Written by: Dr. Saba Noor
Posted on: February 07, 2024 | 
| 中文
Faysal Quraishi and Durefishan Saleem in Khaie
Geo Entertainment’s drama serial Khaie has captivated audiences with its unique storyline and scenic shooting locations in Gilgit Baltistan. Khaie’s story revolves around an ancient Pashtoon practice of killing all men of the rival family in tribal feuds, so that no men are left to take revenge against and continue the family.
The story of Khaie, written by Saqlain Abbas, encompasses a terrifying blend of unanticipated twists and thrill. Directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain and produced under 7th Sky Entertainment by Asad Qureshi and Abdullah Kadwani, the main cast of the drama include Durefishan Saleem, Faysal Qureshi, Osama Tahir, Khalid Butt (late) and Noor ul Hassan amongst others.
(L to R) Khalid Butt, Faysal Quraishi, Noor ul Hassan and Shamyl Khan
The story portrays a tribal feud between two families, one headed by Durab Khan (late Khalid Butt) and the other led by Darvesh Khan (Noor ul Hassan). The story reveals that Durab has murdered Darvesh’s father and fears retaliation (Khaie) from Darvesh and his sons. However, Darvesh, who has been living abroad for over 25 years, returns and offers reconciliation. Durab’s son, Channar Khan (played by Faysal Quraishi), who is married to two women and has three sons already, develops feelings for Darvesh’s daughter, Zamda, played by Durefishan Saleem. In an effort to be protected from Khaie and to fulfil Channar’s desire, Durab proposes that Channar marry Zamda, who was already engaged to her cousin, Badal (played by Osama Tahir).
Darwesh, like any sensible father, did not want his well raised daughter to get married to a goon like Channar Khan. Hence, in a sudden turn of events, Darwesh arranged Zamda’s wedding, but Duraab along with his gang arrived and killed Darwesh and his sons, taking Zamda with them to marry her off with Channar Khan. The story revolves around Zamda seeking vengeance from Channar and his family, scheming with Badal to get the revenge.
Durefishan Saleem with her on-screen brothers
Faysal Quraishi has nailed the role of an evil tribal man, as his expressions, body language and dialogue delivery are on point. It has been the cliché in Pakistani dramas to portray a middle-aged rich man attracted to a young beautiful girl, who goes to any lengths to get her. The love-hate relationship continues for some time, ultimately ending up as a fictitious love story, as the girl falls in love with her oppressor as well. Khaie is unique in this regard, as it does not tread the often-explored path. Contrary to the mainstream Pakistani female characters, Zamda is giving tough time to Chanaar Khan and his family, all while residing as Channar’s wife and hiding her real intentions. It will be exciting to see how things unfold.
Veteran actor, the late Khalid Butt, despite facing health issues, delivered a stellar performance with his portrayal of a violent, tyrant “Durab Khan”. Shuja Asad and Faysal Quraishi in their interviews said that Butt fell seriously ill during various shoots, but managed to do his role superbly. Khalid Butt’s legacy extends beyond this role, and his significant contributions to the industry shall always be remembered.
Khalid Butt and Faysal Quraishi
Durefishan is arguably the most sought-after television actress at the moment, as she is in the limelight for playing Shibra in Ishq Murshid and Zamda in Khaie, both dramas are currently on-air. Initially, shrugged off as just a beautiful face, Durefishan has evolved as an actor and has done a remarkable job in Khaie. She has masterfully hidden her emotions of revenge with her innocent expressions. Osama Tahir appears in a new avatar, as a young tribal man struggling to get revenge from a powerful family. His role is expected to develop further in the coming episodes, and we expect him to do justice to his role.
Osama Tahir and Durefishan Saleem in Khaie
Other members of the cast are Noor ul Hassan as Darwesh Khan, Mah-e-Nur Haider as Apana, Shuja Asad as Barlaas, Nabil Zuberi as Pameer, Shamil Khan as Gulab Khan and Hina Khawaja as Bakhtawar, all of whom have done justice to their role. While the drama shows two feuding families in a Pashtoon context, the chronicles of love and romance are also embedded in the story line. While Zamda and Badal’s evolving romance was cut short by the feud, there are a few romances blooming in Durab Khan’s house. Apana (Mahenur) is engaged to her cousin Pamir (Nabeel Zuberi), who lives abroad, but she has an affair with another cousin, Barlas (Shuja). The drama awaits twists as Zamda is attempting to pit the cousins against each other in a deadly fight, in order to tear the family apart.
Shamyl Khan and Shuja Asad
One of the most challenging aspects for the actors in this drama must have been mastering the language and accent, especially considering that most of the actors come from non-Pashtun background. However, its commendable to see how everyone involved in the project put forth their utmost efforts and did their best to deliver an exceptional performance.
The inclusion of firearms, acts of violence, and an unconventional attitude make the narrative unique. However, it’s important to note that these aspects also contribute to the portrayal of a more intense and forceful storyline. This departure from the norm introduces a dimension to Pakistani storytelling and offers viewers an experience that is both different and compelling. It is also interesting to note that the female characters in Khaie are not as vengeful and oppressive as male characters, but are toothless and powerless.
Hina Khawaja Bayat and Mahenur Haider
It is delightful to see Pakistani actors putting effort and showing their versatility by taking different roles. Also, it is a welcome change from the usual fare of the Saas Bahu (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) theme. However, the recent focus towards portraying ancient regressive practices of Pahstun society is interesting, as Sang-e-Mah explored Ghak (where a man tries to forcefully marry a girl without her consent), and Sang-e-Mar Mar revolved around honor killing. It is necessary that Pahstun characters and society are not stereotyped as negative or comical only. There were aspects of the drama that were totally unrealistic: Durab killed Khushal Khan and his children, but there was no presence of police. Another glaring omission was that when Durab and his men killed a whole family in broad day light, the whole village are just silent spectators.
The drama is being aired on Geo television on every Wednesday and Thursday at 8 pm.
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