Udaari

Plot

Udaari is the story of two different worlds, the urban and the rural as well as highlighting prevalent issues in modern society. The series depicts the lives of two neighbouring families in a village, and the struggle of a group of four friends living in the city, trying to pursue their music career rier. In the village, the drama focuses on two close neighbours, Sheedan (Bushra Ansari) and Sajida (Samiya Mumtaz), Sheedan is married to Maajid (Rehan Sheikh), with a daughter named Meera (Urwa Hocane) and a son named Ejaz. She and the rest of her family are local musicians, singing and entertaining people at weddings, they are criticised because of their local music in their community and are termed as Marasi. Sajida, Parveez's widow, works as a maid to care for her and her 10-year-old daughter, Zebo. Meera falls in love with Illyas, who feels negative for her music carrier. Simultaneously, In urban city Lahore, resides a group of four students, Maleeha, Haris, Arsh and Farwa who want to pursue a music carrier. Imtiaz, Parveez's brother, proposed Sajida for marriage who first showed reluctance but later married him for Zebo's sake. On their wedding day, Majid, Sheedan's husband dies which makes Imtiaz closer to Sheedan's family resulting in his negative desires for Meera. One day, when Sajida and Zebo are not home, he attempts to sexually abuse Meera who escapes him. This causesda dispute between Sajida and Sheedan where Sajida refuses to believe Sheedan and supports Imtiaz, claiming Meera's intentions wrong. Things become more complicated when Sheedan finds out about Meera and Illyas's relationship. Illyas breaks off his relationship with Meera supporting his mother Durdana who insulted her. Farwa tearfully bids adieu to her musical career due to her parents' opposition. Milli and her mother Muneera (who runs an NGO) visit the village for a wedding where she sees Meera tearfully singing and records her music. The band, then visit Meera's house and take her on as a replacement singer instead of Farwa. During Meera's music practice sessions, Arsh begins to grow closer to her. The band successfully wins the music competition, leaving the village shocked. The series takes another turn, when Imtiaz's desire begins to grow for Zebo, he rapes and then threatens her into keeping quiet. However Sajida later finds out confronts Imtiaz, who locked her in a room and brutally rape Zebo once again. after their release and with her daughter injured and in tears, Sajida loses control and stabs Imtiaz, she then flees the village with Zebo, believing Imtiaz to be dead. They go to Sheedan who ends her despite and starts a new life with different identities as Tahira (Sajida) and Komal (Zebo). Milli and Haris have, meanwhile, gone to England to complete a music course.

After a six-year leap, Sajida is depicted as working in a successful bakery, and Zebo and Ejaz have grown up. Muneera holds a senior post in the Kashf foundation, Meera is a successful singer and Arsh becomes a lawyer. Arsh had proposed to Meera six years ago, but she rejected it because of his mother. Here the series takes a stand against social issues, by highlighting the issue of corrupt politicians who help gangsters for their own benefit. It also highlights, how the police S.H.O also supports these criminals for their own selfish ends and help them avoid justice. It is revealed that Imtiaz is alive and his only mission is to avenge Sajida's attack. he finally tracks her and openly threatens them saying that he will have Zebo gang-raped as revenge. The rest of the series depicts Sajida's fight against all odds, and how Ejaz grows close to Zebo. Complications began when Imtiaz gets Sajida arrested with help of his fellow corrupt officers. For her daughters honour, Sajida chooses to remain quiet asks Sheedan and her family to do the same. A suspicious Arsh seeks Meera's help who reveals him the true reason for Sajida's attempted murder. Arsh convinces Zebo to the speak truth at court and motivates her to fight for her rights. Zebo decides that she will no longer remain a victim, but will be a survivor and decides to stand against Imtiaz. Court holds a second session. In the court's second session, Zebo reveals the truth leaving Imtiaz stunned. Upon his arrest, he escapes police custody and goes to his corrupt senior posts who left him. Arsh assures Sajida that he will always support Zebo.

On courts final hearings,Arsh finally manages to win Zebo's case after Jamshed, Imtiaz's ex-friend comes as an eye-witness on the last hearing to confess that he saw Imtiaz raping Zebo on the night of 21 April. His guilt made him confess as his own daughter died in a house fire as a result of him not speaking up at that time for Zebo. Jamshed shows all of the missing evidence to prove his point and eventually, in a range of anger at Jamshed for being a traitor, Imtiaz confesses his crime. He is then sentenced life imprisonment while Sajida is declared innocent and released. Everyone rejoices at the triumph of good and the 'Zebo rape case' closes with Justice. Meera and Arsh confess their love for each other and agree for marriage. Sajida is welcomed home with a celebration. Zebo and Sajida start a new happy life, where there's hope for the best in the future. Arsh's dream is fulfilled as he performs on stage singing 'Bol Ke Lub Azaad Hain Tere' with Meera as a tribute to Zebo. Series end with a message for Woman right and responsibilities of being a Pakistani.

