- Saba Hameed’s portrayal of Noor Jahan in ARY’s drama serial “Noor Jahan” initially faced backlash for perpetuating stereotypes that suggest a man’s worth depends on having sons.
- Social media criticism targeted Saba Hameed and the drama’s creators for not promoting progressive narratives, but the sentiment shifted as viewers began to praise her compelling performance and strong character.
- Esteemed actor Atiqa Odho praised Saba Hameed’s performance on Instagram, calling it an “acting masterclass” and encouraging newcomers to learn from her portrayal.
That’s right, give a round of applause for Saba Hameed who is slaying it with her character in ARY’s drama serial ‘Noor Jahan’.
But before we get right down to the praises, let’s recap the characters and plot and why social media which is now applauding her was previously criticizing her show.
Cast & Plot
Saba Hameed plays Noor Jahan, the mother of three sons, with an assertive and dominant personality. She belongs to an upper-class family and plans everything for her sons’ lives.
Kubra Khan plays Noor Bano, the daughter of Mukhtar Shah. With an educational degree from abroad, Noor Bano finds herself increasingly drawn to Murad (the third son of Noor Jahan) and eventually falls in love with him.
While Ali Raza portrays Murad, the youngest son of Noor Jahan. He obediently follows his mother’s directions and becomes involved with Noor Bano under her influence.
Ali Rehman Khan is Safeer, the second son of Noor Jahan, characterized by a confused and anxious personality. His mother wants him to marry Sumbul, but he is having an affair with Maha.
Noor Hassan aka Hunaid the elder son of Noor Jahan. He has anger issues and is married to Safina. His life revolves around his mother Noor Jahan’s decisions and consent.
Hajra Yamin plays Sumbul, a young woman from a humble background who faces life with an easy-going demeanor despite her lack of family. Recently engaged to Safeer, she grapples with his reluctance to embrace their relationship, testing her resilience and hopes for belonging.
Backlash
Most fans criticized the drama for its discriminatory storyline, suggesting that a man’s worth and respect are dependent on having sons.
Many social media users were disappointed with Saba Hameed for repeatedly taking on roles that portray such harmful stereotypes. One fan commented, “Saba Hameed always plays these kinds of characters.” Another user remarked, “They never show a strong woman in a positive role.” Social media critics pointed out that these actors and the creators of these dramas are perpetuating outdated attitudes toward daughters, indicating a reluctance to promote progressive narratives in their content.
However, the sentiment has shifted. Fans are now praising Saba Hameed’s outstanding performance, noting that her character is not only a strong lead but also a valuable addition to the show, with her experience elevating the role to a whole new level.
The Twist
After the thrilling episodes 20 and 21 of ‘Noor Jahan’ aired, senior actor Atiqa Odho also could not resist and turned to her Instagram handle to review the performance of the celebrated artist Saba Hameed’s character, which she termed an ‘acting masterclass’ for all those young actors stepping into the industry.
“Wanted to share how inspired I feel as an actor watching my friend Saba Hamid playing #NoorJahan,” she penned on the social site. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime role for an actor and what she has done with it is just amazing. She mesmerizes you with just a controlled, silent expression! Well done indeed.”
“Newcomers in drama should watch this performance as a #Masterclass for sure,” suggested the ‘Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi’ actor.“So proud of you Saba,” she concluded.
Several of her Instagram followers also echoed similar thoughts about the veteran’s performance.
Have you indulged in this drama yet? Stay tuned to wow360.