The new drama serial ‘Sang-e-Mah’, which is currently on air on Hum TV, is the new sensation for all the TV buffs. Starring the famous singer Atif Aslam along with Hania Amir, Nauman Ijaz, Kubran Khan and Omair Rana in the lead roles, Sang-e-Mah has made an impact on viewers since its first two episodes aired.
Directed by Saife Hassan and produced by Momina Duraid, the new drama serial is written by Mustafa Afridi, the playwright of such TV hits as Aseer Zaadi, Sang-e-Marmar, Aangan and Ehd-e-Wafa. Sang-e-Mah is based on a riveting story, which brings to the fore unique and never-before-seen characters who have their persona battles within that they pretend to hide in the form of an overblown ego, plagued by excessive pride, latent behavioural vulnerability and oversensitivity to such commonplace events that define life with all its ebb and flow.
Sang-e-Mah narrates the story of a traditional Pakhtoon family living in a tribal setting, where superannuated concepts of the preservation of human pride, honour and prestige often prevail over mutual understanding and unconditional forgiveness to let go of it and move forward. The drama serial highlights a litany of social and cultural fault-lines deeply embedded within the tribal societies such as love and marriage, particularly between the members of those rival families who have been in the state of war with each other since ages but not yet ready to let bygones be bygones.
Making an acting debut on television, Atif Aslam does not look like a newbie performer or non-starter since he is able to prove his acting credentials from the word go. Playing a lead character named Hilmand, it is now difficult to imagine anyone else playing the same role other than him. Atif Aslam, this time as Hilmand, seems to have acquired a mysterious resemblance to a wool-gathering bard who is lost in reverie to the extent of being oblivious to the world he actually lives in, with never-ending disputes and long-festering tribal feuds.
However, his personal appeal is captivating to the core and he is all set to be smitten with love for a girl of his long-held dream. Zaviyar Ejaz and Hania Amir, as Hikmat and Gul Meena make a perfect ensemble together as both are giving outstanding performances right from the beginning of the play. Zaviyar’s acting is more varied and subtle while Hania’s effort to keep her accent in tune with the Pashto language is commendable.
A treat to watch, Sang-e-Mah features beautiful sceneries of snow-clad mountains and bubbling streams flowing underneath a retreating glacier. It goes along with a captivating soundtrack based on traditional Pashto music, adding to visual serenity and acoustic placidity all the way. Aside from accentuating cultural diversity, the drama serial turns the spotlight on the country’s religious diversity too, which is refreshing as well as praiseworthy. For instance, characters like Mastaan Singh, played by Omair Rana, takes centre stage in the unfolding of events, a promising aspect that must be emulated by other TV plays.
Keeping the audience glued to their seats, Sang-e-Mah checks several boxes, addressing geographically-oriented topics which range from love to tribal customs and traditions, e.g. Ghaag. The script is powerful but some dialogues look superfluous and overdone. The camera work is no doubt brilliant and pronounced and one hopes Sang-e-Mah will soon top the ratings chart.
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