Main

Recurring cast

Child stars

Special appearances

Development

Udaari was developed by Hum TV's senior producer Momina Duraid of MD Productions, the channel hired the award-winning director Mohammed Ehteshamuddin to direct the series. Story of serial is written by award-winning writer Farhat Ishtiaq. It was Ishtiaq’s first screenplay without a novel release, she has previously worked thrice with Momina, when she wrote mega-hit drama serials in Pakistan television history Humsafar, Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu. and Diyar-e-Dil.

Song composition is done by Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider while background music is given by Mohsin AllahDitta who chose singers like Bushra Ansari, Hadiqa Kiani and Farhan Saeed for singing. It was Insari and Kiani’s second collaboration after Pakistan Idol. Kiani and Saeed collaborated on the title song and also provided the vocals for the characters of Meeran and Arsh (portrayed by Saeed). There were discussions laid on its time slot, previously it was announced that the show will air on Saturdays replacing Durad's Gul-e-Rana. However, due to promotional reasons and Slot importance the show was given time slot of Sundays, 8:00 pm, whereas the long running series, Abroo was gives a time slot of Saturdays. Udaari was initially planned to be released in 2017 after completion of filming but Duraid decided to release it in 2016 to bring Hum TV's Sunday slot on better position to face 2017, It was released in April and was planned to end along with Hum TV's Mann Mayal thereby both the shows were slotted to maintain Sunday and Monday slots to bring higher Television Rating Points (TRP) to them for the future .

On 7 April 2016 a press conference was held for Udaari. The programme, hosted by Shanaz Ramzi, CEO Starlinks PR began the proceedings with a welcome and a brief introduction about the serial. A show-reel followed. Momina Duraid from MD productions shared that some of the actors had to really come out of their comfort zones for the roles that they played in the drama. Explaining what prompted the decision to create the drama on such a complex subject, Roshaneh Zafar from Kashf Foundation pointed to the Kasur incident as the catalyst which pushed both Kashf Foundation and MD Productions towards bringing the issue onto mainstream television. Ehteshamuddin, the director explained how it had been challenging to get the writer, Farhat Ishtiaq to write the script, as not only was the subject a difficult one to portray on screen but it also needed a script that was very close to reality. Bushra Ansari shared her role which is that of a woman who is extremely confident but unrefined, and embodies the real culture of Pakistan’s rural areas. She regaled the media present with her quick vivid descriptions and stories painted about the time on set in Mirpur Khas.

Casting

Producer, writer and Director mutually chose the cast which includes Bushra Ansari, Samiya Mumtaz, Ahsan Khan, Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed and Hina Altaf Khan/Areesha Ahsan to play the leading roles of Sheedhan, Sajida, Imtiaz, Meera, Arsh and Zebo.

Veteran Actress Bushra Ansari who received appraisal for her famous roles of Saima Chaudhary in blockbuster series Kis Ki Ayeegi Baraat, and famous series Bilqees Kaur was selected to Portray the role of Appa Sheedan. The actress received critical acclaim within the pilot episode, according to her, this role was a challenge. Ansari was a huge subject to critical acclaim, her role was lauded by the critics due to her Village get up and parody.

Urwa Hocane and Farhan Saeed marked their second appearance together as a couple being previously acted in Ary Digital’s Mere Ajnaabi.

It was Samiya Mumtaz, Momina Duraid and Mohammed Ehteshamuddin’s third project together after Sadqay Tumhare. Mumtaz portrayed the role of Sajida who struggles for her child's Justice and bares all tortures, she had a close association with Ansari as her onscreen friend, Mumtaz's role of a helpless village women earned her critical acclaim where critics praised her role, get up, acting skills and close association with Bushra Ansari alongside Mumtaz, Hina Altaf Khan portrayed the role of rape-survivor, Zebo. It was her third project with Duraid after Series like Aik Thi Misaal and Abroo, this role was initially portrayed by Areesha Ahsan as child artist till episode 15. Roshaneh Zafar, Founder of Kashf Foundation states about building the character of Zebo, Zaibo is convinced into speaking up and coming out with the truth about Imtiaz (also portrayed brilliantly by Ahsan Khan). Alongside Khan, Ins-e-Yazdan (Hocane’s Brother) marked his debut for the character of Janze.

