Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet is a story apart. The Pakistani drama canvas might be flooded with color but there’s always a tiny bit of white space, left for those who seek to make a dent and turn heads (and hearts) in a roller coaster of an entertainment industry. Writer Parisa Siddiqi of BRKRJ seems to have understood the assignment with Burns Road kay Romeo Juliet and she takes our questions now…
Burns Road kay Romeo Juliet might seem like yet another Pakistani drama love story, but the dynamics are different this time. The story aims to highlight the Memon-Gujrati speaking community in Pakistan, specifically Karachi, where their lifestyle, language and food has always formed a major defining point for a culture that has so far not been portrayed enough on our television screens, and certainly not clubbed with a love story featuring the nation’s heartthrobs – aka Iqra Aziz and Hamza Sohail. Hence, it was critical to get in touch with the mind (and heart) behind the script – and we have in the hot seat, none other than Parisa Siddiqi, writer BRKRJ. Read on as she takes our questions:
The story inspiration? Why and how did the Memon-Gujrati connection surface? we asked, curious to know the backstory…
Parisa: “I was given a simple plot – a Romeo and Juliet story in a very local backdrop. It’s obviously a tale as old as time”, explained Parisa, “But I wanted to do something different with it. I always felt that with our dramas, we miss out on the diverse cultural element. Everyone looks and sounds the same. Growing up in Karachi, you are exposed to a lot of communities but there’s no representation on television. I’ve had Memon friends, one close friend in particular, I just adore her family and she gave me a lot of insights.” Parisa continues enthusiastically that although she’s Urdu speaking herself, foodies can crossover communities, (and we agree)!
Parisa throws light on the pakwan element in particular and how a regular feature in our lives has been represented so vibrantly – it’s all about inspiration!
At my sisters wedding, we called for a daigh of biryani from some famous pakwan. The man who came was such an interesting character and so passionate about his food, that it really stuck with me.
Parisa Siddiqi, Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet
“I’m Urdu speaking myself”, reveals Parisa, “and we are big foodies. At my sisters wedding, we called for a daigh of biryani from some famous pakwan. The man who came was such an interesting character and so passionate about his food, that it really stuck with me. Bringing the story into Burns Road, the pakwan owner’s angle developed. Slight observations and experiences just started shaping the story.”
But we also wanted to know, if the leads did justice in the writer’s perceptive eye, because, after all, they had to breathe life into her words!
Are Hamza and Iqra exactly how you imagined Freeya & Farhad?
Parisa: “Yes!” Responded Parisa instantly! “Iqra is a natural. From the first day on shoot, it felt she just slipped into Freeya’s skin. Hamza is also so good with his comedy, action and emotions. He’s the whole package. They both just work perfectly together.”
Oh well, we think so too, so that settles it! But even though the actors fit like a glove, what about the story?
Did you have to tweak or change the story a bit or it has been brought onscreen exactly as you wrote it? Psst: Shout out to Fahad Mustafa …
Parisa: “No, I didn’t. I really have to appreciate ARY and Big Bang for this. They really let me run with this script. Fahad Mustafa, in particular was a huge support for me. The director and I would discuss the story progression and he was always on board with what I was thinking. Of course, there were some notes here and there, which is always helpful but no major changes.”
Whew, that must have been silent relief. Nothing like saying it the way you meant it to be!
A favourite scene of yours so far and why?
Parisa: “The biryani scene by far.’ Responds Parisa. “When Farhad goes with his father to deliver the biryani daigh at the wedding.” And we totally agree! That scene, with Farhad’s dad ensuring the daigh is well mixed before serving, demonstrating the art of the creator, paying tribute to a dish that is venerated by millions across the world and possibly the king of rice dishes in Karachi was, perhaps the aaloo on top of our biryani world. Stellar direction and performance from Shabbir Jan added to the final scene and we totally get it why it’s close to Parisa’s heart (and ours too)!
Parisa goes onto explain:
“Food is such a big part of our culture, and I wanted to celebrate it. You will see it as an underlying theme throughout. Before I started writing the script, I had a few scenes in mind. This was one of them. The director and I discussed in depth as to how the “biryani” needs to shine as a character in itself. That’s the only time you really see Farhad’s father smiling and feeling happy, deep down inside. This scene brings a smile to my face every time I see it. It was executed just perfectly.”
We get it Parisa, and we’re right up there with you!
A fav dialogue & character in the drama and why? Inspired from real life?
Mohabbat tau ek ehsaas hai lekin jab is mein zindagi ki haqeeqat shamil ho jatee hai tau buhat kurhway ghoont peenay purhtay hain.
