The women of ZGH

I'm rewatching, but I will not give any spoilers. Will stick to the discussion of the episode.

The first episode established all the the characters very well. Was nicely executed and we all understood each ones role. So it was a good start.

There were some parts which were very sweet, like when Rafia's chappal broke. Also when Kashaf was getting late and like a typical mom she was concerned about what she ate and what she was going to eat. I also like how it is being shown that the 3 sisters are really upset with their father for what he has done and how he continues to behave. Parents relationships always have a bearing on the children and I think this was brought out very nicely. We'll see how this shapes up as we go along. :) (Though I'm dying to spill my opinions, I'm keeping my mouth shut for now. :D )

Where roles are stereotyped, I don't look at it that way, but just look at what the story is saying. If we start examining that, then a generalization is made, which is not fair. I say this also from India's perspective. So many people judge us with Bollywood and our soaps, whereas the truth is that our real life is very different from that. Our colleges and teenagers are pretty normal in their behaviour and clothes. But I have seen many comments on the forums where we are painted a colour because of what is our entertainment. Like too much make up (on (TV) and very little cloth (on the big screen)! :D That is NOT us in real life! :D :D

Originally posted by: pinkeye

Nice post, loved reading it. I am rewatching it too so will try my best to not to get into spilling the beans.

Coming to the characters, you have already mentioned key points. I will just add that first episode emphasized on the contrast and sterk difference between the two protagonists and their surroundings which will get reflect in their behaviour throughoit the series. It was beautifully shown. But was the contrast only visible among Murtaza household and junaid household only? Werent Kashaf, Rafia, Sidra all were different and estab
Ished that way though they are product of same circumstances? Kashaf's pessimism breaks your herat whereas Sidra practica
Approach and getting on with life without much complaining makes your heart fond pf her and Rafia woth her warmth, inner strength yet vulnerbile makes you love her. In contrast I find so called liberated women monotonously portrayed. All were and will crib about living theor lives on their own terms even at the expense of ruining their happiness and peace of mind.

Coming to stereotyping women rich vs poor being liberated vs orthodox- what is the definition of a liberated woman? If we are judging by theor attire, their bolchaal and partying habits and always cribbing that oh I cant get tied up and say ues sir yes sir to my partners and then I will say Sara, Asmara and Ghazala were free spirited rather than independent in true sense. Wasnt Rafia independent enough to raise her 3 children alone without father help? Isnt kashaf liberated to have the ambition to take the world lije a man and set the things nt so right in her life? Yes murtaxa women do not party, do not wear western clothes even do not crib how their partners are trying to curb their freedom, but literally they are the ones who were living with respect, hard work and aspirations to break the rules every day to prove that women do not need men at every step of life and I do think its a liberal approach. I guess at times the fault is that we see or get the portrayal of few things so superficially that the bigger real issue looks like generalised.

Originally posted by: nevah_mind

I'm rewatching, but I will not give any spoilers. Will stick to the discussion of the episode.

Cool.😉 I know it can be extremely tempting.

The first episode established all the the characters very well. Was nicely executed and we all understood each ones role. So it was a good start.

Agreed

There were some parts which were very sweet, like when Rafia's chappal broke. Also when Kashaf was getting late and like a typical mom she was concerned about what she ate and what she was going to eat. I also like how it is being shown that the 3 sisters are really upset with their father for what he has done and how he continues to behave. Parents relationships always have a bearing on the children and I think this was brought out very nicely. We'll see how this shapes up as we go along. :) (Though I'm dying to spill my opinions, I'm keeping my mouth shut for now. :D )

kashaf's feelings for men in general are a reflection of how she feels about her father. It is said that girls marry men who are like their father and in her case, that is not a very example. So in her case, she will always be insecure and not trusting of her partner.

Where roles are stereotyped, I don't look at it that way, but just look at what the story is saying. If we start examining that, then a generalization is made, which is not fair. I say this also from India's perspective. So many people judge us with Bollywood and our soaps, whereas the truth is that our real life is very different from that. Our colleges and teenagers are pretty normal in their behaviour and clothes. But I have seen many comments on the forums where we are painted a colour because of what is our entertainment. Like too much make up (on (TV) and very little cloth (on the big screen)! :D That is NOT us in real life! :D :D

I did mean to generalize. I understand what u are saying about stereotyping and how television is not an exact reflection of our society. However, no matter the country, TV/movies always seem to show that the monies are always - snobs, too independent for their on good, have strained married relations, are not religious, etc. I find it weird as to why these kind of generalization is shown, since most people who actually have the time to watch TV/movies are from the affluent background. Working women, women from lower income families do not have the luxury of time to watch this stuff.

On the other hand women from the poorer background are always shown as holier than thou. Which is so irritating. Or they are too greedy for money.

Originally posted by: pinkeye

Nice post, loved reading it. I am rewatching it too so will try my best to not to get into spilling the beans.

Thanks and I totally understand how hard it must be for you to not spill the beans.

Coming to the characters, you have already mentioned key points. I will just add that first episode emphasized on the contrast and sterk difference between the two protagonists and their surroundings which will get reflect in their behaviour throughoit the series. It was beautifully shown. But was the contrast only visible among Murtaza household and junaid household only? Werent Kashaf, Rafia, Sidra all were different and established that way though they are product of same circumstances? Kashaf's pessimism breaks your herat whereas Sidra practical ] Approach and getting on with life without much complaining makes your heart fond of her and Rafia with her warmth, inner strength yet vulnerbility makes you love her. In contrast I find so called liberated women monotonously portrayed. All were and will crib about living theor lives on their own terms even at the expense of ruining their happiness and peace of mind.

Yes the difference between the leads and households is important. But since I was sticking to the women, I did not bring that up except for when contrasting the mothers.

Totally agree with you about how each of the Murtaza women have differently overcome their difficulties. I love Sidra and Mansha makes her even more likable. Rafia is an inspiration.

Coming to stereotyping women rich vs poor being liberated vs orthodox- what is the definition of a liberated woman? If we are judging by theor attire, their bolchaal and partying habits and always cribbing that oh I cant get tied up and say ues sir yes sir to my partners and then I will say Sara, Asmara and Ghazala were free spirited rather than independent in true sense. Wasnt Rafia independent enough to raise her 3 children alone without father help? Isnt kashaf liberated to have the ambition to take the world lije a man and set the things nt so right in her life? Yes murtaxa women do not party, do not wear western clothes even do not crib how their partners are trying to curb their freedom, but literally they are the ones who were living with respect, hard work and aspirations to break the rules every day to prove that women do not need men at every step of life and I do think its a liberal approach. I guess at times the fault is that we see or get the portrayal of few things so superficially that the bigger real issue looks like generalised.

By independent, I guess I referred to their reluctance to be seen as someone who needs to depend on their partners. Rafia is not reluctant, shown by her asking her husband's help for repairing the house even though she knew she will be refused. She accepts that she has weaknesses and short comings in life where as the other three do not and will not. Or they will when they realize that some of their thoughts are wrong as shown in other soaps.

I believe that makers of shows choose to stick to certain stereoypes coz the audience find it easier to identify with the characters.