“Kabli Pulao” has been ranking at number one for Pakistani drama viewers in terms of the best drama currently on air. The first episode itself left a strong impression and each episode since has kept audiences hooked to this unusual love story. There have been many dramas which have depicted romances between older men and younger women, but often, the age gap is ignored and in the process, viewers are forced to endure a rather uncomfortable – and objectionable – story. “Kabli Pulao” could have gone the same way with this love story between an older man and a young widow, but it’s a testament to the strength of Zafar Mairaj’s writing and Kashif Nisar’s direction that keeps this love story as pure and endearing as its characters. 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.
In episode 9, Mushtaq (Ehtashamuddin) and Barbeena (Sabeena Farooq) are in a tough place, essentially homeless and forced to spend a night in a guest house – where a seedy worker sets his sights on Barbeena. Fortunately, happy days are in store for our lead pair when the guest house owner sees the good in Haji Mushtaq and takes them to his home to be his new tenants. Of course, he has an ulterior motive (which is a bit flimsy, to be honest), as his daughter and son-in-law live at home and he wants them to learn from Haji Mushtaq. Mushtaq and Barbeena have their Nikkah again in order to make her ID card and this takes the story in a beautiful direction.
The greatest strength of “Kabli Pulao” is that the age gap itself is not swept under the rug. It is written as a problem, an obstacle in their relationship. The judge at the court quizzing Barbeena asks if she’s aware that Mushtaq is her father’s age – and she humorously replies that he’s actually two years older than her father. Content that the marriage is not under duress, he approves their marriage and Mushtaq and Barbeena begin living as husband and wife. While they were already married, away from family and with a place to call their own, this couple is finally learning to live as a couple. The moment when Mushtaq gives Barbeena a ring is meaningful in many ways, but mostly shows the respect he has for Barbeena as his wife…..and also reveals his own insecurity as her husband. Mushtaq has never been married and is aware that his wife is a young, beautiful woman who he believes deserves more. And yet, through this interaction, we can see how both Mushtaq and Barbeena have fallen in love. Parallel to this scene is Shamim who has finally put her love for Mushtaq on the backburner, the love she was living for, and makes the painful decision to sell her wedding jewelry. Shamim is a complicated character. While she has behaved in a way towards Mushtaq that was not kind, she has held on to hope for so long and seeing that hope shatter is a tragedy in itself. Nadia Afgan is such a stellar performer and it’s wonderful to see her as Shamim.
The arc with Chammo (Raima Khan) and Ghaffar (Saqib Sameer) is an interesting one that shows exactly how a family plays into a manipulator and a woman allows herself to become a victim. Why would a family give in to Ghaffar’s demands when he’s mistreating their sister? Why would Chammo vilify Barbeena and Mushtaq when her own husband is cheating right in front of her? It’s something to think about and the uncomfortable part of this is that it’s depicting reality.
Watching Mushtaq make Barbeena breakfast is truly a joyous scene for viewers, seeing his happiness and his dedication to his new wife to make her “first” morning special. Mushtaq has always taken care of himself and so he is not a man who is used to being waited on hand and foot. He is self-sufficient and while Barbeena can cook, he happily cares for his new wife in their new home.
Both Ehtashamuddin and Sabeena Farooq perform in this episode with such sincerity, it brings tears to the eyes of the viewer. They deserve a round of applause for how lovable they have made their characters, making us root for the success of their marriage – even though we know trouble is looming in the form of Baraan’s return. “Kabli Pulao” continues to win us over each week with strong writing and fabulous storytelling.