched it yet, you’re missing out on a lot!
Humsafar was written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Sarmad Khoosat. The production, led by Momina Duraid under MD Productions, aired on HUM TV, bringing the story to life. The cast featured Mahira Khan as Khirad and Fawad Khan as Ashar. Other key cast members include Atiqa Odho, Naveen Waqar, Noor Hassan, Hina Khawaja Bayat, and more.
2. Udaari – 2016
The Pakistani drama that went where no story had been before.
A drama that tackles tough social issues while still engaging mass audiences? Udaari does just that! This narrative intertwined the lives of two families from vastly different backgrounds—the rural and the urban. At the heart of the story are Rashida and her family, who struggle against societal stigma as local musicians. Their neighbors, Sajida and her daughter Zebo, face their own hardships, with Sajida working as a maid to support them after losing her husband. Meanwhile, in Lahore, a group of friends aspire to make it in the music industry. The story explores how societal expectations and personal relationships impact their dreams, particularly focusing on Meera, Rashida’s daughter, who becomes embroiled in a complicated relationship and faces immense pressure from her surroundings.
The plot thickens when Imtiaz, Sajida’s new husband, reveals his darker side and abuses Zebo, Sajida’s daughter. Udaari stands out as an eye-opener in the landscape of Pakistani dramas because it strays from typical storylines at the time (2016 was a very different era), and bravely addresses pressing social issues, particularly abuse. Unlike many shows that gloss over darker themes, Udaari provides a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles victims face. It sends a powerful message to both abusers and those who have been abused: you are not to blame for the violence inflicted upon you. By highlighting the complexities of life in both rural and urban settings, the series emphasized the importance of resilience and the need for societal change. With its honest portrayal of sensitive topics, Udaari left a lasting impression, reminding us of the strength found in vulnerability.
Udaari featured a script by Farhat Ishtiaq and direction by Muhammad Ehteshamuddin. Momina Duraid Productions collaborated with Kashf Foundation to produce the project, airing on HUM TV. The cast included Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed, Bushra Ansari, Rehan Sheikh, Samiya Mumtaz, Haris Waheed, Ahsan Khan, Hina Altaf, and more.
3. Yaqeen Ka Safar – 2017
The drama that gave us Dr. Zubia and Dr. Asfandyar.
Yaqeen Ka Safar beautifully weaves together three narratives, each reflecting the struggles and resilience of its characters against the backdrop of societal challenges. The first story follows Zubia Khalil, a young girl grappling with her mother’s tragic death at the hands of her abusive father. The second storyline introduces a family in Islamabad celebrating the wedding of Daniyal, a fearless and ambitious young lawyer, to his cousin Gaiti Ara. Meanwhile, the third narrative shifts to the heartbreaking story of Noori, a young girl from a rural village who becomes a victim of gang rape. Her quest for justice faces inappropriate questioning from the police and societal stigma, forcing her to flee her home.
Yaqeen Ka Safar stood out as a compelling narrative due to its unflinching portrayal of complex societal issues through relatable characters. The series delicately balanced the harsh realities of domestic violence, social injustice, and the pursuit of truth, allowing viewers to empathize with each character’s journey.
Farhat Ishtiaq wrote Yaqeen Ka Safar, and Shahzad Kashmiri directed this Pakistani drama. It was produced by Momina Duraid Productions and aired on HUM TV. The cast featured Sajal Aly, Ahad Raza Mir, Hira Mani, Muhammad Ehteshamuddin, Shaz Khan, Suhaee Abro, Farhan Ali Agha, and more.
