At present, Pakistani drama viewers are spoiled for choice with many diverse dramas on air with a multitude of different subjects. One could say Pakistani dramas are at a peak point. That being said, what’s lacking on our screens is a truly intense, romantic drama and with that arrives “Ishq Murshid.” Starring Bilal Abbas Khan, Durr E Fishan Saleem, Omair Rana, Srha Asghar and Noor Ul Hassan in a story written by Abdul Khaliq Khan and directed by Farooq Rind.
The first episode introduces us to Shibra (Durr E Fishan Saleem), a young girl who follows the principles and values set by her father, Salman (Noor Ul Hassan). Salman lives his life as a straight and arrow, which creates problems in his life, as he refuses to take bribes. Due to his honestly, he has been framed for fraud many times and finds himself framed yet again. With Shibra’s support, he clears his name – once again -, but in this process, it’s revealed how many dishonest, disloyal individuals surround him within his own family. His elder daughter is engaged to his sister’s son, but the two are not together due to his sister’s demand for money – and since Salman refuses to move ahead in dishonest ways, the marriage is in the air. Noor Ul Hassan is such a fabulous actor, we find him believable in any and every role and this time around is no less. He is genuine and sincere as Salman and Shibra is his dutiful follower, upholding those principles in a more blunt, vocal, almost offensive manner. Durr E Fishan Saleem looks sweet in this role, but her delivery within the first episode is not as natural as one would like, feeling a little stiff.
Shahmeer (Bilal Abbas Khan) is the heart and soul of the show from the moment he appears on screen. A young man who does not get along with his father (played by Omair Rana) and stepmother, he actively distances himself from them. It appears that Shahmeer comes from a political family and his mother, played by Samiya Mumtaz, passed away in a tragedy. Shahmeer doesn’t have much happiness in his life, but he is instantly attracted to Shibra after seeing her outside a school and then, later, at a wedding. This is the start of a beautiful love story, even if it’s currently one-sided. But will Shibra accept Shahmeer with his true identity or will he change himself to suit her preferences?
Bilal Abbas Khan is a wonderful actor and that’s undisputed. However, he hasn’t always made the strongest choices with characters. With “Ishq Murshid,” he returns to his strength – the role of a vulnerable, intense lover. This is what he does best and we cannot wait to see how this story unfolds. There’s something special about Farooq Rind’s direction which manages to grab the eyeballs of the viewer with the opening shot itself. The way “Ishq Murshid” has been shot is visually pleasing, the background score alluring and the performances intriguing. If the show continues on this path, Hum TV has a surefire winner on their hands.