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    Drama Review: Dar Si Jati Hai Sila

    Written by: Hareem Zafar
    Posted on: November 20, 2017 | | 中文

    Even in today’s era, several Pakistani families do not address subjects such as marital rape, child sexual abuse and harassment by trusted family members. With the onset of drama serials like Udaari and Khuda Mera Bhi Hai, writers and directors have pushed the audience to talk about these topics. New to the list is HUM TV’s latest drama serial, Dar Si Jati Hai Sila (Sila gets frightened), which started airing, on 8th November.

    The audience had high expectations from the drama, which replaced the hit drama serial Yakeen Ka Safar. Two episodes in, Dar Si Jati Hai Sila has hit all the right chords. Written by the legendary Bee Gul, and directed by Kashif Nisar, this Momina Duraid production is a head turner from the very beginning, raising the curtain on sexual and mental harassment by trustworthy family members.

    Noman Ijaz as Joi Mama and Yumna Zaidi as Sila

    Noman Ijaz as Joi Mama and Yumna Zaidi as Sila

    The first episode was primarily focused on Sila, played by Yumna Zaidi. Depicting the tale of a big family that resides in Noor Manzil, the horrifying opening scene brilliantly projected the relationship between the three main characters - Joi Mama (Noman Ijaz), Sadia (Saman Ansari) and Sila. It showed Joi creepily sneaking into Sila’s room in the middle of the night, and inappropriately stroking her face while she is asleep. Upon waking up, a petrified Sila starts to shriek, and her mother, Sadia, rushes in to ‘save’ her from Joi. The expressions and actions of both Joi and Sadia convey that this isn’t something new, and she was clearly aware of his intentions.

    Yumna Zaidi as Sila and Saman Ansari as Sadia

    Yumna Zaidi as Sila and Saman Ansari as Sadia

    Later scenes and instances also depict a twisted relationship between Sadia and Joi. Perhaps he had been sexually assaulting her too, but maybe she has kept mum about the whole situation. Sadia’s husband, Sikandar, has remained abroad for most of Sila’s childhood, and Sadia has brought her up alone. The family seems to blame Sadia for Sila’s nervous nature, blaming it on her flawed upbringing, and considering both of them a liability, since they pay for most of their expenses. Joi is a sexual predator, camouflaged as a religious, well-respected man, who is confident that no one can harm him. It is apparent that other people in the family, such as Sila’s cousin, have issues with him as well, but no one dares to speak up, since he is the eldest Tayee’s (uncle’s wife) brother. 

    Sila is engaged to her cousin Raheel, but remains intimidated by him as well, and unable to confide in anybody. Joi seems to be using this to prevent the marriage from happening, by proving that Sila is mentally unstable.

    Sila getting engaged to Raheel

    Sila getting engaged to Raheel

    It is apparent that both the mother and daughter have been consistently harassed by Joi all their lives, but are too scared to confront him in such a sensitive matter, as who would believe them? With no male member to protect them, Sadia and Sila are easy victims for Joi.

    The drama has a disturbing aura to it, due to Noman Ijaz’s downright cringe worthy portrayal of a sexual predator, making it difficult for people to get through the episodes. But this is exactly what makes the serial enthralling and close to reality as well. Yumna as Sila, portrays a diffident girl perfectly, who is too scared to raise an alarm, while Saman Ansari is brilliant as a conflicted mother, struggling to protect her child and her reputation.

    Noman Ijaz as Joi Mama

    Noman Ijaz as Joi Mama

    The writer Bee Gul is known for writing controversial and hard hitting plays, that are eerily close to reality but it follows that they are not a commercial success. The strength of Dar Si Jati Hai Sila lies in its powerful script, since the dialogues convey most of what cannot be shown.

    Dialogues such as “Darwaza achay se band ker liya kero,” (Make sure the door is closed properly) and “Chath per akelay mat jaya kero,” (Don’t go to the rooftop alone) really got to me. They made me realize how a patriarchal society tells women to protect themselves by restricting their movements. By not speaking out, they become vulnerable, but nothing can really stop the predators. Women remain unsafe even in their own homes, while the wrongdoers prowl freely.

    Will Sila and her mother ever muster up the courage to expose Joi for the monster he is? Will anyone support them in this action? Only time will tell. With brilliant actors and a jaw-dropping storyline, Dar Si Jati Hai Sila is definitely worth the watch!


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

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    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021