GEO Digital

n an exclusive conversation with Geo Digital’s The Chat Box, the director tantalizingly revealed, “I’m keeping the story under wraps for now, but I can promise you it’s not your typical saas-bahu saga. Prepare to be transported through time as you uncover intriguing historical references intertwined with the complexities of human behavior.”

Shooting has wrapped up on the 7th Sky Entertainment production for Geo TV, but Raza remains coy about its air date, leaving eager fans on the edge of their seats.

Analyzing his successes and shortcomings

Reflecting on past endeavors, Raza dissected the success and shortcomings of Bandish 2 – as he directed both seasons, addressed why the second one failed to captivate audiences. While the first season, penned by the writer Zanjabeel Asim, delved into the gripping tale of a family ensnared by dark magic, garnered praise, the follow-up failed to evoke the same enthusiasm.

When probed about the shortcomings of season two, Raza cited the absence of Asim’s narrative prowess, stressing the pivotal role of a compelling storyline in engaging viewers, and said:

“Everyone’s got their own flavor – some dig family sagas, others are all about romance. Gotta cater to all tastes,” said Raza. Speaking on the success of Tere Bin, he notes its broader appeal beyond the typical familial storyline, prompting a second season. Raza hinted at the need for a bit of variety in the drama scene, suggesting fewer mother-and-daughter-in-law tales in the mix.

“A well-crafted script is the cornerstone of a successful drama, and Zanjabeel Asim’s absence in the second season was noticeable. A director’s ability to elevate a good story is crucial, although the second season’s outcome was disappointing for loyal fans, it’s essential to glean lessons from setbacks. Hira Mani’s portrayal in season one and Amna Ilyas’s in season two were both unique. While Hira exuded sisterly warmth, Amna showcased remarkable dedication. Sania Saeed and Marina Khan’s performances transcended any notion of competition, with the entire cast delivering commendable performances across the two seasons.”

Are saas-bahu dramas gaining an audience again

Last year, Baby Baji - a drama centered on the timeless sagas born out of the relationships mothers-in-law share with their sons’ wives, gained immense popularity, and ended around the same time as the equally popular Geo Entertainment mega-hit Tere Bin, which captivated audiences with its compelling narrative, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers.

When asked about the trend of domestic dramas, especially those featuring saas-bahu plots, Aabis had a laidback take. “Everyone’s got their own flavor – some dig family sagas, others are all about romance. Gotta cater to all tastes,” he shrugged. Speaking on the success of Tere Bin, he noted its broader appeal beyond the typical familial storyline, prompting a second season. Raza hinted at the need for a bit of variety in the drama scene, suggesting fewer mother-and-daughter-in-law tales in the mix.

The director expressed his firm stance against actors altering the writer’s script, believing that the story’s integrity should be respected.

He shared insights gleaned from the late actor Abid Ali, advocating for preserving the beauty of the Urdu language in performances.

“I am strongly against actors changing the writer’s script. The story is crafted a certain way, and actors should adapt accordingly.

I learned a lot from the late actor Abid Ali and I happily convey it to newcomers. Urdu is truly a gem of a language; whenever we have interacted with Bollywood personalities, they praise the clarity and beauty of our artists’ accents and language. It’s always a pleasure to hear such compliments. I often remind new actors that this linguistic finesse is our unique charm. By honing their language skills, actors can truly elevate their performances and achieve success.”

Known for his versatile direction, Aabis has helmed numerous dramas and telefilms, including the recent Mujhe Qubool Nahi aired on Har Pal Geo.