While Aangan serves up a heavy dose of nostalgia in every episode, the tragic events of the past week made it a difficult watch. But what stood out, despite Jameel’s betrayal, was the determination and inner courage of one character – Chammi.
Tehmina and Kusum’s sudden deaths saddened everyone because, as viewers, we had become attached to their stories. One tried to rebel and the other was utterly obedient, but neither path got them anywhere.
Jameel and Safdar both betrayed the people who were most sincere with them. After using Chammi’s money, Jameel is now ready to move on and marry someone more educated and refined. Safdar, on the other hand, never bothered to let the family, or at least Tehmina, know that he would not be coming back. He just vanished, leaving her waiting endlessly with no idea when the wait would end, which is the most torturous part.
While Tehmina chose to end her life after Safdar’s behavior, Chammi is strong and is not letting go. She is making sure that if she is in pain, Jameel does not have it easy either. It was sad to see Chammi struggle with the truth, but as opposed to the sad submission to the inevitable, marked by Kusum and Tehmina’s tragedies, Chammi chose to fight back. Her sudden crying outbursts and then equally sudden rage at Jameel endeared her to audiences yet again. Chammi is that young girl in our families who does not have her parent’s presence in a joint family which is often essential for her to receive the respect and position she is worthy of. She could have been the one chosen as Jameel’s bride, she could also have been sent to school and educated, but instead, she is taken for her granted by her near and dear ones, expected to always be there, but never considered truly valuable. Even her generosity regarding Paying for Jameel’s Bachelor’s education has gone unnoticed by the family.
But Chammi is also a breath of fresh air. She is enough for herself. Perhaps living alone has made her the strong-spirited young girl she is, and despite her lack of education, which jameel now does not hesitate to remind her of, she is perhaps the toughest of the present generation amongst Aangan’s characters.
The story stands at a precipice now. With Tehmina gone, what will become of Jameel’s marriage plans? Will attention turn to Chammi, and will she evn accept it now? Tell us what you think.
How are you liking Aangan?
Aangan is penned by Mustafa Afridi and directed by Mohammed Ehteshammuddin. The cast features Sajal Aly, Ahad Raza Mir, Sonya Hussyn, Hira Mani, Ahsan Khan, Mawra Hocane, Rabia Butt, Omair Rana and more.