Shabbir Jan to Farhad after the rishta debacle at Freeyas House.
Parisa continues passionately: “I think this explains the gist of everything. Love is great but it isn’t everything. There’s still lots to learn for our dear Freeya and Farhad.” And learning they are at present, we agree!
“There’s another one that hasn’t come yet. Ask me again later!” reveals Parisa. And we will, watch this space as we add on…developing story!
“Jojo is my favourite character” reveals Parisa. He’s not an ordinary sidekick. He’s that one friend you have who’s always got your back, no matter what. He may come off as the comic relief but he is actually the sane voice, always giving sound advice. He’s the rock holding everyone up.” And we so agree. Jojo has managed to summon up love and support from a fast-growing fanbase and the fact that he’s close to the writer’s heart is evident in the love she has put into fleshing out the finer details on a role that might not be the lead, yet, plays a critical and endearing role in the story.
And, (side comment) that’s what makes a script go from good to great – no character is ignored or considered too small to get the focus it deserves – Jojo just proved that. the character is being essayed with great heart and talent by Raza Samo, we have our eyes on you!
Parisa elaborates, adding a backstory to Jojo:
“Jojo is inspired by my own group of friends. I’ve grown up with them and they are my lifelines. You go through so many phases and so much in life. The young love phase when it feels the world will just end and you sit for hours unloading to your friends. It’s really a blessing to have someone who’s not judging you, they’re advising you even when you don’t listen and end up hurting yourself. Those friends will still be holding your hand through it all and support you unconditionally. I’ve been lucky to have such friends in my life. Farhad is lucky to have Jojo!” Oh we see ourselves nodding along, don’t we all have such a friend, or wish we did. Jojo is a heart winner for sure!
But we’re curious to know more about the dark character in Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet…
Why is Saqib so toxic or rather, forbidding. Does he have a soft side ?
Parisa: “Saqib has his own issues. He is the son and the heir to the family business but he feels he is not given that importance. His mindset is more conservative, just like his mother. He has a materialistic wife and he tends to get influenced easily. He is very hung up on community and status. Then there is sibling rivalry and he feels envious that Freeya gets whatever she wants, so he comes down harder on her. So all this has made him toxic. His shades will be revealed more as the story progresses.” We hope his journey will also be revealed, but one never knows, sometimes, the journey is not as hopeful as we’d like it to be? Only coming episodes will reveal all!
And the prime question, bet you have one of these on your mind!
Gujrati or Memon? Audiences are confused about Freeya’s family. Tell us how they speak Gujrati but eat Memon dishes but still call themselves Memon?
Parisa responded with: “Both. They are Gujrati speaking Memons.”
Parisa went on to offer insights into the Memon-Gujrati family dynamics in Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet!
“One of the things I love most about Pakistan is how multilingual it is. Even within one community, people often speak multiple languages. My friend’s family, who is Memon also speak Gujrati apart from the usual Memoni, and I would often take my dialogue notes from her. Another interesting thing that happened was,…” Parisa provided a backstory to the Memon-Gujrati story … “I would go to Karachi Gymkhana library to write. There, I discovered a large Memon community and after a whole day of writing, I would sit outside for tea and started chatting with them. Some spoke Memoni, then some Gujrati speaking Memons would come by and they would dive into Gujrati. Even if there were ten people on the table, they would go to each saying Kem Cho (How’s it going), the other replying Majama (all good). It was so fascinating to see and I loved how the language sounded. I was initially going to just go for the Memoni language, but then I decided to go for a more specific Gujrati speaking Memon.”
Freeya, Freeha, Fareeha. What is the real name?
Parisa: “It’s Freeya!” Parisa puts an end to the debate! After all, the writer should know! She continues: “But somehow everyone mispronounces it. My name is different and even now people who have known me for so long will say Parisay or Paaaarisa. I’ve stopped correcting. This name mispronunciation is just something that developed on the set.” Aaha, so there is a story here and that’s why you see the entire cast calling Freeya by a different name, except, perhaps, Farhad – his claim to her heart is after all, in a name!
And now for the hard questions and responsible messaging in Pakistani dramas:
Right or wrong message? Running away from home…did you hestitate a bit before writing this plot twist or you were confident of the story line. How do you justify it to those who might criticise the narrative.
“The success of a storyteller is to let their audience go on a journey with their characters and let them decide who’s right and who’s wrong.
