Zindagi Gulzar Hai | Pakistani Drama Review

Reviewed By: Priya Mehta

Watched the world-renowned Pakistani drama “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” again after a gap of almost 7 years. Then I had become a huge fan of much poised Fawad Khan (which I am even now ) and bewitching Sanam Saeed. That time I was too enamored by the depth and simplicity of Pakistani serials and their discerning and ingenious actors with whom you can relate, quite unlike our own Ekta Kapoor serials which corrupted the whole experience of Indian television viewing. 

On a special note, this time my favorite Fawad Khan didn’t look as hot as I thought him to be. Something to do with the change in fashion scenario since then. His clean-shaven, well-scrubbed, just got threaded eyebrows look didn’t appeal to my eyes that much now, as I got more accustomed to the men in bearded looks these days. 

I watched it with a more keen eye I believe, as I knew what was coming next. This time I found a few flaws in it which I would like to share with you.

1. Kashaf was supposed to be a very good idealistic girl (which she certainly was) but I found her too arrogant and rude so many times. Even if the guy is apologizing she doesn’t melt.

2. Zarun didn’t seem to be a flirt and a womanizer as they were trying to show him. He seemed to be quite courteous and a good decent man in comparison. Something to do with that beautiful Urdu zubaan and Muslim tehzeeb which we used to hear about since our childhood.

3. What I meant there were scenes where their actions and words were not in coordination.

4. Sometimes I felt like shouting at Kashaf’s mom and shaking her for all the mental torture she went through throughout her life and still being so good and telling her daughters to still respect their father who refuses to support them (or least he could do is to attend the wedding of his daughter). Though she was the most likable character in the whole serial. But it forces me to think whether such people exist and if they do, WHY?

5. I have a strong objection to the name “Zindagi Gulzar Hai”, meaning “life is beautiful”. Though what the main characters were doing throughout the serial was fighting for the smallest possible reason. It was only at the end of the last episode that they reconcile and Zindagi really becomes Gulzar (meaning all is well that ends well) out of the blue moon and I don’t know why and how.

But still what I liked about the serial and what made it such a rage was the innocence and beautiful acting by Sanam Saeed, dashing Fawad Khan (an out and out charmer) like a breath of fresh air and great acting even by other supporting actors like Kashaf’s mom, sisters, Zarun’s family, Kashaf’s father, step-mother and a really cute half brother Hammad. The way Fawad Khan gives a dreamy-eyed look to his co-actor Sanam will give even our own romance king SRK a run for the money.

Why Should You Watch Zindagi Gulzar Hai?

What I really like about these serials is how they build each character and go to the minute details. And subtlety thy name is Pakistani drama. Which never fails to impress me. The fights they put up are also from some past experience which they show in a very subtle manner like why Kashaf refuses to share about her loan to Zarun because his mother had commented on their suddenly increased expenditure after marriage and jumped to the wrong conclusion. There are many more such instances.

Read Mere Paas Tum Ho Pakistani Drama Review Here

I wonder whether we can ever show such subtlety in our serials here in India. I doubt, seeing the current trend of Ekta Kapoor serials or Hindi serials of other online streaming platforms which unnecessarily use idiotic sex scenes and cuss words just to increase the TRP which leave a bad taste in the mouth. They don’t realize they are corrupting the minds of a whole new generation.

So in total, I loved watching it AGAIN despite all its flaws. A classic then is a classic now. Still impressed by the finesse and sensitivity of the actors and directors of the Pakistani drama industry. I hope the Indian TV industry is listening.

The World of Movies Rating – 09/10

About The Author:

Hi, I am Priya Mehta, an artist, a dedicated homemaker and an avid movie and TV enthusiast. Just like any Indian, I was born and brought up in an atmosphere where Bollywood and TV were a staple diet. In pre-covid times you’d find me in the picture hall almost every other weekend. Today, you will find me following Pakistani serials when not painting. I tend to pour my heart out when I am touched by a movie/serial and that’s what brings me here.