Guilty Pleasures: Sanam Saeed, Fawad Khan starrer Zindagi Gulzar Hai tells a simple, yet beautiful story of relationships

If you are looking to explore Pak dramas, one of the best series you should start with is Zindagi Gulzar Hai. The series stars Sanam Saeed, Fawad Khan, Samina Peerzada, and Sheheryar Munawar, among others in significant roles. A popular show in India as well, the series was brought back to India by Zee after 'popular demand' last year in June. The series tells the story of Zaroon, played by Fawad Khan, a chauvinist who is challenged by Kashaf, a lower-middle-class girl, played by Sanam Saeed. Kashaf's life has been extremely difficult growing up making her a pessimist.

The highlight of the series, I would say, is its simplicity. It has no over-the-top drama or loud acting, which is usually the characteristic of an Indian drama. It tells the simple story of a family and the performances of these actors make it so real, genuine with attention to little and trivial details. They speak like a regular family and that makes it even more relatable. Unlike the usual dramas of a rich guy meeting a poor girl, falling in love and living happily ever after, this series shows what follows in their lives and how they navigate through ups and downs in their relationship. Despite her negative outlook, Kashaf is shown to be true to herself and tries her best to nurture her relationship with Zaroon. The drama also sets an example that actions speak louder than words. When Zaroon relentlessly tries to convince Kashaf to marry him as he is in love with her, she struggles to believe him and shoots him down. But a simple act of Zaroon extending his hand and preventing the hot cup of tea from spilling on her convinces her to accept his proposal. The story and the simple characters, which look like from a regular household, connect with you.  

It is also fun and cute to see Zaroon is a die-hard romantic and Kashaf is often seen giving him a reality check with her sarcastic and witty dialogues. It is fun and adorable to watch them overcome the challenges together. As Zaroon is born and brought up in a rich family, Kashaf is seen feeling conscious when he stays back in her house after their marriage. She is seen arguing with her family about the class differences and luxury that he has in his house as they try to make her understand that Zaroon was totally aware of their living situation and himself has no worries to stay back in their small house, sleeping under a fan and not AC. 

A special mention goes to Samina Peerzada. She is that lovable and adorable mother that one would fantasize to have. Despite being restrained in the house after her marriage, her thoughts are so liberal. She brings her daughters up to be independent women. The complacent look on her face as she plays the role of the mother is so impeccable. Watching Peerzada itself is so soothing and calming. She reminds one of Farida Jalal and Reema Lagoo, the on-screen mothers that every Indian loves. 

The show clearly gives out a message about being happy with what you have. When Kashaf is seen cribbing about her life, her mother tries to console her and convince her that one should be content and happy with the life, already given by God. I enjoy watching Zindagi Gulzar Hai as I find Kashaf totally relatable. Facing several odds in life and difficult situations with men can make you negative but she also realises that not all men are bad like her father who marries another woman for a son. She learns that Zaroon genuinely loves, cares and respects her. Her lines in her journal that she writes every night gives some major life lessons too and takes you through her transition from a pessimist to an optimist person is beautiful and proves that one only needs to have a positive outlook towards life to find it beautiful. The series is so well and beautifully written and directed that the drama can never get old.    

I was honestly not really happy after watching the climax initially but later pondering over it, realised what they were actually trying to say. Towards the last scene, Kashaf is seen having a breakdown and finally giving in. She calls her husband and admits that she needs him. Now, considering her the independent and strong woman that she is, I started to wonder why would she even want to be back with him when he's been lying to her and being a jerk. The last episode simply shows that even a strong individual needs support, be it a man or a woman.