Daily Times

Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name, Mohammed Ehteshamuddin returns to the small screen as the director of Aangan, a period drama set in the early to mid-1900s. With a star-studded cast and an epic storyline, the series appears to be promising and offers respite from mainstream stereotypical television dramas.

When asked, “Why should people watch Aangan? Why is it important and what can we expect from it?”

Sajal Ali, who portrays Chammi in the serial responded, “Aangan is one of the acclaimed novels that is praised by literary lovers and is written by Khadija Mastoor. It is a beautiful project with each character aesthetically written and developed according to his or her journey in the drama. It is a story about the people of the partition era especially the women, what they experienced during that time other than the partition itself. We don’t see much stories told from a woman’s perspective. Aangan is one such play that talks about lives of women from a woman’s point of view. What makes it more interesting is the subject which is as closely knitted to the current times as it was in that era. I would want people to watch Aangan to feel and understand each and every character as they develop with the story. They need to be experienced more than be explained.”

Sonya Hussyn plays one of the leads in Aangan, as Salma. She stated, “My character in the serial had shades of romance and intensity, something I have never attempted before. Since it is a period play, it is done in a very subtle, unconventional light that I found rather challenging, yet was honored to have had the opportunity to dabble into.”

Ahsan Khan, who plays dual characters, one of them being Safdar said, “The drama is very well directed and is entertaining as well. The reason people watch TV is because they want to be entertained and have a good time. I feel that the direction and dialogues are nice and the story is intriguing. It is naturally set in partition so the flavor is different. I would say it is a masterpiece.”

Hira Mani portrays Tehmina in the series. She said, “Directed by Ehtesham, Aangan is a beautiful period play. When I read my role, I really liked it. Out of all the characters I have played, this role is very different. It is subtle and unique. My character is Mawra’s sister, Tehmina and Madeeha plays my mother. It shows conflict in a mother and daughter’s relationship that ends up affecting the daughter. My role channels a message to the audience that mothers shouldn’t be harsh towards their daughters. People should definitely watch Aangan! When the teaser of Chammi (Sajal’s character) aired, it caused excitement all over the world. Sajal and Ahad’s pair is unique; Ahsan Khan has done great work. Sonya Hussyn looks beautiful in the drama! Sajal is obviously an amazing actor and Mawra did good work too. Every character has its own ground. You cannot compare a character with any other. Mustafa Afridi wrote Aangan and each of its characters so nicely that every actor feels that he or she is important to the story. When a play of such standard materializes, you get to witness everyone’s aesthetic sense, be it an actor, writer or costume designer. Ehtesham gets the credit for it first and then us, actors. What he has made every actor do with this play is unbeatable. Ehtesham gives an actor a field to play on that many directors may not provide. For the next 10 years, no one can compete with Aangan. However, it is a good thing if someone manages to outdo it.”

Published in Daily Times, December 22^nd 2018.