Sharpasand is raking in the TRPs. It has emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters on television. Directed by the prolific Aehsun Talish and produced by Mohammad Jerjees Seja, it is a story about a man, Firasat Ali, played by Nauman Ijaz, who is held in high regard by everyone in his neighbourhood.

Only an actor of Nauman Ijaz’s calibre could have essayed such a layered character with such panache. Nadia Afgan, who plays his wife, is a powerhouse of talent in her own right. She is never once overshadowed by Ijaz while sharing screen space with him. Penned by Sara Sadain Shah, this is a hatkay story.

Firasat sahib is portrayed as a self-righteous hypocrite rotten to the very core. Because he has been a resident of the neighbourhood for a long time, is a generally well regarded ‘family man,’ his true nature can remain hidden. Those who manage to catch a glimpse of it and dare to speak up, are ostracised by others in the community.

Shazameen, played by Hira Mani, is the new addition to the neighbourhood. A strong woman, she works in a bank. She is engaged to be married. When she catches a glimpse of Firasat’s true colours and raises alarm, he embarks on a character assassination campaign against her.

As a result of Firasat sahib’s badmouthing, Shazameen is blacklisted by virtually everyone in the neighbourhood and her engagement is broken. Only Hareem Farooq’s character, another newcomer married to Affan Waheed, who also has had a bitter experience with Firasat, sides with Shazameen and lends her moral and emotional support during this very difficult period of her life.

Penned Sara Sadain Shah, this is a hatkay story.

Having been at the receiving end of Firasat Ali’s vile and manipulative nature, they bond with and support each other. As a result, they are shunned by other residents of the neighbourhood. Firasat is not only cunning and manipulative, but also extremely vicious. When Shazameen rejects his unwelcome advances, he begins to slander her.

A mean-spirited and extremely unpleasant character, he takes great delight in spreading false stories and rumours about the residents of the neighbourhood who dare to defy him. Since he is a married man, with three children, his moralist façade manages to fool unsuspecting people into trusting him.

A mean-spirited and extremely unpleasant character, Firasat sahib takes great delight in spreading false stories and rumours about the residents of the neighbourhood who dare to defy him. Since he is a married man, with three children, his moralist façade manages to fool some people into trusting him.

As mentioned, only an actor of Nauman Ijaz’s calibre could have essayed this role with such conviction and finesse. Another negative role played by him that comes to mind is Joyee from Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila penned by Bee Gul. The phenomenal actor reinvents himself for every role he plays. No wonder he has managed to hold his own in this extremely competitive industry. In fact, he can be called the Amitabh Bachan of the Pakistani television industry.

Every actor, from the child artists to the supporting cast, has done a phenomenal job. No wonder, this is one of the most popular drama series nowadays. In fact, with plays like Jama Taqseem, Case No 9 and Pamaal being aired nowadays on different channels, the audience are in for a treat. The television industry is really outdoing itself, with a number of excellent productions on offer. In spite of the comparatively low budgets, judging by international standards, the quality is superb.

How long will Firasat Ali be able to fool his neighbours? Will his true colours be revealed? A number of social evils have been highlighted in this play. Shazameen, a single woman and a new neighbour, is viewed as a soft target. When she rejects Firasat’s unwelcome advances, he embarks on a personal vendetta to punish her. A cunning and manipulative individual, he can influence and shape public opinion and dictate narratives that serve his personal interests.

Verdict: A brilliant script embellished with great dialogue; superb performances; and fantastic direction.

As the play proceeds, Firasat sahib’s true colours are revealed to the viewers as he cheats innocent people to serve his own interests. A case in point is that of Ishaq Chacha, portrayed by Shahzad Raza, who is scammed by Firasat sahib and vows to never forgive him. Brilliant acting by the veteran actor only elevates the quality of the production by raising the bar a notch higher.

Tune in every Wednesday and Thursday to catch Nauman Ijaz in his full glory as he essays the character of a mean, cunning, vile and vindictive individual who, hiding behind a holier-than-thou façade, is an extremely unpleasant and uncharitable character.

Verdict: A brilliant script embellished with great dialogue; superb performances; and fantastic direction.

The writer is an educationist. She can be reached at [email protected].