With only two episodes of “Kabli Pulao” left, we’ve entered an incredibly intense phase of this drama. “Kabli Pulao” has been focused on Haji Mushtaq and Barbeena, two individuals who are polar opposites, coming together in marriage. Starring Mohammed Ehtashamuddin and Sabeena Farooq in lead roles, the show also stars Nadia Afgan, Munazzah Arif, Adnan Shah Tipu, Haseeb Khan, Saqib Sameer and others in prominent roles. The story has been written by Zafar Mairaj and directed by Kashif Nisar.
Haji Mushtaq (Ehtashamuddin) and Barbeena (Sabeena Farooq) have always shared an honest, open relationship of warmth, care, trust – and later, love. Their relationship has been one to root for with its sincerity and while they’ve had their small moments of downs, they understand each other and know how to pacify the other. Unfortunately, post Qayyum’s death, Haji Mushtaq can sense that there has been a shift in their relationship – but does not understand what happened. While Barbeena explains that she cannot handle the accusatory fingers pointing her way, blaming her for Qayyum’s death, the truth is something entirely different.
Baraan (Abdullah Farhatullah) had been dead and buried for Barbeena as she resigned herself to living a different life than previously imagined. But here he is, Baraan alive and well, living under Haji Mushtaq’s roof as Mazdaq. When Mushtaq is convinced by Ayesha to sent Barbeena to Islamabad, he sends her with Mazdaq, giving the two time to indulge in conversations they haven’t previously been able to have. The angst and severity of their situation comes out in a flood for Baraan as he deals with his internal and external wounds, telling Barbeena how returning home to her was his only hope, his guiding light for survival. Hearing this, Barbeena melts – but is still stuck in place with her loyalty for Mushtaq. And while we know Baraan has been her true love, we can’t deny that Barbeena feels more for Mushtaq than just obligation. She does love him….doesn’t she?
Mushtaq dearly loves Barbeena and is missing her when Ayesha reveals the reality of the situation to him. But when Barbeena and Baraan arrive back home and Mushtaq confronts Barbeena, she faints as a result of the conversation. We, as the audience, are not privy to what words were exchanged exactly. However, one thing the audience is united in is hoping this episode of fainting is simply an illness or shock, but not the usual drama cliché of pregnancy. Do we want Barbeena’s decision to be made out of more obligations? Can this story just continue along the path of a woman making her own decisions of her own free will?
We have to take a moment to acknowledge Nadia Afgan as Shamim, who is just brilliant. Shamim has been painted as a villain, but if anyone in this drama knows the meaning of true love, it’s Shamim. She has had her moments of anger, but everything she has ever done has come from a good place. She’s a positive character, a character who quietly takes the blame and taunts from the man she loves without complaining. But when will Shamim get her own happy ending? From Ehtashamuddin to Sabeena Farooq to Abdullah Farhatullah, each of these actors have done an incredible job of acting this week. Sabeena and Abdullah in particular win over viewers with their heart wrenching, emotional scenes full of longing, regret and sadness. Whether Barbeena chooses Baraan or Mushtaq aside, it should simply be her decision. One thing is certain though – whoever Barbeena chooses, the audience will be upset either way.
