Audience reactions are flooding in as Mrs. and Mr. Shameem’s heartfelt story unravels onscreen, and there is one emotion that stands out within the crowd …
“Shameem Jaisa Husband Sab Ko Day Aameen” writes a viewer.
Shameem is showing women that in a world full of red flags, all one needs to be is human. Umaina is that empowered, confident, spirited young woman who seems that she does not need a man to complete her. Yet, falling in love is not in our control, it happens to the best of us. But falling in love with the wrong man is a catastrophe even women like Umaina need help handling.
Shameem defines the selfless kind of love that we have read of only in novels. The love that demands nothing in return but feeds off its own wholesomeness. Just like Shameem’s love for Umaina. The manifestation of this very elusive yet precious sentiment, delivered in a sensitively balanced portrayal by Naumaan Ijaz and hearteningly penned by writer Saji Gul is all that women really want. If only they could recognize it, just as audiences hope Umaina will one day!
So what’s so special about Shameem?
Shameem does not judge Umaina like the rest of society, he doesn’t question her actions, or blame her. He’s simply there for her, at a time when all she desperately needs is a friend.
“We all deserve a friend like Shamo! He alone is equal to 10 men together. This is a great script. What a beautiful way to tell…” commented another viewer.
Shameem’s character delivers all that women want when they seek tranquillity, the calm after the storm, reassuring comfort without being judged, and lasting companionship, not the definition of masculinity we often see onscreen – a heady rush of emotions, possibly transient, possibly skin-deep shallow, and possibly, untrustworthy.
Shameem’s devotion, loyalty and care for Umaina goes beyond the ordinary expectation of ordinary women – Shameem is what they hope for deep down inside their hearts, but often, rarely find in real life. From the moment he wiped her tears, to accompanying her to her father’s home, attempting to meet her at the hostel, only to make sure she’s alright, Shameem gradually took on the biggest green flag in any relationship – platonic or love, it didn’t matter. But being human did.
“Shameem is the true definition of masculinity, good character and honour.” Pens a viewer with all heart! While another comment marks the reality that we seek in a relationship: “This friendship is the real blessing …much better than that so called love.”
Naumaan Ijaz’s On-point & Sensitive Representation
While many have praised actor Naumaan Ijaaz’s on-point and sensitive representation of Shameem, the conversation around the character rounds up what women really want: “Shameem jesay insaan par 100 mard qurban.”
It is, after all, a win-win for an actor, to essay a character onscreen with such accuracy, heart and soul, that he manages to slip into the hearts of audiences who shower it with abundant love and appreciation. Another fan commented on Naumaan Ijaz’s performance: “What a legend he is…such a difficult and challenging character…Just amazing!”
Shameem has done just that – managed to step out of the self-created mould of perfect masculinity we erect for ourselves as a society, and also the heroes we are conditioned to watching onscreen as examples of perfect man.
Perhaps this viewer comment sums it up: “Dunya kay so called mardon say behtar tou Shameem nikla”
The project is directed by Kashif Nisar and penned by Saji Gul. The ensemble cast also includes Agha Mustafa Hassan as Bilal, Faiza Gillani as Rukhsana, Uzma Hassan as Humaira, Amna Malik as Wajeeha, Saqib Sumeer as Khurram, Irfan Khoosat as Umaina’s father, Haseeb Khan as Abdullah,Samia Butt as Salma, Arham Khan as Ali, Hamza Sohail and Gul e Rana as Bay Ji.
Are you watching Mrs and Mr Shameem? The drama airs every Tuesday and Friday, 8 p.m. on the Zindagi YouTube channel.
