‘Angna’ was recently under fire for a scene that was making rounds on the internet. The video clip of the scene in question shows Ali Abbas’ character Zain slapping his wife Eshaal played by Rabab Hashim. The scene was criticized for promoting domestic violence and putting out the typical zaalim saas-bechari bahu storyline. However, everything you see on the surface isn’t true. Those who follow the drama must have noticed the sudden shift in Zain’s character around his mother. Why is that?
Turns out, the story is beyond domestic violence and saas-bahu drama. We recently sat down with the lead pair of ‘Angna,’ Ali Abbas and Rabab Hashim, to uncover the psyche behind Zain’s behavior and why he reacted the way he reacted at what seemed like a non-issue, to begin with.
Ali Abbas & Rabab Hashim Talk About The Viral Scene
The lead pair clarified that they were, in no way, glorifying physical abuse. In fact, they wanted to start a conversation on mental health and after the scene went viral, people started catching on to it. The audiences realize that Zain’s mother is dominant and notice that Zain was fine before she came. Hence, the power dynamics are now clear to the viewers. Ali and Rabab want us to look beyond the video clip in question and understand the backstory.
Another thing that outraged people was why Eshaal didn’t leave Zain after he slapped her. According to Rabab, Eshaal needs time to gauge if the marriage is worth it or not. She feels Zain isn’t problematic but is mentally disturbed.
Can Men Like Zain Be Saved?
“Mujhe lagta hai humari main conversation yehi hai ke agar sahi time pe intervention ho tou save kiya jaa sakta hai.”
Rabab Hashim
Should a woman spend a huge chunk of her life on men like Zain? Why should she stay?
“Aik strong aurat zaroori tou nahi hai ke chor ke chali jaye. Aik strong aurat apne shohar pe kaam kyun nahi kar sakti?”
Ali Abbas
So, What’s The Drama Really About?
According to Ali Abbas and Rabab Hashim, Angna highlights PTSD in men, which we don’t see much of in our Pakistani dramas. Angna has reversed the conventional equation and this time, a woman is trying to save a man instead of the opposite (and the common theme). The drama carries multiple messages that will gradually unfold as the story progresses.
Ali Abbas wants us to know that Eshaal is not representing a bechari aurat in this entire scenario. She’s trying to grasp the situation because she’s practical. It takes time to assess a complex situation like this & actually realize that Zain is a victim himself.
‘Angna’ is highlighting pertinent issues, especially regarding mental health & we hope the content does justice to them. Did you understand the reason behind the slap scene in the drama or are you still not convinced and believe physical violence shouldn’t be shown on screen regardless of the message behind it? Tell us your thoughts.
