Khuda Dekh Raha Hei - Update at Episode 6

So - N asked me a very relevant question today: Why don't you write anything about the other dramas you are watching? And it got me thinking...Most of the ones I'm watching are pretty smooth sailing and not much to report. That is why I have them listed in the rating box but am not actually doing regular reviews on them. However, as my public service duty, I felt maybe I should do periodic updates, just in case any of you are trying to make up your mind on whether to watch a drama or not. So here we go on Khuda Dekh Raha Hei...

If you remember from my first review of this drama, it promised to be completely out of control with the manipulation on religion. However, the drama has not fulfilled on that promise so far, which makes me both happy (seriously, who doesn't want to bang their head on the wall when drama writers portray religious responsibilities and people in a bad light) and cheated (because the drama name seems to suggest religion is going to be exploited helter skelter). Me thinks, the religious principle this drama will encash on will be 'actions are judged by intentions.' And that is not a bad thing - there's nothing I love more than watching evil people get what they deserve. 

As for the story - Moiz has convinced his ultra-conservative mom to get him engaged to Sanam (you know, the 'designer'). Mommy ain't too pleased with how 'liberal' Sanam is, but she agrees for the khushi of her beta. Sanam's parents aren't too enthused about her choice of spouse either, but his mom has agreed because she's comfortable with a man her daughter can manipulate, and her dad just wants Sanam off his hands. And pay cheque. Speaking of Sanam's dad, he is definitely Mr. Shady-Dealings himself, because he has himself enrolled in all kinds of schemes to illegally qualify for legal tax benefits and what not. And then there is Sanam's brother who we haven't seen much of, but one thing is for sure: he definitely has some addiction issues. And probably is mentally unstable. Sanam's father has promised to half the 'allowance' he will get for Zoya, IF she can get her married off to the brother. Sanam, in true I-wear-the-pants-in-this-relationship, is now demanding Moiz get his parents to agree to marrying Zoya to her brother. 

As for Zoya, she has told Junaid that the only way her parents might agree to the  marriage, is if he leaves his singing career. Junaid, as we learn through the previous few episodes, is a huge rising star and his manager/advisor does his level best to convince him not to destroy his career for Zoya. But Junaid is in (true) love, and he gives up his music for an executive job at a music company (which really we are supposed to beleive is better how?) for Zoya. And Zoya's bestie brings him to Zoya's house as a potential suitor for Zoya  which is where we are at the opening of this episode...

Junaid comes for Zoya's rishta and big bro Moiz grills him ruthlessly and then dramatically declares he is a musician. Predictably, exceptionally religious mommy dearest throws him out of her house. 

Zoya's dad - may he be the voice of reason for many episodes to come - is the only one sticking up for Zoya. He understands she may like someone but he believes in his daughter enough to trust her to know her limits. 

Moiz on the other hand is a hypocrite of the first water. He rants and raves about how dare she sneak out to concerts and exaggerates shamelessly to his mom about the extent of Zoya's relationship. He is also vocally disapproving of Junaid's former vocation. Pot calling the kettle black Moiz? At least Zoya didn't 'lend' her boyfriend lakhs of rupees...why don't we talk about that.

Here is Junaid's friend/manager - and overall negative Nellie. He thinks Zoya is just using Junaid and Junaid is making the biggest mistake of his life. And he uses every opportunity possible to tell Junaid that. And it's extremely exhausting  for the viewers...

Zoya's friend, on the other hand, ranks higher on my list of smart people in this drama. She provides Zoya with the support she needs but is not afraid to give her a reality check.

Zoya's dad would definitely have been able to smooth the path for Junaid - had Zoya taken him in confidence earlier. He understands his daughter well, and has faith in her decision.

Unlike Moiz - who can't seem to put two and two together.  When Sanam's brother saunters in and acts all weird  it doesn't make Moez have second thoughts at all.

In fact, Sanam's brother (played by Imran Aslam), reminds me of Shahrukh Khan from his Darr and Anjaam days. And we all remember what a hot mess he was back then...

Dad tries to convince mom about the validity of considering Zoya's request to marry a guy she likes...

More dissuasion from negative Nellie. I really want to dislike his constant put down of Junaid's dream to be with Zoya - but we all know it's coming.

Seriously - Tum bhai ke naam pe DHABBA ho Moez. Wanting to get your sister married off to shady Adnan just so you can marry the equally-shady Sanam. I can't WAIT to see how miserable Sanam will make him. Can. Not. Wait.

So - looks like Khalida Begum is not as rigid as she would have us believe. She has agreed to do an isthikhara for Zoya and Junaid. And, as you can see from her expression here, in spite of all her scolding, she does want what is best for her daughter.
Oh...did I mention Khalida begum has a past? Yup - a secret that is yet to be revealed...

Junaid holds a huge press conference to tell the world he will no longer sing. Another indirect declaration of devotion to Zoya...

...Oddly enough, Zoya is NOT happy with this declaration. She has promised to abide by the decision that her mom's istikhara will reveal. Her spidey sense must be tingling, cos she doesn't want Junaid to burn all his bridges. In an odd way, I think this doesn't show us that she isn't genuine with Junaid - I think it shows that she IS, but she can not go against her family to marry him. That's why she doesn't want him to close all doors of return.

And that, dear friends, is the update on this drama until now. As you can tell by this novel of a recap, the drama is moving at a good pace and there is quite a lot going on with more to come. I am interested to see how Moez will manipulate his mom into getting Zoya married to Adnan - and not so interested in seeing how Zoya will suffer at the hands of Adnan. But, it's Sajal Ali, and she will do what she does best: play the pretty mazloom lardki. 

Lucky for me, I don't have to worry about that yet...because today is Mera Naam Yousuf Hai day! Woot woot!

Happy watching!