r Bahu is an interesting title for a drama production. It highlights this society’s obsession with the medical profession and doctor brides. The play stars Kubra Khan in the role of Sania and Shuja Asad as Salman.

Salman hails from a family of medical professionals. His father is a renowned oncologist, who owns two hospitals in the city. The elder son, portrayed by Adeel Hussain, is a chip off the old block. Like his father, he is an oncologist. Salman, however, is a businessman. He owns a car showroom.

Sania is a doctor obsessed with becoming a surgeon. As fate would have it, she and Salman meet when he brings a stray dog that needs immediate medical care to the hospital where she works.

It is later revealed that Salman’s family is interested in him marrying Sania. She is not too keen on tying the knot, the main reason being that her FCPS Part 1 is round the corner. In the end, however, she acquiesces. Salman’s family assures her of their wholehearted support, as far as her career aspirations are concerned. The nuptials go ahead.

The next morning, at the breakfast table, her father-in-law hands them air tickets for a honey moon vacation, informing them that their flight takes off on the coming Sunday. Sania refuses the ‘favour,’ reminding him that she is sitting an exam on the very Sunday.

Salman, often at the receiving end of his father’s ire on account of the fact that he did not follow in his footsteps and chose a business career, is surprised and rather pleased at the way his wife is not afraid assert her independence.

Sania learns soon afterwards that her father-in-law rules the house with an iron fist and makes all the decisions. He frequently confronts Salman, who, it turns out, was interested in marrying someone he disapproved of. The father wanted a daughter-in-law who was a doctor and prevailed.

Can Sania have a smooth sailing in her marital home? Will she be allowed to continue her studies? Despite the assurances before the wedding that she would be allowed to pursue her career, she is told that she is expected to mould herself according to her new environment. She finds an unexpected ally in her sister-in-law, who supports her and helps her understand the family dynamics.

In our society, the onus for making the relationship work lies with the woman. As Sania struggles to adjust in her new home, the unfairness of it all frustrates and depresses her.

Salman procures seed funding for a passion project of his and has to frequently shuttle between Karachi and Islamabad. Sania’s paternal aunt, a cancer patient, is admitted in her father-in-law’s hospital. As her condition worsens, she consoles her and proves a pillar of support for her. She struggles with the pressure that comes from the illness of her beloved aunt. At the same time she feels pressure to make her new relationship work. Her mother says, “Aurtain shadiyan chalati hain; woh khud bakhud nahin chaltin.” (Women make the marriages work; they don’t work on their own.)

Kubra essays the character of a career-oriented woman determined to achieve her career goals. Initially, her husband informs her that he is allergic to hospitals and doctors. However, as the relationship develops, he begins to respect her and admire her commitment to her profession.

Salman and Sania slowly develop feelings for each other. However, both of them struggle to adapt and come to terms with the new relationship.

The play is directed by Mehreen Jabbar. The leads are convincing and display great on-screen chemistry. Both of them essay their roles of a newly married couple, struggling to find their groove, convincingly.

In our society, the onus for making the relationship work lies with the woman. As Sania struggles to adjust in her new home, the unfairness of it all frustrates and depresses her.

The play is off to a promising start. The new on-screen pair looks great and is already setting the TRPs on fire. With such a talented director at the helm of affairs, a promising supporting cast and strong leads, the play will definitely emerge as a blockbuster. Tighten your seat belts and get ready to enjoy, as the play takes off.

This promises to be an exciting ride. Tune in every Friday and Saturday at 8 pm to catch the drama. Happy viewing.

The writer is an educationist. She can be reached at gaiteeara @hotmail.com