The reason may be that they target a niche audience. Reportedly , the channel Zindagi has sifted through 4, hours of content to find the right soaps for its target audience. Yet, for all the steps forward, there's no ignoring the virulent conservatism in these shows. It's inevitably the women who compromise and adjust, while the men get away with just about anything. Although the shows are essentially love stories, there is no physicality in this romance.
At best, the lead characters holding hands next thing you know, the woman is pregnant. In the age of Game of Thrones and Masters of Sex , will this squeaky, clean and platonic version of love hold people's attention?
Zindagi hopes so. Gandhiji foresaw an India where politics could be a curse, and non-violence a dream — but he never gave up The role of the Rajput prince has been played by Fawad Khan, a Pakistani actor and musician who makes his Bollywood debut with Khoobsurat.
He claims to have realised that money, status and power are nothing in front of love, family and happiness, but that is all talk. He does not practically implement it. He does not try to know her the way she strived to know him. He does not take care of her emotions as she has fought to care for his. He just remains busy in his work and his achievements. The only thing that comes an inch closer towards redemption for him is his attitude towards his kids. He aspires to show them his love in a way that was never shown to him.
The funny thing about this story and its author is that, somewhere between the book and the drama serial, Ms. A non-redeemable hero is a dramatic nightmare. So she changed the story, elaborating it to make Zaroon into a more redeemable character on screen. I just hope I have a changed view about him towards the end of the serial; otherwise, he is doomed as far as I am concerned. I can see a pattern that Ms. Ahmed tries to lay in her work. She seems to be laughing at her audience and at her readers by portraying a character as flawed as Zaroon as a handsome, rich and accomplished man.
She is playing her readers by the strings, making them love him for all the wrong reasons, only to bring him close to a girl, who appears to love him for the right ones. Pity is that for readers like me, she herself gets laughed at for she gets played by the strings she created to play on others. While women around Pakistan swoon over Zaroon like he is the perfect guy, I look at him and feel sad at his fate. He is doomed to NOT learn to respect women even after being blessed with a wife like Kashaf.
He is doomed to have an emotional equivalence of a rock that gets erroded by the gushing river, ignoring the life it supports. He only sees himself and what he needs and wants.
He ignores the desires of others and their right to them. For that he becomes the most selfish, insolent no body, lying on a spectrum too far from the perceived perfection that so many women bestow on his character.
I would like to end my long tirade by crediting Ms. Umera Ahmed where she truly deserves credit. She goes from being angry at God to realising that He is the only constant in this world. Everything may be taken away from her. She realises that the only being to truly love her forever and ever is her Creator and only He will give her what she needs. He is the only entity that can support her and it is on His sustenance that she survives her ordeals. Everything else is temporary and everything else is meaningless.
Her realisation towards the end of the book is the only thing that brought some semblance of satisfaction to me. Nothing else. View all 51 comments. Jan 09, Rosemean Hussain rated it did not like it.
It was a pointless story with way too many flaws! This is the first story by Umera Ahmed that I was completely disappointed and kept waiting maybe something worthwhile will happen! View 2 comments. Oct 13, Qurat rated it it was ok. I recently read another novel by the writer and reading in Urdu is fun so I decided to go ahead with the second one I had on my shelf by the same author. To say the least, the story disappointed me. Let me begin by giving you a rough idea of what the story is about: there are two lead characters, Zaroon and Kashaf with very cliched qualities and the story is a love story.
He is rich and thinks he is very charming. Kashaf: a middle class girl who has faced troubles and is pursuing Masters in IR at GCU so that she can become an officer later and support her family.
The biggest worry of her life is that she has to get her sisters married. She believes that she is unlucky and hates life as it is. Predictable character but not so bad overall. In fact her diary entries are even interesting at times. Precap: they come across, the egos collide, he has never seen a creature like her who doesn't want to be 'friends' with the charming bachelor that he is, she hasn't seen such a rude man This is when the story begins. So my problems with this particular story which by the way is going to be made into a Drama at Hum T.
This trodden down version of Casanova wants to marry a girl who hasn't ever had a 'scandal' or 'been friends' with a guy. No points for guessing who.
