Shows like “Jannat Se Aagay,” which have presented strong content with each episode during the course of its run, are shows which create a wave of sadness when they end. Yet, it’s a plus for a drama when it ends before it hits the dreaded “dragging phase.” Umera Ahmed and Haseeb Hassan have done an incredible job with writing and direction, keeping the audience glued to their screens and wanting more each week – and even after the show has come to an end. The stars of the show are Kubra Khan, Ramsha, Khan, Talha Chahour, and Gohar Rasheed with Shehervar Zaidi, Hina Bayat, Aina Asif, Saboor Aly, Daniya Anwar and others in prominent roles.
“Jannat Se Aagay” follows Tabassum (Ramsha Khan), a young impressionable fan, who is obsessed with Jannat Jahan (Kubra Khan), a morning show host. She loves her, aspires to be here, but when she enters her world, she begins to change and not for the better. Jannat, on the other hand, experiences her own growth arc, depicting that wealth does not guarantee happiness and things are not always what they seem. In the finale, Jannat and Tabassum come face to face once again, but in a refreshingly heartfelt encounter with both apologizing for their individual mistakes. This is a relationship that started off as one of love and spiraled into something else – but it’s beautiful to see women forgiving women and bonding in a genuine way. Tabassum and Jannat’s friendship has been the center of the show and it’s great to see the show end with that as well.
Much of the finale deals with Jannat and Noman’s (Gohar Rasheed) marriage. While Zara (Saboor Aly) rejects Noman after watching Jannat’s show, realizing what he has done to her, it’s too late for Jannat and Noman’s relationship. Noman and Jannat were in love, but when materialism stepped in, love was replaced by neglect and greed. While Noman is apologetic for his behavior and begins his journey of repentance, is it really that easy to forgive cheating, stealing and disrespect? The realistic outcome of Noman and Jannat’s relationship, once one of love and support, is tragic – but appreciated for its depiction of reality, the two choosing to co-parent with respect, but go their separate ways. Gohar Rasheed is detestable as Noman, but also understandable – and Gohar has given a great performance. This is human nature and that’s what makes it so upsetting.
In the end, Tabassum is in a healthy place, Farooq is applying for jobs again and Jannat is expected over for dinner with the kids. This has been a beautiful journey, one with complicated emotions, scenarios and characters – but painfully real ones. It’s now time to discuss the show’s most (unnecessarily) criticized character – Farooq (Talha Chahour). Farooq is the conscience of the show, an emotional man completely devoted to the woman he loves. Their love goes through extreme ups and downs, but his loyalty remains unwavering. This is the kind of love many, including Jannat, want. Farooq is important, because he adds a softness we don’t often see in our male characters, crying at the drop of a hat. Not everyone can be emotionally strong the way society expects our men to be – but Farooq is strong in the ways that are important, supportive and a protector for Tabassum.
Now coming to our heroes of the show, Jannat tries to make her way in a male dominated world, failing at balancing work and family. With great highs come great lows and this is where Jannat becomes a victim of her success. Kubra Khan is a star, an amazing actress proving with each show that she’s an incredible, criminally underrated actress. Next is our weak of mind, but strong of spirit Tabassum, who is a woman who allows her obsession for Jannat to overshadow everything in her life to a dangerous fault. Tabassum’s story has been one of healing and returning to what’s important. Ramsha Khan is exceptional in her performance and is yet another underrated actress who deserves more.
There’s so much to say about “Jannat Se Aagay.” There are some moments which make us raise our eyebrows of course, such as the statement made on morning show hosts. While Jannat’s final speech is personal to her, a loud statement is made. Do morning show hosts destroy society? This feels like a bit of a stretch and a bit unfair to morning show hosts. Still, the ultimate message is finding happiness in what’s important and that’s something we should all take a lesson from. “Jannat Se Aagay” has been a beautiful journey, one that will be remembered for years to come. This one will go down with the classics.
