TV content in Pakistan can easily be categorised into two broad groups; commercial and passion project. Commercial drama content tends to feature stories with stereotypical characters, while passion projects are much more well-executed and aim to push boundaries. Jo Bichar Gaye falls into the second category. Yes, a few historical series have aired on TV channels over the years but they were nothing to write home about. Jo Bichar Gaye changes this with a nuanced storyline that captures the horrors of war as well as its human cost.

Based on a book written by Col ZI Farrukh, with a screenplay by Haissam Hussain and Mehreen Alam, and script by Ali Moeen, the show has taken social media by storm. It has been produced by H2 films. The company deserves credit for putting all the right elements together.

The drama begins at Dhaka University in 1971. The university is a hot-bed of rebellion and political turmoil in East Pakistan. Rumi (played by Wahaj Ali) is a student activist disillusioned by Mujib-ur Rehman’s six points, and sees independence of East Pakistan as the only viable solution.

Shill (played by Umer Cheema) is friends with Rumi, and cares little for the politics in a climate where anyone who does not agree with the status quo is considered a liability.

Sonia’s arc features her mother attempting to find a suitor for her just like any quintessential South Asian mother, which provides a source of joy for the viewers. This particular instance shows that some things never change. Whether it’s 1971 or 2022, we have more in  common with one another than we realise. 

The factors behind the fall of Dhaka are portrayed in a level-headed and compassionate manner. The drama takes a lot of info from the source material and paints a rich picture of what Dhaka was like at the time. The human cost of the conflict was disillusionment amongst the masses, and manipulated feelings amongst the youth who did not have a decent outlet for self-expression. Rumi’s arc centres around being used for hidden political agendas while all he wanted to do was fight for what he thought was emancipation.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the play has its light-hearted moments. Sonia’s (played by Maya Ali) arc features her mother attempting to find a suitor for her just like any quintessential South Asian mother. This provides a source of joy for the viewers. This particular instance shows that some things never change. Whether it’s 1971 or 2022, we have more in common with one another than we realise.

The cinematography, costuming and visual effect are in keeping with the times. The GC University building looks very different and unfamiliar despite being easily recognisable.

Jo Bichar Gaye has all the makings of a successful and well-executed drama with great casting, direction and subject matter. It is available to watch on Har Pal Geo.

The author is a fashion graduate