Mahira Khan is back on the silver screen working her magic! She’s currently starring in Hum TV’s ‘Hum Kahaan Ke Sachay Thay’ which airs during prime time on Sunday evenings. So far, we have only watched the first episode but the drama seems promising enough that it has our undivided attention. However, there was a particular scene in ‘Hum Kahaan Ke Sachay Thay’ involving Mahira Khan that has got fans talking.
Mahira Khan’s Mehreen Should’ve Definitely Been On ‘Living On The Edge’
The scene starts after Mashal (Kubra Khan) refuses to give Mehreen (Mahira Khan) a lift to college. Left with no other option, Mehreen resorts to public transport. Now, if you don’t know what’s that like in Pakistan (particularly Karachi), well, it’s an absolute nightmare. Imagine a tin of sardines, but that tin is swerving through traffic with really dodgy brakes. We’re talking about no concept of personal space or waiting for passengers to sit down before driving. It’s road rage paired with WWE level moves, no one, and I repeat, no one is above elbowing a passenger or two to get some air.
So naturally, Mehreen gullibly thinks she’s going to get a seat on the bus. HA Mehreen! Not today! Now, if Mehreen was a normal person she would’ve waited for another bus or kneed/shoved the passengers in the women’s compartment and commuted standing up. But noooo. She decides it’s a pretty good idea to just go sit on the roof and take her chances with death. I mean I can totally see Mehreen as a contestant on Waqar Zaka’s reality show, ‘Living on The Edge’, she would have definitely won.
Keep It Real? Or Be Open To Experimentation?
Now, sitting on top of a bus isn’t that unusual in Karachi, what with the infrastructure and criminal lack of public transport, but it’s often the last resort for male day labourers and those on daily wages. In all my years living here, I have never seen a woman sit on the roof, and for that roof to be empty. Not to mention the fact that they haven’t factored in the aggressive conductors who won’t even let you do it in the first place…
Now, for the sake of the argument, let’s just suspend our disbelief and imagine that this is a scenario that’s very likely to happen. Still, it’s weird that they didn’t show people gawking or pointing at her? Because women reclaiming public spaces in Pakistan is a thing that seldom happens, so it’s bound to draw attention. Moreover, many people had issues that she was the only one on top of the roof, where were the men? Well, if Mahira was sitting with men the audience would’ve taken offence to that as well, so we can’t blame the directors for playing it safe and showing an idealised version of events instead. Sadly, this makes it really unrealistic and takes away from the credibility of the show because now it’s just a scene with over the top antics. However, many viewers have expressed that the juxtaposition between Mehreen’s privileged childhood and her current circumstances do a great job in evoking an emotional response from the viewers and making them invested in Mehreen’s story. Still, I’m pretty sceptical.
Say What You Will, But Women Don’t Have It Easy In Pakistan
I Mean They’re Not Wrong….
If the first episode is anything to base our opinions on, we can assure you that you’re in for a ride and we can’t wait for the next episode to air! And whether you like it or not, we know you’re secretly rooting for Mehreen too 😉 Because hey, jokes aside, we can all admit Mahira Khan did a great job.
And To The Haters We Say, “Talk to the hand”
Hum Kahaan Ke Sachay Thay – You Have Our Attention!
This article is the collaboration effort of several members of Team FUCHSIA.
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