Then suddenly the irritation transforms into something that's pure and true chokes and viola, he becomes the best man on earth.
Mind you, he retains his lovely characteristics. She has a past, she has suffered, she is ambitious, she hates the foolish man and then suddenly she finds herself in a situation where all this self confidence seems to crumble and she takes the step that no girl with her charcater traits would have done.
Eventually she forgets all that troubles her and lives a happy life. Umera Ahmed believes otherwise. Her novels are not complete without lectures. While the author has what it takes to become a good writer and many woman who read khawateen digest and the likes passionately every month would disagree with me her stories have too much in common and in trying to make her characters appear strong and insert impressive dialogues, I feel that she weakens the plot substantially with the loopholes especially in the face of the fact that the stories are nothing new or novel.
Another thing that troubles me is the fact that she is bent on establishing a certain supremacy of the middle class, no doubt in order to appeal to the audience but in doing so she does great injustice. She almost makes it sound that those girls that hung out with Mr. Zaroon were infact destined to be time pass. She gives the reader an impression that because they belong to an upper class it is perfectly okay to play with their emotions and nowhere does she condemn the behavior of the protagonist, something which greatly troubles me.
View all 4 comments. May 01, Ainie rated it did not like it. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I can never ever understand why a sensible writer like umera would portray a retard like zaroon as hero and how oh how our people can't see it.
I mean, he is a hero with all the qualities of villian! And kashaf like a sensible lady, she is supposed to do what she is asked to? Giving one star for two reasons, can I can never ever understand why a sensible writer like umera would portray a retard like zaroon as hero and how oh how our people can't see it.
Dec 21, Fahad Naeem rated it it was amazing Shelves: urdu. Kashaf was querulous about everything that happens to her but refused to give up on her antecedents. Good Things: The novel focuses on trust in God and putting efforts when antecedents are against you. Relationships often require compromises and sacrifices.
Without it, neither life is a blessing nor it brings joy. And you've spoilt us rotten with that! Yes, the smile was changing into snarls quite often as I had to give up watching it real time on the net, and had to settle for a recording, which had a full minute of black out, but I have forgotten all the fretting after watching it twice over already.
Every scene was perfect. Poor guy! He was really left shell shocked! Point of difference. Zaroon turns on the tap, and then goes on to remove his ring and wrist watch, and roll up his sleeves.
All while the water is running. Brilliantly done. Yes, Kashaf needs to let go of her University opinions of this man, who is now her husband, and is doing everything to make her believe that he is sincere about his feelings for her. Despite all the reservations Ghazala and Junaid had, they have been extremely warm and welcoming to Kashaf, and that was lovely too.
I was rolling on the floor laughing with that one! Fawad Khan got full marks from me long time back. Bring it on, zindagi is truly gulzar!
About time too! Hai Roh so glad to see you happy now! Wasn't it just an awesome episode?? But how come murtaza was at engagement and not wedding? They just probably didn't show him or something…. Or maybe he had exams based on the day of the sms…….. I was wondering about Murtuza at the wedding too.
Not that I missed him, but I guess having been through 18 episodes of him being there all the time, it did look odd that he wasn't there in the wedding pics. Maybe that is why Kashaf was actually smiling showing all her teeth. I also really liked the way she almost cringed again, when Murtuza came to Rafia's house after the wedding.
I thought Zaroon would notice that. I hope this episode was not a one off, and that all the remaining ones are as tightly packed, with the story moving on at a good pace. U know Roh i always take time out of my day 2 read your comments.
The way u express your opinion is equally matched with Fatiman's review-making skills! I hope tht u keep making comments and we all can keep reading them! And that is a huge compliment. I can never match Fatima's brilliant skills. Its her words that inspire me to share my views.
Nevertheless, thank you once again. Loved this episode! Fatima totally agree with you on the first night scene, I found it very cute how Zaroon eased up and jumped right next to Kashaf and saw her eyes properly and complimented her : sweet.
