Before We Begin
Ehraam-e-Junoon is a 2023 Pakistani drama airing on Geo. For the first few times Youtube recommended me watching the first episode, I ignored it, but then, last night we have a power cut and I had nothing better to do, so…
The first thing that comes to mind after watching the title is obviously Wajhi Farooki‘s voice crooning
Hum Ne Bandha Hai Tere Ishq Mein Ehraam-e-Junoon
Hum Bhi Dekhenge Tamasha Tere Lailayi
And, of course, it reminded me of the memorable visuals of the song, Haroon Kadwani being the perfect obsessive lover, in Ruposh and the way he staggers. Uff, kamal gana hai.
Remember that telefilm? It was problemtic, but phenomenal, and one of my favourites.
Alright, so enough of the fangirling over Haroon Kadwani. Back to this drama, I like that one song becomes the title of another drama; Geo team is quite smart.
Without much further ado, let’s get to the show.
Introduction
“Ehraam-e-Junoon” follows the story of a young and immensely beautiful girl named Shanzay, who is filled with pride and stubbornness due to her upper-class upbringing. Shanzay believes that money can buy everything, including happiness.
Despite her high standards, Shanzay is yet to find a man who can impress her until she meets Shayan at an event. Shayan is a handsome young man from a middle-class family, who takes up a job as a pizza delivery boy to make ends meet. Shanzay who is immediately drawn to Shayan wants to provide him with a better lifestyle however, Shayan keeps his distance and refuses to accept any of Shanzay’s advances.
As the story unfolds, Shanzay and Shayan’s paths cross again and again, and Shanzay begins to question her beliefs about love and money. Will Shayan be the one to break through Shanzay’s walls of pride and stubbornness, or will she continue to chase after superficial things?
The drama serial “Ehraam-e-Junoon” promises to take viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as it explores the themes of love, pride, and class differences.
Writer: Jahanzeb Qamar
Director: Syed Ramish Rizvi
Producers: Abdullah Kadwani & Asad Qureshi
Production House: 7th Sky Entertainment
[Source: Geo’s Official Youtube Channel]
Cast and Characters
Imran Abbas as Shayan aka Shani
The pizza boy who shoulders the responsibility of running the house, who wants to make it big but isn’t ashamed of his humble background. We like!
Ismat Zaidi as Kulsoom
Shayan’s mother. She incessantly reminds Shayan of his responsibilities towards his family, as if he needs a reminder.
Maira Khan as Nadiya
Shayan’s sister, “bechari” ki shaadi nahin huyi… She cares a lot about Shayan, and not just because he is the bread-winner of the house.
Aadi Khan as Jugnu
Shayan’s younger brother who’s only job is to ask for more money (reminded me of Mann Aangan) and reminding Shayan how handsome (and poot) he (Shayan) is. I think Aadi Khan is wasted here but I will be delighted if proven wrong.
Neelam Muneer as Shanzay
The beauty with monies, a stereotypical brat who wants things to be her way. She has never let anyone (any guy) come close to her, but then falls for a pizza boy.
Mahmood Aslam as Kamran
Shanzay’s father. A bigshot businessman who has no time for family, and blames his wife of never spending time with Shanzay.
Zainab Qayoom as Samiya
Shanzay’s mother, a stereotypical rich mom who spends her time in partying and working for NGOs, a living example of charagh taley andhera.
Nimra Khan as Sajeela
Shayan’s cousin, and fiance, but she doesn’t give too hoots about the “mangni”, apparently big bucks is the only thing that matters
Saqib Sameer as Khawar
Yet to make appearance as of episode 1
Birjees Farooqui as Farzana
Farah Nadeem as Shakeela
Kinza Bukhari as Shazia
Mirza Rizwan as Faiq
Ramla’s cousin and fiance
~~~
I know, this isn’t comprehensive yet. I will add more to the cast as the drama goes on.
Until we meet again, check out my books on Amazon. You can subscribe for Kindle Unlimited for free for the first month, just saying 🙂
Shabana Mukhtar
