Romance stories have a universal appeal that transcends cultural and geographical borders, making them popular entertainment worldwide. While I’m not typically a fan of romantic dramas due to their unrealistic portrayal of love, ‘Dil Lagi’ was on my must-watch list because of Humayun Saeed. After my family highly recommended it, I binge-watched the series in one sitting, fully immersing myself in the story, characters, and the rich depiction of life in the narrow lanes of Sindh.

“Dil Lagi” is a Pakistani drama series that aired in 2016. It was produced by Humayun Saeed under his production company Six Sigma Plus and directed by Nadeem Baig. The drama starred Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat in the lead roles. It also featured a talented ensemble cast, including Saba Hameed, Uzma Hassan Mariyam Ansari, Imran Ashraf, and Asma Abbas.

The story revolves around the character of Mohid (Humayun Saeed), a tough and stubborn man who falls in love with Anmol (Mehwish Hayat), a young, independent and equally stubborn woman. However, Anmol is not interested in Mohid and initially rejects his proposal. Despite this, Mohid continues to pursue her and eventually wins her over.

Humayun Saeed’s portrayal of Mohid was remarkable, and his signature look with the chadar became the highlight of the drama. Mohid explains the meaning of his name as – someone who believes in one God, one love and stays true to it – perfectly captures his persona. The entire story revolves around building his image as ‘the perfect man’, and the audience can’t help but root for him until the end. Mohid’s character transformation from a street-smart real estate goon to a compassionate and devoted lover was a journey that captivated the audience’s hearts.

However, his relentless pursuit of Anmol was problematic. Mohid’s behaviour, such as following and spying on Anmol, sends the wrong message to viewers and perpetuates the idea that such actions are acceptable in pursuing love. Unfortunately, this behaviour towards women is too typical in our society and should not be glorified on screen. Additionally, Anmol’s willingness to marry Mohid despite his invasive behaviour towards her is problematic. This sends the message that women should succumb to unwanted advances and that it’s acceptable for men to persist, even if it means causing discomfort to the other person. Promoting healthy and respectful relationships is essential, and dramas should avoid depicting love and marriage this way. Marriage is a sacred bond that should always be entered into by choice and not through force, coercion, or solely at the will of the man. Men should not resort to character assassination or create conditions that force women into marriage. Women must be free to make their own choices without being compelled to marry someone against their will.

Anmol’s character in “Dil Lagi” was somewhat confusing. Her introduction to the drama was impressive. She displayed courage and determination by standing against street goons, seeking legal assistance, and confronting a man who harassed her in the library. However, her later decision to marry the same man she had stood up to and her sudden rush to marry Mohid was not in line with her independent persona. This incongruity in her character left me questioning what message the drama was trying to convey. The lack of clarity in her character development makes understanding her motivations and decision-making challenging.

Saba Hameed’s portrayal of Zulekha in “Dil Lagi” was outstanding. Her role as Mohid’s mother was unusual as we rarely see such complex characters on screen. While one may disagree with her flawed reasoning and assessment, her character brought fresh air to the typical mother-in-law role. She broke away from the typical mother-in-law stereotype, whose sole purpose was to make her daughter-in-law’s life difficult; instead, she played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting her son. Saba Hameed’s performance was a testament to her versatility as an actress and her ability to bring life to complex characters.

“Dil Lagi” explores the complexities of love and relationships. While the drama showcases exceptional performances by its cast, it also perpetuates problematic behaviour regarding healthy relationships and romance. Nevertheless, the drama’s refreshing take on the typical mother-in-law role makes it a must-watch for anyone looking to explore the world of Pakistani dramas.