Udaari was Ahsan Khan's first series where he portrayed a negative role, khan was selected to play the child molester Imtiaz, Speaking about his role, Khan states Even while reading the script, I could not digest these scenes. It is definitely the most difficult character to portray on-screen, further sommecfting on his role Khan states Such abuse leaves the child traumatised forever. My maid’s child was suffering from it and that’s what made me realise that I need to spread awareness. commenting on critical acclaim Khan stated It’s a huge honour for me to receive this appreciation from one of the greatest villains of all times. Khan's negative role of child molester earned him critical acclaim from Pakistan and International countries, speaking about his Bollywood popularity, Khan states Reena Roy is also following my show and has also appreciated my role, furthermore, the Yes Boss actor wrote to Khan saying Hi brother, we saw your show Udaari. It is fantastic and you are outstanding. Speaking about series reviews from India, Khan states Udaari isn’t being aired in India currently but these two stars have been watching my show on YouTube. I really appreciate their love and support.

Production also chose Behroze Sabzwari, Laila Zuberi, Maryam Fatima, Rehan Sheikh, Haris Waheed and Aqeel Abbas for the supporting roles of Khalid, Muneera, Farwa, Majid, Illyas and Balay respectively. Sabzwari received critical acclaim for his role of Tajamul in Duraid’s Diyar-e-Dil, he was selected to portray Khalid alongside Zuberi who joined the series after her previous project Mann Mayal with Duraid.

Music and Sound

All the music and songs of Udaari were composed by musician Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider with Mubarak and Zahid being the sound engineer. The background score is given by Bilal Allahdittah, the lyrics for the OST were penned down by Imran Raza. The OST Sajna Ve Sajna was sung by Farhan Saeed and Hadiqa Kiani. It marks the return of Hadiqa Kiani to Hum TV, since she performed for the channel's hit drama series Zindagi Gulzar Hai's title song. Veteran actress and vocalist Bushra Ansari performed only Punjabi music for various episodes. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's Samjhawanki was taken and performed by Hadiqa Kiani for the series.

Udaari's full OST was released in May 2016. Saajna Ve Saajna received critical acclaim for Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider for comping and Hadiqa Kiani and Farhan Saeed for vocals. The Series dominated the Top No.1 rank according to Pakistan's Official Music App Taazi. "Mein Tenu Samjhawanki" received critical acclaim and success.

Filming and locations

Shooting began in February 2016 and finished in May/June. Shooting was extensively done in urban areas of Lahore and Multan, whilst the production house also chose Mirpur Khas for a shooting location. Udaari's first promo was released in March. Chief editing and cinematography was carried out by Azhar Ali who edited the series. The series was ordered and consists of 25 episodes. Udaari was initiallly planned to be released in 2017 after completion of filming but Duraid decided to release it in 2016 to bring Hum TV's Sunday slot on better position to face 2017. It was released in April and was planned to end along with Hum TV's Mann Mayal thereby both the shows were slotted to maintain Sunday and Monday slots to bring higher Television Rating Points (TRP) for the channel in future.

Music

The title song of Udaari was composed by musician Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider, the lyrics were penned down by Imran Raza. The OST was sung by Farhan Saeed and Hadiqa Kiani. It marks the return of Hadiqa Kiani to Hum TV, since she performed for the channel's hit drama series Zindagi Gulzar Hai's title song.

The Soundtrack is produced along with the series production by Momina Duraid and Kashf Productions. The original music was recorded by the production house itself while few songs used in the show were covers of previous classics, including the song ‘’’Mein Tenu Samjhawanki’’’ which was sung by Hadiqa Kiani. Actress Bushra Ansari revamped classic punjabi Pakistani songs.

Udaari's full OST was released in May 2016. Saajna Ve Saajna received critical acclaim for Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider for comping and Hadiqa Kiani and Farhan Saeed for vocals. The Series dominated the Top No.1 rank according to Pakistan's Official Music App Taazi. "Mein Tenu Samjhawanki" received critical acclaim and success.

Track listing

All lyrics written by Imran Raza; all music composed by Sahir Ali Bagga & Sohail Haider.