Parisa Siddiqi, writer BRKRJ
Parisa responds without any ambiguity: “I’m no one to preach. I’m just telling a story.” She dives into the question whole heartedly as she explains her writing philosophy: “The success of a storyteller is to let their audience go on a journey with their characters and let them decide who’s right and who’s wrong. I see that in the comments where someone says the parents are being too harsh and forcing them to take this step, or others saying they shouldn’t have done it. So it’s all a matter of perspective and everyone’s will be different. I would rather my audience take away their own message than me forcing it on them.”
And yes, we agree. There’s a lot to say about driving conversations and Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet seems to be doing just that, especially with how Farhad and Freeya’s story unfolds now.
On Farhad and his future plans. Do you feel he is a bit irresponsible? How was he going to look after Freeya if his father doesn’t let him in the house?
Parisa: “Yes, of course. I think both of them are immature and irresponsible at this point. Young love is jazbati. You’re not really aware or conscious of the realities of the world. On some level, they even think their families will forgive and forget. But now, when all doors have closed on them, they will have to figure things out and it won’t be easy. Maturity comes with age and life experiences, which is something they will go through now.” Parisa sees her characters with an objective lens, mapping out their journey, even as our heart beats for everything to end happily ever after for them!
And now, another one of our favourite characters (other than Jojo)!
On Shaggo’s story. Any inspiration from real life Shaggo’s
Our society is very harsh towards women who have chosen unconventional paths. Shaggo’s story not only helps advance Freeya’s story, but also talks about second chances at love and that it can happen at any age.”
Parisa Siddiqi, writer, Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet
Parisa: “I think Shaggo’s story is all too common. We all have that unmarried aunt, the divorcee friend or widowed cousin, that single woman who has crossed a certain age and is now open to all sorts of inappropriate judgement. Our society is very harsh towards women who have chosen unconventional paths. Shaggo’s story not only helps advance Freeya’s story, but also talks about second chances at love and that it can happen at any age.”
Our questions on Kiran spill forth like a charter on women’s rights. We obviously couldn’t help ourselves!
Kiran’s story – she represents many young girls trapped in a toxic marriage.
Is it weak or strong to stick out with a bullying husband and ask your parents to give more jahez, e.g., a car? Yet she is a strong willed person. Do you feel she should be back home now. What is she waiting for? How much more does Shahzain need to torture her.
Parisa sheds light on Kiran’s dynamics and torment: “Kiran is stuck in a bad marriage, as is the case with many girls. Despite all the warning signs, they still go ahead with it. So they feel that they need to now stand with their decision. Many girls don’t receive support from their families, which keeps them stuck in a cycle. Farhad supports her but is now stuck in his own situations. She doesn’t want to add to the family’s burdens. Even the strongest women can get stuck in bad marriages. I know many personally. It’s easier said than done, to just walk out. Kiran will go through her own journey and come to her own conclusion eventually. It’s a process.”
Yes, heart-breaking as it is, Kiran’s struggle is very real and aptly mirrored by Shaheera Jalil in all its complexities. But we’re still rooting for her as her inner strength shines through despite the many challenges!
Parisa goes on to explain:
“Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet isn’t about Memon or Urdu speaking families in particular. The dysfunction you see in both families is representative of our overall Pakistani culture. It could be happening in any Sindhi, Punjabi, Bohri, Baluchi, Pashtoon family. Just the degrees vary. Inter racial/ethnic marriages are still problematic. If anything, I wish we are able to celebrate our differences and use them as a uniting force rather than a dividing force.”
One the Memon hotline, tell us more
Parisa: “I think gossiping is a national sport in Pakistan. In smaller communities, everyone knows each other and everyone is up in each others business even more. News spreads fast hence, the Memon hotline.”
General note
I wanted to create a story that is fun, colourful, culturally diverse and a roller coaster of emotions. Usually we go with intense stories from the get-go or it’s an all out rom com. Here you will laugh, cry, feel angry, fall in love and have edge-of-the-seat moments with the action sequences through the streets of Karachi. For me, Burns Road kay Romeo Juliet is a tribute to our multicultural city.
And with that, we conclude our conversation with Parisa. Hope you enjoyed the insights. Tell us what you loved best about the drama reveals and what you love best about Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet in comments below.
Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet is airing on ARY Digital. It is directed by Fajr Raza, written by Parisa Siddiqui and features Hamza Sohail and Iqra Aziz in the lead pair, alongside Shabbir Jan, Zainab Qayyum, Shaheera Jalil, Sami Khan child actor, Ayesha Jahanzaib, Khaled Anam, Raza Samo and more.
