“I have given my 100% in conveying this character in the best possible way”

In the previous episode Fauzia ran away before her nikkah and ended up finding refuge and support at the Chaudhry’s house. The Chaudhry commanded Fauzia’s father and brother to not force her hand in marriage. This episode opens with Nazia (Fauzia’s sister) leaving with her aggressive husband, despite Fauzia advising against it. Nazia’s husband argues that they fight because of Fauzia, who riles his wife up all the time. Though this may appear like an isolated scene, it actually throws light on Fauzia’s character; her rebellious streak isn’t limited to her love for song and dance but she’s actually progressive and emancipated in her approach. She has an understanding of women’s rights. It also hints at the fact that Fauzia, especially in a male-dominated rustic setting, isn’t ideal marriage material.

At this point one gets a sense of how Fauzia’s marriage isn’t going to be the love-filled paradise she’s hoping for with Abid; it also indicates that her points of view are what will rock the boat. But that’s the twist.

Fauzia gets married to Abid, in a rapid pace of plot, and genuinely tries to make an effort in being the good wife. She may not wake up to make Abid breakfast one day but she looks into the kitchen chores otherwise. Typically, it’s her mother in law who is her biggest critic and also responsible for instigating Abid. But Fauzia Batool genuinely tries…whether it’s making yakhni or daal, as cooking skills are sadly what define the competence of a wife in this part of the world. Her dreams do not change and she obsesses over fashion magazines and urges Abid to take her to Murree.

Read: Baaghi’s 4th episode gives a voice to women

We know through trailers of the drama serial and of course, Qandeel Baloch’s life, that Fauzia’s marriage to Abid will not work out. But while we may have assumed it was because of her attitude, it is actually because of Abid’s character. He is a typical Punjabi male – at the risk of stereotyping Punjabi males – who lives under his mother’s thumb and has a character flaw that we didn’t see coming.

While Ali Kazmi has mastered the character of a husband with a dark streak (remember Jackson Heights?) it is Saba Qamar who excels in this episode. Vulnerability delicately flashes across her face as she sits as a bride, waiting for her husband on their wedding night, only to have him come in and snub her. Her expressions are subtle and heart-wrenching and one realizes that this is no easy performance to deliver.

“To deliver each emotion and expression of this character convincingly, and to perform each and every scene with my utmost dedication was a challenge in itself,” Saba Qamar said, when we asked how difficult this scene was. “Playing Fauzia’s character on screen was a huge responsibility, and with one wrong dialogue or expression, the whole thing could’ve gone south.” We agree 100 percent.

“I have given my 100 percent in conveying this story and character in the best possible way,” she continued. “I’m extremely glad that people are appreciating my work, and I hope they keep doing so in the future as well. The character has many layers, and it will surely become even more interesting as the story proceeds further.”

We can’t wait to find out.