‘Qarz e Jaan’ follows the story of Nishwa, a young woman whose life is marked by unforeseen struggles that lead her into a fierce battle for justice. Challenged by external forces, familial dynamics and inner conflicts, Nishwa embodies resilience as she confronts the darkness that threatens to consume her.
Writer:Rabia Razzaq
Director:Mohammad Saqib Khan
Producer:Momina Duraid Productions
[Source: Hum TV’s Official website]
Non-review Rant
First of all, yeah, we’re doin’ it. We’re reviewing another drama.
Second of all, the name of this drama instantly reminds me of the very popular Urdu verse:
Wo Jo Qarz Rakhte Thhe Jaan ParWo Hisaab Aaj Chuka Diya …
I haven’t watched all the episodes, but I’ve watched enough YouTube shorts to know that people IRL are shipping Nashwa and Ammaar, and the elders the duo also want them to get married hoping that Nashwa wouldn’t fight a case against her own husband.
Nashwa clearly likes Burhan.
But…
I think…
She might decide to marry Ammaar, just to pay the debt on her soul, woh jo ehsaan uski dadi aur uske taya ne us pe kiya hai, woh bhi ek qarz hi toh hai.
I don’t remember who it was, perhaps one of the Jabeen sisters, they wrote a beautiful line in one of their novels:
Jo zindagi bhar tarsa ho woh mohabbaton ko haq ki tarah nahin, qarz ki tarah wasool karta hai
This quote and the verse aren’t related, just recalling things from the past. Alright, let’s get to it.
Qarz-e-Jaan Episode 1 Written Update and Review
Recap/Written Update
We meet Nashwa who has topped her LLB finals. Her two friends are so sweet that they can raise your blood sugar level. But fret not, Ammaar is there to balance the palate with his bitterness. I could literally feel the smoke in my lungs. And his eyes, uff! Pakka nashe ka aadi insaan.
We meet other characters, most of the details are expositionary, and are covered in Qarz-e-Jaan | Cast and Characters. Nashwa is everywhere: she tops the class, is extremely caring of her mother, helps Beenish and Asad patch up their differences, the go-to person for everything, huh?
Barkat dadi and Bakhtiar are outright villains, while Tayi is kinda subtle villain (just my feeling).
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Did anyone notice a strange comfort level and cameraderie between Nashwa and Ammaar? I mean, when he spotted Nashwa at the college cafeteria, he took notice, clearly, whereas she made a face as if she had swallowed a bitter pill.
Later, at home, she throws off his headphones and asks if he’s in his right mind. We see a little nok jhonk.
Nashwa: Yeh kaisi smell hai? Cigarette hi hai na?Ammaar: Check kar ko. Ek kashh le lo, tumhari sari frustration aur anxiety kam ho jayegiNashwa: Maine Ek kashh lagaya na Ammaar, toh dhuan tumhari ghairat se uthega
Then, at tea time, the way they both punch each other… Kuchh to gadbad hai, Daya… If only he wasn’t an addict and alcoholic.
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On the other side, Burhan is talking to prosecutor Mr Baari. The scene is designed to show us Burhan’s strength of character, and it succeeds.
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Towards, the end of the episode, we see a cringe seen as Bakhtiar touches Bisma’s forehead, Barkat Dadi is also present. The way Bisma moves back, it speaks volumes.
1. it’s not the first time Bakhtiar has done that.
2. He’s a creep
3. Barkat is averting her gaze from this SHIT happening right before her eyes.
As I mentioned in the Cast and Characters post, I wished this angle was not there. It would be tough to watch. Whether a mother suffers through someone harassing her daughter, or a daughter suffers through someone harassing her mother, or us just watching it happen to fictional characters; it’s just as painful to watch.
Ammaar is clearly a problematic character, but Bakhtiar and Barkat are more problematic, aren’t they?
Review
The performances are great. Our girl Yumna is awesome as usual, others are veterans and experts in their craft. My introduction to Tazeen was Yunhi. She is brilliant as well.
Rukhsana: Kabhi maan se milne ka dil nahin chahta?Bisma: Bahot arsa hua mere dil ne kuch chahna chhoR diya hai.
It was, however, Nameer, who won the episode with his gaze into the distance, and his bad-boy portrayal. 100 mein se 100, balki bonus marks bhi…
Nashwa felt like a bit too excited about life. To quote Prashasti Singh: Life isko kabhi dho kar nahin gayi kya?
Parting Thoughts
The first episode has me hooked with it’s perfecly paced exposition. Intrigued, hooked, eager to know more.
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