Broadcast

Udaari was originally decided to release in September after completion of filming in July and post production delays, but instead Production decided to release it in April with approximately two months and 15 episodes far from the original broadcasting. With its release, it was initially decided to premiere on 9 April 2016, and air every Saturday night with higher reception, replacing Gul-e-Rana which had maintained the slot with a high viewership for the channel. But to maintain their Sunday slot, the channel instead released Udaari on 10 April 2016, airing every Sunday night, replacing Abro, which was then shifted to Saturdays. The channel aired a weekly episode for approximately 30–45 minutes (without commercials). It was ordered and compromised 25 episodes. It was aired on Hum Europe in UK, on Hum TV USA in USA and Hum TV Mena on UAE, with same timings and premiered date. All International broadcasting aired the series in accordance with their standard times.

Homa Media

In late November 2016, Hum Network released Udaaril's season on a DVD set along with other shows like Mann Mayal, Gul-e-Rana, Diyar-e-Dil and Abroo. All episodes of Udaari went available on Hum's official site by late 2016. In January 2017, iflix contracted Hum Network and picked few commercially successful seasons where they picked the entire season of Mayal Mayal on a subscription basis.

Ratings

According to BizAsia, Udaari premiered with 87.1 thousand viewers in UK, the series averaged between 70 thousand viewers will episode 10. On episode eleven, Udaari scored 11.5 Million Viewership followed by episode twelve which gained 11.9 Million viewers, with further episodes it averaged viewership in millions. After Averaging a viewership of 70 Thousand viewers till episode seventeen, the eighteenth episode gained a record breaking viewership for the series of 16.5 Million viewers. On a scale of Top ten shows of Pakistan in 2016,Udaari had dominated the No. #2 spot where as another Hum TV series, Mann Mayal dominated the No. #1 position. Both the shows bought a higher reception for the channel. The series competed with Geo TV's most expensive Pakistani series, Mor Mahal which was then shifted to 22:00 slot between the course of show.

Hum TV released the ratings Information of the series on their official Facebook page. Udaari premiered with 4.9 Television Rating Points (TRPs), moreover the channel stated that they the third episode too scored 4.9 TRPs. With the fourth episode, Udaari bought 5.5 TRPs and with episode six it gained 4.0 TRPs. On its eighth episode,Udaari scored a hit by jumping to 7.1 TRPs, the series average 6 TRPs till episode thirteen where as on episode fourteen the series once again bought a higher point of 7.3 TRP, next week the series bought Its highest ratings of 7.8 TRP. Udaari was Ramadan's most watched show where viewership decreases, the series received higher viewership leaving behind several gameshows. On its sixteenth episode, Udaari received 6.2 TRPs, it was expected to score the same next week but it peaked at 7.3 TRPs on its seventeenth episode. On Its eighteenth episode Udaari moved further receiving 7.8 TRPs. Close to its finale Udaari peaked at 6.0 TRPs on its Twentieth episode and 6.6TRPs on its Twenty first episode. The Last episode of Udaari averaged 6.8TRP at 20:00, after 21:00 it averaged 7.9 TRPs peaking at points above 8.9 TRP's.

Critical appreciation

Writing for Dawn News, Sadaf Haider moderately reviewed the series praising its parody if culture saying, Udaari reads like a brightly colored map of Pakistani society today. Divisions of class and wealth are amply illustrated but so are everyday human interactions. Furthermore, Haider praises the casting stating, Udaari has a strong star cast and it looks as if we will see some great performances. She concluded her review saying that Udaari seems like a safe bet for some informative and enjoyable hour every Sunday. In April issue of The Express Tribune , Udaari was ranked third behind Mann Mayal and Dillagi'.

However, Sheeba Khan of Dawn praised the series script and characters saying, ..Udaari, gave an astounding opening this week with its larger than life first episode. After watching the serial, one is blown away by the phenomenal acting and superb characterization in this drama. Moreover, Khan praised Udaari's premier and culture saying Udaari has a very impressive opening with flamboyant characters and their dull sides of life. Every actor is immersed into the feel of his and her role, and gives a magnificent performance. All of them have acquired Punjabi accents with so much ease and grace that it will make you think as if they are not just characters, but are real people from an actual rural setting. She concluded her issue praising Farhat Ishtiaq's writing saying The best part about Udaari is its characterization of each actor, for which the writer Farhat Ishtiaq should be applauded.

