Is Noor Jahan echoing the phrase that a woman is a woman’s worst enemy, or perhaps, doing away with it?
The latest episodes of Noor Jahan were a celebration of women power. From Hunaid falling in love with his new-born daughter to Sumbul walking away from Noor Jahan and Maha continuing her work-life, Noor Jahan is a battle of the strong vs the stronger, except, the two switch places often as the women journeys continue to engage audiences.
Sumbul Walks Away
First up, Sumbul. From finding a friend in Noor Bano, to discovering a new sense of emancipation in her work-life, Sumbul finds courage to walk away from a toxic life. She says no to Noor Jahan’s divorce threat and in so doing, highlights the hard yet necessary choices women have to make in life at times when they choose themselves over everyone else.
It is critical to point out that Sumbul saying “yes” to divorce was a responsible decision, amplified by the fact that Safeer was already married to Maha, and a father too now. She would never be able to lead a self-respecting or fulfilling life in the Noor Jahan household. It is also significant to point out though, that though Sumbul’s journey might not be the most true-to-life (many women do not have a Noor Bano in their lives to save them), Sumbul’s own educational qualifications and ambition to make something of her life, helped her find her way too.
Financial Empowerment
The drama for sure, hints at financial independence for all women in order to always be the owner of their destinies. Safeena might not be that woman, but then, Safeena has found her way too, and shows how women in a similar situation might be able to strike a balance too.
Maha going back to work was a great depiction of how women must invest in their own future. Maha had already experienced a moment in time when Safeer had abandoned her and hence, she is able to learn from that experience and take things forward, so as not to depend on her in-laws for a “happily ever after”. Her interaction with Noor Jahan is exemplary as she is decisive, has planned for her return to work by employing house help and responds to Noor Jahan’s criticism by saying that she can supervise the child in her studio while she works. Great goals for any woman who would like to continue her work journey after becoming a mother or getting married.
Hunaid’s Journey, What Safeena Wants!
The entire sequence where Hunaid notes the vast difference in the manner in which his mother celebrates her grandson and mourns the birth of her grand daughter was not lost on Hunaid, the father of Insiya. Despite being Noor Jahan’s most obedient son, he can’t help but notice the happiness daughters bring into families, especially when he walks into his in-law’s home and sees that welcome signs celebrating the birth of a daughter. His emotions, built up over the course of the episode, found a voice as he finds Insiya all alone, crying, and tends to her with a super protective fatherly feelings, shunning everyone for ignoring his daughter. It was a crowning moment for Safeena who has fought a silent and lone battle till then, and now, knew that her daughter will always have her father’s watchful gaze upon her, giving comfort and reassurance.
The Sons vs Daughters Debate
The entire story of preferring sons to daughters has been played out over several episodes, hence, those who have followed the drama will understand Safeena’s feelings at the moment. How she was thrilled with Hunaid’s anger, and welcomed his feelings as a doting father to her daughter. We hope many mothers in-law and husbands are taking notes!
Noor Bano’s Fight Isn’t Over
And finally, Noor Bano loses this round against Noor Jahan as Murad swings to other side. It is but a battle of two powerful women – Noor Jahan vs Noor Bano and while we wonder at Murad’s gullibility and fickle-mindedness to retreat from his promise to Noor Bano to tend to her lands, we have to understand that he is, after all, dealing with a woman who has been the center of his life forever – Noor Jahan. And she is playing him to get back at Noor Bano.
Despite that, Noor Jahan has often been short-sighted in her desire to exact revenge from Noor Bano and this time, if Murad spots holes in her plan, he might walk away for good. One also must appreciate the grey character in Noor Jahan who, though she is out for revenge, seems to genuinely be in love with Murad. This relationship will test her inner courage which at the moment, is hugely disappointing for her.
But as expected, Noor Jahan the drama will strike back as Noor Bano will react sooner or later to Noor Jahan’s moves.
To Wrap Up
It has to be said that though this Pakistani drama seems to be a typical saas-bahu formula, the challenges within echo the real life struggles of many women who might have face situations similar to Sumbul, or Maha, or Safeena in their real lives!
Needless to say, the drama is playing both sides of the debate – a woman can be a woman’s worst enemy or… best friend! Which side is winning right now in the story, is anybody’s guess!
Have something to add? Drop us a comment and tell us what we missed in Noor Jahan.
Noor Jahan is written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Musaddiq Malek. It is a project of Six Sigma Productions. The cast features Saba Hamid, Ali Rehman Khan, Kubra Khan, Ali Raza, Noor Hassan, Alina Abbas Shah, Hajra Yamin, Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, and others. The drama airs every Friday & Saturday at 8 pm on ARY Digital.
