Is the upcoming ‘Meri Shehzadi’ inspired by Diana, Queen of Hearts?

Urwa Hocane, whom we last saw in drama serial Badzaat, is all geared up to be seen in HUM TV’s new project Meri Shehzadi with Ali Rehman Khan and Sonia Mishal also in lead roles. Muhammad Qavi Khan, Atiqa Odho, Shamim Hilaly, Shabbir Jan, Nauman Masood, Najiba Faiz, and others will be seen as part of the high profile supporting cast. The drama has been written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, who has previously given us many hit projects including Pyar Ke Sadqay, Bashar Momin, Cheekh and has also the currently airing Saba Qamar starrer, Fraud. Meri Shehzadi is directed by Qasim Ali Mureed who is known for the super hit Mere Humsafar as well as recent serials Neeli and Prem Gali. He has also directed the upcoming Pakistani film Tich Button.   Urwa Hocane recently shared a post on her Instagram, revealing the first teaser of the drama

 

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  According to HUM TV’s YouTube description, “Meri Shehzadi is the story of Dania raised by her grandfather – a dedicated admirer of monarchies, who treats his granddaughter like a princess. Will Dania also face the same trials, tribulations and difficulties that come with a life of royalty?” As of now, HUM TV has released two teasers of the drama. The first teaser begins with Qavi Khan and Shamim Hilaly, who are playing Urwa’s grandparents, wishing her on her birthday. We see the character of Qavi Khan correcting his wife when she calls him Dania instead of Diana. This sets the premise of the drama in which we are expecting an ode to be paid to the late Princess of Wales, Diana Spencer.

From the trailer, we can assume that the story will have a political theme revolving around the central characters of Urwa Hocane, Ali Rehman Khan and Sonia Mishal. The trailer is well-cut and well-edited. “Apni door ki haseen aurat…bas kismat ne sath nehi diya [a beautiful woman of her time but luck did not back her up].” This dialogue of Qavi Khan penetrates right through our hearts, making us believe that obstacles await Dania’s path. Ali Rehman also appears in the trailer. Our guess is that he is playing the antagonist but only time can tell! Atiqa Odho and Shabbir Jan are also seen in the teaser.   The second teaser navigates deeper into the story, with the character of Ali Rehman introduced in more depth. We also see Sonia Mishal in the teaser. On the surface of it, it looks like Ali Rehman’s character is cheating on Dania and is having an extramarital affair with Sonia Mishal’s character. Ali Rehman looks convincing in his role. He shares a palpable chemistry on-screen with both Sonia Mishal and Urwa Hocane.  

Qasim Ali Mureed, the director of the project, in a conversation with Something Haute, shared his thoughts on the drama. “After ages, people are going to see a drama that is not going to be very traditional. Its story and arch are very different and I am hoping that people will like it. It is not a run-of-the-mill project,” he stated.

He also made interesting revelations about the drama and said that “Meri Shehzadi is not a love triangle story. But it is a love story… there is one love story and the other is completely one-sided.” Qasim also addressed the rumors of Farhan Saeed being cast in the drama. He said, “We are hoping that we can cast Farhan in a surprise character if his dates match.” Fingers crossed! He also revealed that Princess Diana is “a very important element of the story. The audience will find out about it after the first episode.” Meri Shehzadi is definitely a drama to look out for. It is expected to air by the end of September.