Sadaf Haider of Dawn News praised Udaari's direction saying, Udaari’s success lies firmly with director Ehtashamuddin’s masterful ability to translate Farhat Ishtiaq’s wonderful script flawlessly to the screen. He has elicited some great performances from his team and made sure this wide-ranging storyline did not lose its way. Furthermore, she stated that even after Seven episodes, Uddari is successfully topping rating charts. Talking about same publication, Sheeba Khan praised the Urban and rural life combination for Dawn's review, Khan states, The director has managed to extract the best out of all of his actors and has shown a great amount of sensitivity to what should be projected on screen. Sexual abuse is a huge issue in Pakistan, yet for some odd reason has become a taboo and cannot be spoken about. Lastly she praised the theme of child abuse and societal issues by saying, Pairing a debate on sexual abuse with a commentary on parenting is a smart move, and just shows how, of all the plays running right now, Udaari is not only intelligent and real, it highlights issues in society that need attention so they can be prevented. It shows that victims need not keep quiet and that their families should be their first line of defence. Further more Sadaf Haider praised the roles of Ahsan Khan and Samiya Mumtaz praising Sajida's positivity for her Daughter Zebo, according to her reviews, It was Mumtaz's most powerful role, where she portrayed the role of a village women with an extreme powerful getup sparking her role.

Dawn News's article Sadaf Haider praised the Twenty first episode of Udaari with series giving its message, Haider praised the character of Zebo and Arsh stating, Most significant of all, instead of lecturing Zebo to do the right thing, Arsh becomes a true hero by empowering her and showing her a way to take control of her life. He explains that any shame or guilt is not her burden to carry; all of it should be firmly placed on the perpetrator's shoulders, never the victim's.

While talking to local media about, Urwa Hocane portraying the role of Meera discussed the importance of the drama and social taboos like child abuse and rape. Hocane said, It’s about time for women to talk about this. I think Udaari has brought a change. The people who wanted to ban it couldn’t because of the people who wanted the drama to bring about a change. Girls don’t speak about such things. I am probably destined to change that mindset. Furthermore, talking about her role of Meera being a local musician, Hocane stated, I want to change the mindset of people. Bushra jee told me that the word miraasi comes from miraas. You should be proud of it rather than feel horrible about it.

In addition to critical reviews Imtiaz's character received wide media attention and has been a subject of popularity since the beginning, commenting in his role Ahsan Khan stated that Even while reading the script, I could not digest these scenes. It is definitely the most difficult character to portray on-screen. Moreover, Khan decided to donate 20% of his fee from the serial to the victims of the heinous crime, he also began working with an NGO to make his contributions more substantial and concrete. Khan commented on the series theme child abuse stating, Such abuse leaves the child traumatised forever. My maid’s child was suffering from it and that’s what made me realise that I need to spread awareness. commenting on critical acclaim Khan stated It’s a huge honour for me to receive this appreciation from one of the greatest villains of all times. Khan's negative role of child molester earned him critical acclaim.

Moreover, Fatima Awan of Review It praised the role of rape-victom Zebo, according to her Udaari played a major role in educating their audience against communal crimes. Apart from sexual abuse, Awan also commented on other societal issues such as politician's negative support and bribing police which plays a major role in societies. Role of Zebo was furthermore praised where Awan states that every girl should stand for her justice and live her life not as a victim but a survivor. Further more Awan commented on the final episode of Udaari where she praised the roles of Zebo, Sajida, Imtiaz, Arsh, Muneera, Meera and Sheedan. With Arsh (Portrayed by Farhan Saeed) Awan praised the message he gave against child sexual abuse and for the favour of Women rights, she praised the roles of Sajida and Zebo where the two finally sealed justice and of Munnera educating her society. According to her review, Udaari has proved o be the major commercial success of 2016.

According to critics Udaari received excess ratings as Pakistan's most expensive Geo TV series Mor Mahal was set to release with the same slot after a long running production, there was a competition between the two and as a result, Udaari proved to be a successful show where as Mor Mahal was shifted to 22:00 slot due to low ratings.

Controversies

In May 10, 2016, 'Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority' (PEMRA) issued a notice against Udaari calming that It had inappropriate content on its eighth episode and an immoral storyline of Child abuse. However, in 25 May 2016 Momina Duraid responded PREMRA regarding the reality of society and responded the issue, as a result the issue was taken back. Further more Duraid stated that, We feel that Pemra might have been misled by a group of people who would never want our society to raise and flourish. We will explain our view point and present it with evidence. We are attaching articles and feedback supporting Udaari with the our reply. Following this Udaari received support from several audiences and various TV Artists.