Like all the girls, Kashaf was waiting for that. I am kind of glad tjey showed poor Osama's rection too. And I thought Asmara might have moved on and gotten married to her ideal boy but her message indicated how self-centred she is like always! Yes Kashaf's house scene was executed brilliantly. The tap water said it all that how the two souls are so different.
How Zaroon wasted the first half of the water! And later the prayer scene was hilarious! The Wa'dhu scene was awesome. Again the difference was shown between the two families. Fatima I agree with you, waiting for Kashafto soften up, and I think next episode's promo is hinting on her feelings now. She says she is getting addicted to Zaroon. Arent we all Kashaf. Team Zaroon definitely! Natty great to have you on board, this episode had so many wonderfully executed scenes.
I am definitely going to watch it a couple of times again before the next one goes on air. You are so right about the tap water scene. Zaroon has totally changed now and i would really want Kashaf to be madly in love with him, he deserves it. I love your reviews very much and njoy giving my opinions especially when it comes to dramas like ZGH.
Fatima please post ypur review for Mirat ul Uroos of this week too. Not watching much dramas but hearing Rihai is good from Hum. And Dil e Muztar too. Awww thank you so much Natty, you are a sweetheart. Your comments matter a lot to me too.
Rehaii is very intense indeed if you can handle a heavy duty play; Dil e Muzter is a sweet love story which you must watch with the reasoning mode switched off: which other plays are you following at the moment? Would love to see you here more often Natty:. I feel so grand and important here. Yes I follow this link only but will definitely catch Mirat ul Uroos review too. I am watching Silvatain from ARY. Its an awesome play. Loving Amina Shaikh's role alot and Meera Sethi's debut is not bad either.
Adeel Hussain is a sweet heart too after Fawad khan :D I know Rihai has a very sad but realistic story line thats why not watching it much. Silvatein is turning out to be a very interesting play too. I also like the actor who is playing Mikaal, he is doing a wonderful job. Yes Adeel Hussain is a personal favorite too. A fellow reviewer is reviewing Silvatein too, so you must visit the website for more reviews:. Sure I am reading its review too.
I have asked Roh to write a review a million times but she doesn't get convinced. Roh the pressure is building up, better give up soon;. Fatima's review followed by my long sermons! Treat on the double! I promise you I will always reply to Fatima's reviews. Thank you for your kind words, Mrs.
Zindagi Gulzar Hai is an outstanding serial…. Muzna kiya dil se comment kiya hai ap ne, maza a gaya parhne ka: This episode had so many classy dialogues. Janaab we actually saw Kashaf admitting that she had been blessed by a nemat, isn't that something?
I really liked that scene too, the way Kashaf was cleaning up in the washroom lol. I am sure many married women could relate to it; I surely could!!! Zaroon's response when Kashaf says what will the maid think was too funny!! All credit goes to you Fatima for writing reviews for every episode. Honestly speaking, now I start feeling bore with the pace of this drama. This drama can be dragged to episodes this way : 4 characters in the whole episode wow.
Question, how come Osama was not invited in Zaroon's wedding? Did I miss noticing him in that episode or he was not there? Well I thoroughly enjoyed the episode and obviously the review Fatima… The scene where Zaroon comes out of bathroom messing the whole room was so natural and when Kashaf thinks "agar mera is se breakup hua tu isi wajha se hoga" was sooo natural…every man is a baby… The best scene was obviously when Zaroon gives her money…I literally cried… well Sanam's expression when Rafia and sidra are insisting Zaroon to stay over night were simply great….
BTW If zaroon had no intention to stay, tu woh kapray kahan se aye jo woh raat ko pehanta hai n subha tayar hota hai??????? I am new here. I started watching this drama just a couple of weeks back.. It got me hooked and watched all the episodes and caught up with it all in just 2 days! Amazing drama.. I love reading all your reviews and posts.. I am originally from India and have not read the book and its interesting to read all your takes on the drama.
Nice of you to comment on this forum, and I'm pleased that you are enjoying this drama and Reviews. That's big Question, and none of us knows who will be a kill joy? Somehow I don't feel it will be Zaroon's mum. Join the gang, Molly! Quite of few of us from India here. Loving ZGH. And our interactions with all the lovely people here. Hi Molly welcome to reviewit, it is always great to have new readers on board and it is especially wonderful when it is someone from across the border. We have quite a few regular readers who are from India.
