By Anil Merani: Let me start by saying that I have a complex relationship with Pakistani TV content. While I’m not a big fan due to certain cultural issues, I have found myself drawn to dramas like Tanhiyaan, Dhoop Kinare, Humsafar, and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, much like many other Indians.
Now coming to new Hum TV drama Meri Tanhai. Although I am slowly getting hooked, I have significant grouses with the storyboard. First, hear me out before rushing to the comment box screaming Indian.
Times have changed, and today, no man worth his salt should try to cheat on his woman. But Khizer( Azaan Sami Khan) seems smitten by Mary ( Kubra Khan) and unaware that he is betraying Maleeha( Ameena Salim) back home in Pakistan.
Mary insults Khizer left, right, and centre, and he keeps returning for more! Her aunt already suspects that he has feelings for her.
Shouldn’t the creative team show Khizer grappling with his actions, questioning his role as a ‘good guy ‘? Or will they take the easy route of justifying his behaviour through cultural norms(polygamy), thereby absolving him of all guilt?
How would Khizer feel if his abroad-studying fiance played the fool? Then, society would call her names. Why this double standard?
Does he not think that he has wronged someone and, ideally, should be brave enough to call off the engagement?
Let’s admit mental cheating starts a long time before physical actions, and no man can claim to be ignorant.
Also, regarding Linette’s (Armeen Khan) conversion theory, I have a larger question: Why is there fuss only when a woman leaves any faith? Conversion is fine if a gal from another religion enters your fold, but all hell breaks loose if your daughter or sister accepts another faith.
Linette/Ayesha’s conversion should be one of connection with God. Why link it to Marriage and Ali Murad ??
Should society celebrate two-timer Khizer as a hero? He might follow tenets of Islam (halal food), yet he is wrong towards the women in his life!
I must congratulate Hum TV for making a character for calling out the Desi (Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian) stunt of trying to marry white women to get Western citizenship.
It would be interesting to see what made Khizer’s chacha, Ali Murad (Syed Jibran) dump his white girlfriend Linette (Mary’s mom) in the first place. Old desi trope of family vs love. An’t we ever step out? I am sure heaven will fall when Mary learns about Khizer’s background.
Also, they should show Maaleha walking out on Khizer, instead of becoming his second wife.
I am not in favour of multiple marriages, but then since it is permitted in Islam, I can’t say anything as religion and culture are very personal, and there is nothing right or wrong.
Many of you might say, dude, pipe down. It is just another TV show, but let’s face it: when icons behave like this, you send subconscious messages to the youth to follow their character’s actions. The same thumb rule applies to most Indian tube shows, which also propagate outdated cultural mores. I also question Indian web series, which reduce women to mere sex objects in the name of modernity.