Sprinting from the quirky facial expressions of Alizeh Shah, to the hopeless romantic Danyal Zafar. Soon after, switching from the meethi Ishq Jalebi family to the crazy ‘Sautan’ family – what a ride! But, I gotta admit, ‘Chupke Chupke’ that I laughed my way through the first few light-hearted episodes of the Ramzan dramas! The real question is: which one was my personal favourite? I guess you’ll know in a while!
Being an expat, living in Europe but forever sensing a deep connection with your roots back home makes me want to refresh my YouTube App on TV a thousand times. This Ramzan I was waiting in eager anticipation to begin watching all three dramas – why, you may ask? (umm… the teasers were exuberantly promising)! I have to say that the teaser game of Ishq Jalebi was the strongest out of all. It was for sure overflowing with love, romance, friendship and seemed so magical, butttttttt another drama took over my heart! Since our fast opens around 20.50pm I headed to my TV and discovered Hum TV had uploaded the first episode of Tana Bana.
That was my first and the best watch!
Tana Bana – Making Me Looking Forward To The Next Episodes
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the first episode of Tana Bana. It’s a light-hearted rom-com with playful, young and refreshing actors. I did feel the story was not completely out of the box yet definitely not ghisi piti either. I LOVED the fact how we finally landed a drama with main leads who are millennials and whom we can 100% relate to!
Finally, a drama that does not depict millennials in clichéd, stereotypical ways, but rather, in a manner that connected with young audiences. Alizeh’s character of a young, ambitious, full-of-life young Zoya is truly empowering in some way – especially the way she stands up for herself, places her education on top priority and tells Danyal off during their ‘akele wali conversation’.
Danyal’s character Zain on the other hand is, as expected, an all out charmer and oh so sweet! The other relatives in Danyal’s household are also cool characters – wouldn’t you want a phuppo and phuppa who inhabited a romantic fairytale themselves and wanted you to have one too? I loved how the maahol in their household was so open, fun and friendly! Unfortunately we will suffer the character of an annoying mom who imposes her own likes and dislikes on her son, but then, perhaps it is this very element that adds the spice in a predominantly Pakistani drama! So quit complaining, I tell my wiser self, and just sit back and enjoy the story unfold.
The Following Episodes Kept Me Hooked
I really rooted for Zain! And once again: how cute was the phuppa handing out gift ideas to Zain? This drama is something I definitely look forward to everyday!
And finally we aren’t seeing a girl telling her husband ‘Aap fresh ho ker aa jaayein, main chai bana ker laati hoon‘ in this drama! And with that, let’s catch the next episode tonight – looking forward to what this drama has in store for us! Although with the episodes progressing gradually, I’m starting to worry about Zain and his growing pains! Are we about to witness to a story in which the majnu can cross every limit to please his damsel? All in all, the romance stays on the sweet and so cute radar & very watchable! Where do we find such Zain’s in real life, though, we dare ask!
Ishq Jalebi – Taste The Sweetness In The Relationship Between Abba Jee And His Granddaughter
Although I’m not sure where the storyline will take us, I enjoyed watching the scenes of Abba Jee and Bela. The first episode didn’t reveal much of what is going to happen in the following episodes since the focus rested heavily on the Jalebi business, but the nok jhok between Basim & Baila is really quite endearing. The second episode was a sugar dipped donut, just like the jalebi itself. It was the right balance of sweet and refreshing. And now with the entry of their Canadian relatives, the drama is taking twists and turns which I’m really excited for!
More than the storyline and the drama itself I enjoyed watching the characters. From the comic Punjabi dialogues of Abba jee, to the witty acting of Hina Khan jee, to Wahaj’s carefree character, to Madiha playing the simple, innocent Baila, the evening provided a much-needed chill post-roza experience. And how can we forget Wahaj’s father, Aashiq Hussain, who gels into his role as if it was cut out for him! In fact, the entire cast, especially Qavi Khan, Madiha Imam and Wahaj Ali are turning in a well-coordinated performance.
Who else felt for Wahaj when he said: “Agar Africa jaane ka mauka bhi milein, to udher bhi chala jaun, idher se to jaan chuthe ge“?
How cute does Bela look?
The entry of the ‘baahir wale cousin’ and family add multi dimensions to the story. Lots happening there and we’re following with our iftar cup of chai and jalebi!
Chupke Chupke – What An Adventurous Story!
Before I dig into my review, who else amongst you had predicted the opening scene would be Ayeza Khan waking up to a fabulous look? We all did, right! Chupke Chupke delivered an entertaining start and I enjoyed watching how it’s presented in contemporary time. Every character has its own charm and you feel for all of them in a different way.
Although many of the characters might give a ‘been there, seen that one’ feel, there is still a spark in the drama that keeps me wanting to know what happens next! I loved the characters of the two sautans. Asma jee has done a tremendous job. She reminds me of my own naani. I loved it even more how both of them are super competitive and utilize social media to post pictures & stay one up on the other! I’m looking forward to more engaging episodes and the ongoing battle between them, although I assume they will eventually reconcile towards the end!
This drama is so relatable for so many desi households! I’m sure we all have a cousin who can’t wait to marry, a conservative sister or a mamoo/chachoo who’s forever trying to save money!
Have you found time in a demanding Ramzan routine to watch any of the three dramas? Want to know which one is your best fit ? Then Click Here!
Watch this week’s top 5 drama’s:
