Grey & gorgeous: a closer look at the women in Parizaad’s life

Parizaad is one of the finest TV dramas currently airing on television and the primary reason behind its popularity is its interesting plot that explores impressive and out-of-the-box storylines and characters that give us a much-needed break from run-of-the-mill family dramas and toxic love triangles. Though objections were raised to darkening Ahmed Ali Akbar’s skin tone to adjust him to a dark-skinned character who is self conscious because of his appearance, the actor’s portrayal of Parizaad, an unconfident and self-doubting man who is loyal to his core is undoubtedly brilliant. While Ahmed has embraced each and every facet of his character, so much so that even his body language and speech is different for different phases of his life, the people in his life are equally nuanced and well-written. The women that he comes across during his journey, from a pauper to a business tycoon, are all relatable despite being extraordinary and unusual. They are unopposed by characteristics such morals, gender, sexuality, social class and much more, which is not a norm on TV. Scriptwriters usually resort to extremes when portraying women; they are either damsels or holier-than-thou, vamps or femme fatales, and these conventional roles haven’t always been the most flattering. The women in the life of Parizaad are neither good nor bad but are nuanced and this very characteristic adds more depth and charisma to their personalities. Credit to writer Hashim Nadeem and director Shahzad Kashmiri and all the actors who have aced their respective roles.

Saeeda played by Kiran Tabeer

Kiran Tabeer plays Saeeda, Parizaad’s only sister, who loves and adores him without any self-interest, unlike their elder brothers and bhabis who are self-centered. Her guidance, care and devotion is the only light in Pari’s otherwise dark and unpleasant life. She has always been a pillar of strength for him throughout his life and he acknowledges it wholeheartedly. Hence, he sold his prized possession — a collection of poems — to arrange money for Saeeda in times of hardship. She is Parizaad’s only family member who unequivocally speaks in his favour when he was imprisoned and requests her husband to go and help him in getting released. Saeeda is a sensible and level-headed woman, and though she also suffered at the hands of her family and in-laws, she didn’t turn into a bully or a damsel. She has remained a positive influence in Parizaad’s life despite ups and downs.

Naheed played by Ushna Shah

Ushna Shah plays Naheed who is Parizaad’s first love; she’s a girl from the neighbourhood who is vain and knows how to use her beauty to lure men. She’s tutored by Parizaad and while she has absolutely no personal interest in him, she subtly leads him on until he is smitten. Naheed is interested in Majid, the mohalla’s most eligible bachelor, and when at the risk of getting caught dating him, she doesn’t hesitate in letting Parizaad taking the blame and the hit. Now, when the tables have turned and Parizaad has become rich and someone to admire, it seems that she is sidelining her husband (now poor and unemployed) and is trying to wedge herself into Parizaad’s life.

Saima, Bubbly Badmash & Dilawar played by Saboor Aly

Saboor Aly plays Bubbly Badmash, a girl who feels like a boy trapped/born in a woman’s body. Bubbly’s track has a life of its own; it is about a person who is constantly battling on several fronts, against family, society and what is labelled as ‘normal’. The drama narrates her journey from Saima to Bubbly Badmash and eventually to Dilawar, from rejection to acceptance. There is a range of emotions that Bubbly has to go through, from being confused, dejected to switching on his/her survival instincts. As Hashim Nadeem wrote, the drama is not just about one Parizaad but about every human that is considered a misfit and outcast and struggles for acceptance. Read: Parizaad’s OST becomes the highlight of designer Manish Malhotra’s promotional video

Lubna & Mahpara played by Mashal Khan

Mashal Khan plays Lubna, who is a student in the same college Parizaad enrols in. She’s from an upper-middle class family and is apparently a beautiful, independent and strong-headed girl who has total control over her life and choices. In reality, Lubna is a victim to her circumstances and her life depends on her mother’s decisions. Her mother is a woman of ill repute and Lubna is peddled as an escort or as she herself says, a ‘bazari aurat‘ to the highest bidder. Years later, she is reintroduced by the name Mahpara Begum and forced into the showbiz industry. She’s shown to be warm and sincere to Parizaad and despite her circumstances she isn’t stereotyped because of her profession.

Laila Saba played by Urwa Hocane

Urwa Hocane plays Laila Saba, one of the wives of late tycoon Behroze Kareem. Like Lubna, it seems she was also sold out to an influential man and despite living a cushy life, she is emotionally deprived and feels alone in her secluded lifestyle. She has power, position and money but is not allowed to live her life. Laila Saba cheats on her husband, misuses a loyal servant and blames others for her actions which were questionable for all intents and purposes but her character has been sketched in sympathetic light. You feel her forlornness and at some instant can relate to why she risked everything for companionship. The one who ordered her killing was revered by Parizaad and handsomely rewarded for it as well, proving once again the graph of moral ambiguity in the drama.

Qurat ul Ain, RJ Annie played by Yumna Zaidi

We’ve just been introduced to Yumna Zaidi, who plays Annie, a blind girl who is a radio jockey and has studied from the same college as Parizaad. She loves poetry and is keen to meet Parizaad. Her character has just been introduced in the drama, but she is the first one who seems genuinely interested in Pari. Annie appears naïve but possess an endearing charm, thus we are looking forward to know more about her. Parizaad airs every Tuesday on Hum TV.