Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi, starring Zahid Ahmed and Zara Noor Abbas, and directed by Adnan Sarwar with a script by Rida Bilal, is gearing up to arrive on our screens soon. With the first few teasers already setting a thoughtful tone, we caught up with the writer to dig a little deeper into the story and the ideas behind it.
Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi – A Chat With The Writer Rida Bilal
At its core, the drama explores a sensitive and rarely discussed subject – dementia, a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. While it most commonly appears in older adults, its effects are far-reaching, not only altering the life of the person diagnosed but also changing family dynamics, daily routines, and relationships. Addressing such a complex topic on television is not only brave but also necessary, as it opens a conversation that affects millions around the world.
But here’s the question – is Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi solely about dementia and its impact, or is there more to the narrative than meets the eye? To find out, we turned to the writer herself. Let’s hear what Rida Bilal has to say about the story that promises to touch hearts and spark important conversations.
What Inspired You To Write This Story?
When asked about the idea behind the drama, Rida Bilal shared her inspiration. She said, “I wrote it after brainstorming with the content head at Express Entertainment. I wanted a story that showed the struggles of a young couple where one partner is affected by dementia. This would help throw light on the ailment at large.”
She explained why this story felt important. “Dementia is very talked about these days and affects many people around us. We have been seeing a lot of young people afflicted by health issues that were once considered old-age ailments, which is tragic. The thought might have been inspired from there. As dementia affects us all in one way or another, audiences can relate.”
By telling this story, she hopes to bring awareness to the condition while connecting with viewers on a deeply human level, showing that the struggles of her characters are something everyone can empathize with.
Why And How Did You Come Up With The Name ‘Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi?’
When asked about why the drama is titled Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi, Rida went on to explain, “Originally, the name was Main Yahan Hoon. That’s the name I chose …”
She continued, “But then the team at Express and of course the director discussed it, and they thought Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi sounds more poetic – and I also liked it. Iske peeche yeh hai phir wohi waqt aap yaad kar rahe hain, phir wohi aap waqt dhoond rahe hain, how things were. Because obviously, when he gets struck by the disease, she’s trying to reminisce and think about all those good times again. So after team brainstorming and discussion, we settled on a title that brought a lot more meaning and emotion to the story, which is why we went with Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi.”
Was There Any Research Included?
Rida discussed the preparation that went into the script. “Research included a BBC documentary,” she said. She added that collaboration with the director helped shape the story further. “Director Adnan Sarwar is a doctor himself and that helped with the content and execution of it.” Her emphasis was on ensuring the story was handled with sensitivity and care.
Discussing topics like dementia on screen requires careful attention and sensitivity. Accurate research and thoughtful execution help ensure the story is authentic and respectful, allowing audiences to engage with the subject without misrepresentation or oversimplification. Handling such subjects responsibly is essential for both raising awareness and portraying the experiences of those affected in a meaningful way.
Is It Only About Dementia, Or Is There More To The Story?
From the teasers, it felt like the drama might touch on more than just the illness itself – exploring the impact of the disease not only on the person suffering but also on those closest to them. So we asked Rida, and she said, “It’s a tragic love story. Aaj kal aam shaadi chalaana mushkil hai. So I wanted to show a woman who encounters a heavy challenge and stands by this man, weathering every storm.”
While dementia is central to the plot, the story is also about heartbreak, enduring love, and the emotional struggles faced by loved ones, highlighting how the disease affects relationships and human connections as a whole.
Was It Emotionally Challenging To Write About Dementia?
It might not have been easy to write about such a heavy and personal topic, so we asked Rida how she dealt with it. She responded, “It did affect me a lot… I guess everything takes its toll, but the disease aside, the story sheds more light on the test of marriage.”
That’s it for today – the story, the struggles, and the emotions behind Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi give us plenty to look forward to. Hopefully, it will spark meaningful conversations, give us an understanding of the challenges encountered by those afflicted and also those caring for their loved ones, as well as offer insights into building understanding and healthy relationships, both on and off the screen.
Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi is starting from 1st October, every Wednesday-Thursday only on Express Entertainment.
Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi is written by Rida Bilal and directed by Adnan Sarwar. It is a project of Alpha Productions aired on Express Entertainment. The cast features Zahid Ahmed, Zara Noor Abbas, Mohammed Ahmed, Faizan Sheikh, Noreen Gulwani, Rubina Ashraf, and more.
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