Everyone is dying to find out what would be the cause of the misunderstanding between the two; people who have read the novel think that it will have something to do with Osama…we will know soon enough:. I would say episode was perfect in every sense. Start was unique kashaf was listening Khamoshi ki awaz and zaroon was confused about Khamoshi ki awaz. From there i got hint its would be only ZaHaf episode. Towel scene was really cute, Kashaf is very organized girl unlike zaroon who just loves to irritate her like this and I enjoyed the way she said 'agar hmara kabhi breakup hua to iss ki aik waja Zaroon ki betarteebi hogi, such a baby' Now comes the part where Kashaf said 'Apni har cheez kay liye dhakke nahi khane parhen gy khawaar hone k liye koi aur b hoga' now she knows she has someone to take care of her, who is also there for her, unknowingly she has started trusting Zaroon.
Then their park scene or it could be zaroon's house as well, Zaroon's explained his family point of view about their marriage but good point was Zaroon was confident this time, he was no more confused and nervous. Their casual talk says a lot about their relationship. They listen each other's point of view carefully. Shadi se pehle patta raha tha, tum na bohat cheap ho It shows their comfort level.
I really liked zaroon's small gesture at kashaf's home when he closed the door which he never did at his home. May be it was not that much great scene but it touched me a lot. And Kashaf's fear came true when Sidra asked zaroon to stay at their home, well even zaroon wanted to stay there; as a result we got one of the best scene, Moonlight Scene and zaroon's romance I don't know how to write my opinion about that scene but Kashaf was trying hard to change the topic by bringing stars and Moon while blushing, zaroon asked so many questions about him but kashaf was adamant not to answer them from her heart.
Oh Yeah btw she was jealous of Julia Roberts But later on she answered to his questions in her diary and she confessed her love too. I won't blame here for not expressing her feelings in front of him because all of sudden her life is perfect, its hard for her to believe it,but i hope zaroon will break this wall one day too.
Somewhere I had an idea Kashaf will stop zaroon's smoking habit and its happening. And Highlight scene of the episode where zaroon gave money to Kashaf, I had tears in my eyes too; she went through so many emotions.
I m very glad they're highlighting these things. Sanam was mind blowing and so convincing in that scene. My question is from where zaroon got bag and clothes? Earlier he used to all his packing n all now Kashaf is handling these things I remember once zaroon asked sarah his sister to sew his shirt but the response was negative.
Precap is indeed alarming for everyone. Asmara is back unexpectedly and misunderstandings are on the way. But they will turn their relation more strong i believe. Performance wise Actors did fantastic job. I dint feel i m watching a show, it was all so realistic.
Fawad and sanam are very natural and talented actors. They deserve all the appreciation for delivering wonderful episode yet again. Credit goes to directors and writer as well. Umera Ahmed is best in writing as we have seen the demo of her writing skills. And Kashaf's fear came true when Sidra asked zaroon to stay at their home, well even zaroon wanted to stay there. Loved the episode. The building of relationship is awesome.
So glad Sidra gave them an opportunity to understand each other better under the moonlit sky. Understanding and accepting each other and sharing each others background is somthing that is essential for a real relationship. FK was fantastic and so was SS. ZGH has made me forget HS, The romance here is smoldering and at the same time it is so real and natural. I just love each character. From Zaroon to Sidra and from Kashaf to Rafia each one has played the role beautifully.
A drama that finishes within forty minutes but never ending reviews! Humsafar, Sadqay Tumhare and numerous other television shows had their title song and the background score composed in Yaman in the strong voices of illustrious singers like Quratulain Balouch and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Pakistani television drama Zindagi Gulzar Hai features a recurring instrumental background score in Yaman. In such times, Guruji introduced the nom tom dhrupad syllables to me and had me sing long overtones of Yaman in the dhrupad syllables.
Yaman also found its place in devotion, poetry and spirituality. Many qawwalis and poems of the 13th century poet and musician Amir Khusro were in raag Yaman.
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