Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is a new Pakistani drama written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood. The drama has generated a lot of excitement, especially because it marks Fahad Mustafa’s return to television after a decade. Starring Fahad Mustafa, Hania Aamir, Emmad Irfani, Javed Sheikh, and Bushra Ansari, the show promises an emotional and engaging storyline.

Exposition

The first episode introduces us to the main characters. You can read it here: Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum | Cast and Characters

Or, I’ll recap a few.

• Sharjeena Murtaza (Hania Aamir): She’s a responsible and kind-hearted girl who values family and relationships. She is engaged to Adeel..
• Adeel (Emmad Irfani): Adeel comes across as materialistic and ambitious and a bit full of himself. He seems more focused on his career and status and appearances than on his relationship with Sharjeena.
• Mustafa (Fahad Mustafa): Adeel’s younger brother, Mustafa, is carefree and fun-loving. He’s a bit of a troublemaker, which worries his family, especially with the upcoming wedding.

Recap

Sharjeena and Doubts

The episode begins with the wedding preparations in full swing. Both families are rushing to get things done. All serious. Meanwhile, Mustafa’s introduction is lighthearted. He gets into trouble after a misunderstanding with the police, adding a touch of humour to the episode. However, his carefree attitude becomes a concern for the family, given the seriousness of the upcoming wedding.

Murtaza, Sharjeena’s father, plans to give some cash to both Alina and Sharjeena.  Sharjeena thinks that it will be a good idea to tell Adeel about it. Adeel kinda flips out. He starts by saying that five lakhs (the amount Murtaza has planned) will not be enough to buy the kinda furniture. He talks about the recent room renovation etc, and that

Adeel to Sharjeena: Mujhe mediocrity bilkul nahin pasand.

At this point, Sharjeena begins to question their compatibility, sensing a disconnect between her grounded nature and Adeel’s superficial priorities. This creates tension between them, although nothing is said outright.

Now, why would she call Adeel to talk about it? Was she thinking he would appreciate the kinda monies he’s getting? Or did she secretly want him to say: mujhe kuch nahin chahiye? Either way, was she disappointed and how. I liked Hania’s expressions though. Just subdued confusion and distaste, nothing loud or in-your-face. It was like, he sounds like a moron, but I’m engaged to him, so let it slide.

Anywho, we see hints that Adeel’s superficial nature might complicate things for Sharjeena, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.

~

Mustafa & Irony

It isn’t clear what he does, but apparently he’s some kinda tech genius. Two of his friends are waiting for him. He sits in a dark room with a laptop in front. His fingers fly over the keyboard, like literally fly, at times without even touching the keys, and he gets paid handsomely. What does he do? He buy a shirt he likes (and throws the one he was wearing?).

Then, we see the friends sitting at a cafe. His friends narrate an incident where police arrested them for no reason. Mustafa defends the police, and says he would never let it happen to himself.

The next moment, a policeman grabs Mustafa by the collar and says: chal hamare sath.

Irony!

And a great cliffhanger!

Review: A Solid Start

The first episode does a good job of introducing the characters and setting up the story. It moves at a steady pace and gives us a clear idea of the challenges ahead.

Fahad Mustafa as Mustafa is a breath of fresh air. His playful and relaxed personality contrasts with Adeel’s serious nature. Hania Aamir brings depth to Sharjeena’s character, making her relatable and likable. Emmad Irfani portrays Adeel’s slightly arrogant and self-absorbed personality well.

The episode also looks visually appealing, with good cinematography and direction. The scenes shot in Karachi, especially around Empress Market, add a nice touch of realism.

Exploring Farhat Ishtiaq’s Writing Style

This drama is old, right, so why KMKT now? For Farhat Ishtiaq, of course.

Farhat Ishtiaq is a celebrated Pakistani author and screenwriter, often hailed as the “Queen of Romance” for her compelling storytelling. Her novels and dramas, such as Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu, Humsafar, and Diyar-e-Dil (the latter two aren’t my favourites as a drama, the novels were better), have captivated audiences with their deep emotional narratives and well-drawn characters.

• Romantic Focus: Farhat’s stories primarily revolve around love and relationships. She crafts male protagonists that readers often find ideal and aspirational. As noted in a review of Mere Humdum Mere Dost, her stories may not be as impactful as those of some other authors, but they leave readers longing for a hero like hers.
• Emotional Depth: She has a knack for delving into the complexities of human emotions, making her narratives resonate deeply with readers. Her ability to evoke strong feelings is evident in works like Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, which has been described as “profound and heart-wrenching.”
• Character Development: Her characters undergo significant growth, allowing readers to connect with their journeys. The transformation of protagonists in her stories is often a central theme, adding layers to the narrative.
• Cultural Context: Farhat seamlessly weaves Pakistani societal norms and traditions into her stories, providing authenticity and relatability. This cultural grounding enriches the reader’s experience and offers insight into the societal fabric of Pakistan.

For a more in-depth analysis of Farhat Ishtiaq’s writing style, you can refer to the my blog post: Book Review: Mere Humdum Mere Dost by Farhat Ishtiaq

Parting Thoughts

The first episode of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum sets the stage for a story that promises emotional depth and complex relationships. It introduces the main characters well and gives a hint of the challenges they will face. If the first episode is anything to go by, this drama is going to be an emotional rollercoaster.

Looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds in the next episode!