Introduction

The story of #PyariMona revolves around the main lead Mona, an overachiever, strong and courageous girl who excels in everything she does but, being a plus-sized person, Mona has to face challenges, problems, provocations and taunts just because she doesn’t meet the conventional standards of beauty set by our society. The serial highlights body shamming, bullying, harassment and its social and mental implications on the victim in a society with unrealistic expectations from women and stringent standards of beauty. Pyari Mona is an unconventional and interesting story of Mona as she navigates through her life. Written by Haseeb Ahmed, directed by Ali Hassan and produced under the banner of Momina Duraid Productions, the serial also features Mashal Khan, Adnan Jafer, Muhammad Hunbal, Naureen Mumtaz, Uzma Baig, Shaheen Khan and others.

Will Mona conquer the hurdles or succumb to the rules and standards set by society? Follow the story of Mona every Thursday at 8 pm on HUM TV to find out.

[Source: Hum TV’s official Youtube Channel]

Pyari Mona Episode 1  Written Update and Review 

In Lahore, we see Mona and her friend Irfan enjoying music and food. This seems like a celebration of sorts.

What’s the catch?

Mona has quit her job for the 5th time owing to body shaming issues in each of her job. She is overweight but healthy and refuses to change her lifestyle

In Karachi, We see a fitness freak in  a gym and an older woman doing yoga. The guy is Babar, Mona’s dulha bhai, and the woman is Shaista Khalid, Mona’s mother. We just know what Mona is up against.

Looking at him, it’s clear that he means fitness and not showing off his muscles unlike some other people. Guess who I’m talking about and you will get an Amazon gift voucher from me.

Anywho…

So, Amir and his wife praise Samia (Mona’s sister) for her cilinary skills. Samia is sim but unhealthy, and it shows on her face. Babar doesn’t like it if Samia misses gym or exercising.

The flashback shows how Samia met Babar.

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Mona talks to her niece Ayaan. Why a boy name for a girl? But I like this khaalaa-bhaajni duo. Chubby cheeks, dimple chin…

Mona is on a spree to find another job. Her mother is unhappy about everything Mona does despite Mona’s academic success.

“I’m not Samia,” Mona says.
“You can’t be Samia,” Shaista says

So, Mona has an interview for a marketing manager. The boss woman Lubna is an old friend of Shaista’s. That should work in Mona’s favour, right?

Wrong… 

Lubna is a friend-slash-foe who gives backhanded insults. After the interview, Lubna calls Shaista–you must have financial issues as your daughter is looking for a job, we are looking for presentable personalities for marketing manager role… Argh! A woman is the worst enemy of a woman, isn’t she?

Khalid, Mona’s mother is also fit and fine, but he never forced Mona to change her ways. The supportive kind of a father, you know… I wike him.

Babar asks Samia to talk to Mona about Yawar (for his own benefit to get into big league). He makes Samia call Mona and invite her over. Mona agrees.

And that’s the opening episode.

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Review 

First of all, I love Sanam, even if she appears in a drama like Qarar.

Second of all, the subject of this drama is close to my heart. I wrote a story on the same lines under a pen name. I can’t promote it here but it’s just heartwarming to see a drama on this issue. Yes, I write under several pen names as I’m running an experiment.

The story I wrote followed the trope-the gorgeous sister passed away leaving a toddler to take care of, the fat one married her jiju. This might follow the same trope.

Predictions aside, I like the first episode, and I am eager to see where this goes. 

So long!

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