Kabli Pulao – Barbeena & Haji Mushtaq Have Slipped Into Our Hearts Even They’re Not In each Other’s yet!
Kabli Pulao is taking us on a sublime journey and we’re happy to come along. Is it okay to marry a guy almost the same age as your father? Can parallel references between his age and your father’s habits be made without making it sound cringe and absurd? Without polluting each of the relationships (or without dirtying the sanctity or purity of each relationship?
Kabli Pulao does just that and much more with a flair and profoundness yet keeping the story non-preachy and entertaining. The episode surprises and also intrigues us with the revelation that Haji Mushtaq hides the truth about his nikah with Barbeena and instead, tells his family that he has brought her as a working girl for the family.
Relatable Moments & Simple Storytelling
The many simple moments that follow, demonstrating how the family reacts to her arrival, and how she tries to adjust is testament of a robust script and great direction. It seems natural that they are curious about her, some are courteous and some eye her with greed and doubt. In the midst of all this, Barbeena relates her story to Mushtaq’s nieces. How she met her husband and how he loved her the most.
Haji Mushtaq is also present to witness her revelations and one can note how it impacts him, his gaze on her growing more intent with every word. Haji is gradually becoming more aware of her presence, yet she hasn’t made a place in his heart or maybe, he is not allowing this to happen as it is unthinkable. The flashback of his family trying to find a match for him and conversations about his age might have been triggered by the possibility of ever feeling something for someone so young.
The language barrier and how we overcome the issue is really very relatable. Everything is possible and we love that they have kept both languages in tandem as we get to know more about Barbeena’s past. The direction is so subtle, sensitive to the narrative that we do not feel we are missing out on any part of the story because of a language or cultural barrier. The differences in food and flavor palates are portrayed with creativity – loved the roghni naan making an entry!
Notable Performances
Both Sabeena Farooq and Mohammed Ehteshamuddin are delivering sharp performances. Barbeena and Haji Mushtag have already entered our hearts, even though they might not be in each other’s yet. Such are subtle nuances in their characters that every dialogue, gaze and expression is finely tempered, making us invested in their story.
Glaring Age Gap In Marriage
The drama highlights how, as a society it is inconceivable for an older man to be in love, or to be with a woman young enough to be his daughter. The perspective is reflected in how everyone assumes that because of his age, Haji Mushtaq must regard her as his daughter, and would have placed a hand of “shafqat” and protection over her head.
When Barbeena responds to Haji Mushtaq’s queries, saying her father would also take chai in the morning, and then also mentions reciting Surat Yaseen for her husband and father, we do not find ourselves cringing, feeling uncomfortable or thinking “oh he is her father’s age?” Somehow this conversation seems normal and matter of fact, without making Haji Mushtaq’s age a repulsive thought with reference to Barbeena.
Haji Mushtaq’s Backstory
We are also curious to discover the story behind Baji Shameem and Haji Mushtaq. But looks like she was more interested in him then him in her. However, she seems sharp enough to feel something might keep up with Barbeena and Haji Sahib, as she cautions him before leaving. When Shamim tells him, that no one should wear this Shadee ka jora again, we find ourselves thinking, too late, joray kay baghair hi he has tied the knot!
Kabli Pulao is the drama that one looks forward to watching every week in sweet anticipation of what happens next.
