Summer Binge, Humsafar: Why Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan's bittersweet romance deserves endless rewatching sessions

In one of the most wholesome scenes of Humsafar, Mahira Khan, as Khirad, stands at the courtyard watching the rain. She slips out to feel the rain, while Fawad Khan’s Ashar stays back, watching her. He doesn’t like the rain, but she insists on him joining her. It’s a simple scene, of a married couple, slowly edging closer, despite the constrained circumstances of their marriage.

This scene encapsulates the gentle, wistful and yet bittersweet power of Humsafar, a Pakistani television drama that aired in 2011. It follows the story of Ashar, who is compelled to marry Khirad, a woman who prides herself on values and her own self-respect. Ashar’s close friend, Sara has been in love with him all along, and is furious about the arrangement. Nevertheless, Asher and Khirad form a close friendship and finally fall in love. However, his mother is less than pleased, and conspires to separate them.

Bitterness, hurt brews as misunderstandings explode between the couple. They are separated, and years later are brought together again, owing to their daughter. Humsafar is a landmark drama for those who grew up watching it, celebrated for its grounded realism, subtle romance conveyed through glances and gestures, and its nuanced journey of healing and forgiveness.

It’s a summer binge, that’s worth every minute of your time.