Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: May 13, 2025 | 
Farhan Saeed and Kinza Hashmi in Shirin Farhad
Pakistani television audiences have been treated to a breath of fresh air with Shirin Farhad, currently airing on Hum TV. Written by the brilliant Ali Moeen and directed with finesse by Asad Mumtaz Malik, the drama marks a return to thoughtful, layered storytelling that is rich in atmosphere, character development and emotional nuance.
Ali Moeen, whose last television outing Jo Bichar Gaye left critics and viewers alike in awe, returns with another period piece that has already begun to meet the lofty expectations set by his previous work. Jo Bichar Gaye raised the bar for contemporary Urdu drama, particularly in its historical accuracy, narrative integrity and emotional depth. With Shirin Farhad, Moeen has once again proven that he is a master of texture and tone.
Neha Khan and Kinza Hashmi as friends
The story, set against the backdrop of the film industry in a bygone era, follows Farhad (played by Farhan Saeed), an ambitious young man from Bahawalpur who escapes the shackles of familial expectation to chase his dream of working behind the camera of films in Lahore. In parallel, we are introduced to Shirin (Kinza Hashmi), the daughter of Saif (Rashid Farooqui), a tailor who has found an unlikely footing in the world of cinema by sewing costumes for heroines and dreams of turning his daughter into a star. Their worlds collide in a story that is not only about love but also about ambition, identity and familial ties.
Rashid Farooqui and Kinza Hashmi as father-daughter duo
What immediately stands out in Shirin Farhad is the painstaking attention paid to historical accuracy. The drama does not simply tell a story set in the past; it feels like the past. There are no anachronisms: the streets are devoid of modern cars, mobile phones are nowhere in sight, and even the motorcycles and bicycles reflect the time period accurately. Farhad's old bike is not just a prop; it's a character in its own right, symbolizing his struggle and his nostalgia. The wardrobe is equally meticulous. From the fabric of the shalwar kameez to the hairstyles, particularly the era-appropriate sideburns, everything is a nod to a time carefully reconstructed with authenticity and love.
Rana Majid and Farhan Saeed
Moeen's writing shines through in the intricacies of character dynamics. Shirin's relationship with her father, Saif, is especially worth mentioning. It is refreshing to see a father-daughter bond built on mutual respect, encouragement and emotional support rather than the typical overbearing or dismissive patriarch often seen in South Asian dramas. Saif is a man with dreams, but not at the cost of his daughter's agency. Their interactions are laced with warmth, humour and a realism that is both endearing and empowering. This depth of character development sets Shirin Farhad apart from the many surface-level narratives currently dominating the airwaves.
Mubashir Mehmood and Kinza Hashmi
The supporting characters, too, are not just filler but carry weight and contribute meaningfully to the plot. Each has been sketched with intention, and no dialogue feels wasted. This is a drama that respects its audience’s intelligence, trusting them to read between the lines, feel the unsaid, and connect the dots without being spoon-fed exposition.
Asad Mumtaz Malik's direction complements Moeen's writing beautifully. The shots are fresh and deliberate, with each frame telling its own story. There is a cinematic quality to the visuals that elevates the drama beyond the conventional. Lighting, blocking and camera angles are all thoughtfully executed, contributing to a cohesive and immersive viewing experience. Whether it is a wide shot capturing the texture of a Lahore street or a close-up that lingers just long enough to convey unspoken emotion, the direction never feels rushed or redundant.
Irfan Motiwala and Farhan Saeed
The production design also deserves special mention. It is not easy to recreate a different decade convincingly, but Shirin Farhad does so with apparent ease. From the architecture to the interior decor, everything has been chosen with care. Even the background extras are dressed in period-appropriate clothing, which adds to the believability and charm of the narrative world.
Farhan Saeed brings a grounded earnestness to the role of Farhad. His portrayal is nuanced, capturing both the youthful exuberance and the quiet vulnerability of a man chasing a dream in an unfamiliar world. Kinza Hashmi is equally compelling as Shirin, managing to portray both the fragility and strength of a young woman navigating expectations from her father and society. Rashid Farooqui, as always, is a class act, infusing Saif with dignity, humour and an understated emotional resonance.
The music, led by a soulful original soundtrack performed by Farhan Saeed and Amna Rai, ties the emotional threads of the drama together. It is subtle, never intrusive and complements the tone perfectly.
Ali Tahir and Rashid Farooqui
In a landscape where many dramas rely on sensationalism or cliched tropes to capture attention, Shirin Farhad stands tall as a story told with heart, intellect and craft. It reminds us of the transformative power of good storytelling, where every detail, from the script to the set, works in harmony to transport the viewer to another world.
Shirin Farhad is not just a promising drama, it is a signal that Pakistani television is capable of producing high-quality, thoughtful and emotionally rich content. If the first few episodes are anything to go by, this drama has serious potential to become a modern classic. It is a must-watch for anyone who values depth, authenticity and strong storytelling in television.
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