Is Maqsood Sahib a true reflection of the average Pakistani husband? Noman Ijaz as Maqsood Sahib seeks to solve the ‘woman’ problems in his home, be there from an ex-lover or a present wife. He invites no dialogue or discussion, he rules with an iron hand, used to being listened to without much debate. But why do we find his behaviour so intriguing? Isn’t that what most Pakistani husbands do?
What sways from the norm is, that both women inhabit the same space in peaceful co-existence, neither questioning the man’s motives or wronging him, both, awaiting his decisions – and the fact that Maqsood Sahib achieves this magical balance without ever raising his voice (except once, with Sakina), is what Pakistani husbands might want to learn from him.
Every week, Raqeeb Se unfolds a new enigma, a story within a story, a backstory that delivers yet untold revelations, and audiences are left contemplating motives, the motives behind the words and the mystery that surrounds all characters in a well-knit drama that has us in its grip…literally.
When Hajra reflects on Sakina & Maqsood’s love story, you would think she’d be bitter, but we don’t see Sania Saeed give away an inch in a single wince, an expression or a side glance. When Ameerah challenges her mom, teasing her mercilessly, jug of water in hand, we applaud the raw feel of the character that Iqra Aziz has taken on like a second skin – so perfect are the nuances that we wonder if Kashif Nisar had anything to do with hitting the jackpot here!
When Sakina interacts with Maqsood Sahib, you would not guess for a second that this was Hadiqa’s debut role. So convincing is her helplessness, her accent, (laden with a vacant expression), unable to control her own daughter; Hajra plays the most understated character there is in the tale and yet, she does it with an elegance that is Hadiqa.
When Insha appears surprised by Abdul’s sudden shift from enchanted lover to practical CV planning young man, we catch the expression, no matter how transient, in a matter of moments. We know every character has shades to them, just like real life human beings – just like us.
Saqib Sumeer is giving us the best villain in Rafiq Ali (if he is one, you see, we don’t know yet, do we?) ever. Laden with fruits from the village, he struts in to Maqsood Sahib’s home as if he owned it, and announces his intentions in the same, tongue in cheek manner! We are faintly amused by the village-feels he carries with him, in the way he sits, chats, bites into that ganderi (sugar cane), and in the way he shouts out to Sakina, like he would to his cattle.
Insha’s frustration with her father is captured in every word she spits out in anger; in the conversation she wants to have, and he(Maqsood) doesn’t. Till he whips out the surprise at the end of the episode – “Apni Maa Se Jaa Ke Poocho” leaving us as bewildered as Insha – Faryal Mehmood has aced the role.
Both Salman Shahid & Saba Faisal deliver engaging performances, adding an entirely original spin to the dynamics with their heavy accents, in stark contrast to Noman & Sania’s calm, retired natures.
Bee Gul has woven a captivating tale of human stories, love, jealousy, revenge and love again. The casting could not have been more on point and the roles, more fluid, making us walk the characters’ journeys along with them.
And now for the episode review
Last week’s episode of Raqeeb Se ended on a cliffhanger and all week we had been anticipating ke ab kia hoga? Rafiq Ali ki entry hui sheher mein, Ameera tested our patience and so much more has happened!
Okay so…
Just Insha, was prepared to blame Maqsood Sahib for a loveless marriage, he turned the tables & asked Insha to turn to Hajra for the reason? A new mystery awaits us.
Was Ameera justified in cornering Sakina that she had other options rather than to knock on Maqsood’s door?
Our questions about Insha & Ameera
Insha, despite despising her father is actually a reflection of him. Was she right in making light of Abdul’s concerns & getting angry at him for trying to be presentable in her parents’ eyes? Is Insha over reacting?
Ameerah dear, we want to spank you. You can be a bit nicer to Sakina. She left so as to save you from Rafiq’s pitaai.
Lastly…
Rafiq kya chah reha hai? Just torturing Maqsood with FIRs & threats, or does he really have a plan?
So, is Maqsood Sahib your typical Pakistani husband? Is Noman Ijaz playing it like it is? We’ll let you decide that one! That’s it for this episode as we anticipate next week – Raqeeb Se, just keep doing what you’re doing, we want more!
With that being said, find out the latest trends we’re seeing across our screens!
