#SeriesInFocus: 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' testifies opposites attract theory, beautifully
What's the story
When Pakistani serials took attention from their Indian counterparts away, the viewers didn't complain, instead rejoiced. The shows weren't stretched unnecessarily, the language was pleasant to hear, and the stories heart-touching.
Of all the shows, 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed gained the most popularity, a well-deserved one.
The love story of Kashaf and Zaroon is the perfect example of opposites attracting.
Premise
Zaroon and Kashaf are poles-apart, yet together
ZGH chronicles the love story of Zaroon Junaid and Kashaf Murtaza, both coming from highly-contrasting backgrounds.
Zaroon, the son of an influential family, has everything easy in life, unlike Kashaf who doesn't have much to thank for. Her father left her mother and two sisters to fend for themselves when they were young.
While 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' remains Zaroon's pet dialogue, Kashaf only understands it much later.
Differences
Zaroon can't look beyond chauvinism, Kashaf doesn't like men
The show tells how their personal lives affected them deeply.
The daughter of an absent father, Kashaf, considers men only think about replacing women, and has adverse reactions to even those who care for her. One can't really blame her for that.
In Zaroon's case, it takes a broken engagement for him to understand his chauvinism. He introspects about his possessive nature only after he is left alone.
Underlying messages
Touching important issues, ZGH is more than a love story
Thinking of ZGH as only a love story would be unjust. The show touches shades of women empowerment in a beautiful way.
Fighting every struggle life throws at her, Kashaf is committed to creating a better life for her mother and sisters, standing up for herself when Zaroon lets her down and sets an example for many women.
No wonder she was this loved.
Characters
The stars of the story are the characters
Kashaf's mother played by Samina Peerzada is to be credited for making this series relatable to women across.
Despite living through personal and financial problems, Rafia didn't leave empathy and ensured her daughters learned it.
But then it is actually the beauty of writer Umera Ahmed's (on whose book the series is based) screenplay. Each character is beautifully written and placed.
Fawad & Sanam
Let's talk about the old-school romance now, shall we?
Looking at Fawad or Sanam and not thinking about Zaroon and Kashaf is next to impossible. Their portrayal of a married couple (who are united after dozens of roadblocks) and them reaching a point in the relationship where it's all about love, is all kinds of perfect.
It reminds you of old-school romance where diaries are your best friends, and conversations revolving around moon.
Who does that these days? Probably no one.
Personal
'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' warming hearts since 2012
It aired in 2012, and since then it has seen re-runs on TV and is now available on Netflix too. In case, this romantic series missed your attention, you must catch up soon and allow it to tell you 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai', in every way.