Drama Dastak is moving into a messy phase. With Kiran and Shani about to walk into trouble, Moiz, broken with his mother’s diagnosis, and Saif and Moiz’s dad fast becoming as unhinged as they possibly can
Dastak is putting a spin on the challenges that young, single mothers face – being single is possibly a trouble-free yet lonely alternative to remarrying, and Kiran’s story echoes the same. She wants to be there for Moiz in this difficult time when his mother is diagnosed with cancer, but at the same time, she fears for the mistreatment of her son Shani by Moiz’s dad.
It’s a catch 22 for Kiran.
But what stands out most in the story is the exemplary manner in which a young couple – Moiz and Kiran navigate their challenges, communicate, even in times of peak pressure, and continue to be each other’s safe space. When Kiran apologizes to Moiz about not wanting to move in with his parents, Moiz insists it’s because he needs her with him. When she breaks down after Saif’s mother leaves her house, it is because she finally has someone with whom she can share her fears about Saif, no matter how strong she might seem to the world.
Dastak also gives us a journey in Kiran – the daughter-in-law who was was once submissive, docile and obedient – all the magic ingredients one craves in a desi bahu, now turned resilient and not coming slow in speaking her mind to Saif’s mother. Kiran’s clapback was measured, balanced and yet firm as she told her ex mother-in-law that she had changed Shani’s surname, and that she didn’t think it’s a good idea that she meet her son. The journey she has been through resonated with many young women who have had to change their demeanour and outlook as life circumstances dealt them a heavy hand. Kiran has learnt to speak up for herself – the very manifestation that Kabir mamoo wanted her to become, the young girl who was married off by her father because the rishta seemed a good one, who lived for over a year with a husband who loved another woman, and yet tried to make it work for the sake of her son.
Kiran’s struggle echoes deep down in the hearts of many young women who are watching the journey.
On the other hand, Moiz’s mother asking Kiran to let go of Shani, and Saif’s mother doing precisely the same thing makes one wonder if a woman is often devoid of empathy for another woman, also a mother, when it comes to her own children? Should not becoming a mother make you more empathetic? But life has shown us otherwise all too often and Dastak is merely reflecting an unfortunate reality amidst us.
Dastak also served to inform audiences on the legalities of a custody battle between two parents. Saif was informed about his legal rights as a father, his lack of support throughout Shani’s life to-date and that one way he could perhaps claim custody of his son would be to provide evidence of mistreatment of Shani by Moiz (Kiran’s husband). This might just happen with Moiz’s father and Shani under the same roof!
Saif’s character is turning more toxic by the episode. His sense of deprivation, of not becoming a father, the fact that he sees his son calling some one else ‘daddy’ and his own life complexes are surfacing now – all signs leading to a major event that will certainly blow up the storyline – it’s going to get worse before it gets better for Kiran!
The story is set to get more messy before it unravels. Moiz’s father is not coming slow and it will take a lot to break his biases. As Kiran and Shani move into Moiz’s house, things are about to get very intense. Let’s hope that as the narrative progresses, the creators do not let go of the positives – Kiran and Moiz’s relationship in seeing through tough times together.
If you’re watching Dastak, drop us a comment and tell us if the story is resonating with you.
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Dastak airs on ARY Digital every Friday and Saturday and is written by Sarwat Nazir and directed by Marina Khan. It is a project of Six Sigma Plus Production. The cast features Ali Raza, Sohai Ali Abro, Feroz Kadri, Syed Tanveer Hussain, Asma Abbas, Sohail Sameer, Perveen Akbar, and more.
