Dil Na Umeed To Nahi

Dil Na Umeed To Nahi is a Pakistani social drama television series produced by Kashf Foundation, directed by Kashif Nisar and written by Amna Mufti.[1] It features Yumna Zaidi, Wahaj Ali, Fajar Khan, Bonita Malik, Muhammad Sadoon and Isbah Irfan in leading roles. The story focuses on several social evils including child marriages, child labour, human trafficking/sex trafficking and prostitution, the story revolves around three individuals, Allah Rakhi, Jamshaid and Naseem Zehra who face these problems.

Dil Na Umeed To Nahi
دل نااُمید تو نہیں
GenreDrama
Written byAmna Mufti
Directed byKashif Nisar
StarringYumna Zaidi
Wahaj Ali
Fajar Khan
Ending theme"Mera Rasta Taake hai Jb Sapne" by Roshaneh Zafar, composed by Sami Khan
ComposerSami Khan
Country of originPakistan
Original languageUrdu
No. of episodes24
Production
ProducersKashf Foundation
TV One
Running time36-40 minutes approx.
Original release
NetworkTV One
PTV Home
Release18 January (2021-01-18) –
26 July 2021 (2021-07-26)

In late February 2021, the series received notice from PEMRA.[2] The series won rave reviews from the critics and audience for its unique storyline and great acting performances.[3] At 21st Lux Style Awards, the series received five nominations and won Best Ensemble Play.

Plot

Allah Rakhi ( Yumna Zaidi ) is a young girl who lives in a village with her family but due to extreme poverty her family gets her married to a much older man who sells her off as a prostitute to a brothel where she is renamed Sumbul.

Jamshaid ( Wahaj Ali ) is a neighbor and friend of Allah Rakhi who leaves his home after facing physical violence from his mother and from his teacher in school. He runs to the city where he gets entangled in human trafficking and faces many hurdles including child labour.

Naseem Zehra ( Fajar Khan ) is a headstrong and confident girl who dreams of becoming a cricketer and winning the world cup for her country. Due to her father's stereotypical thoughts that girls cannot play cricket (which are put in his mind by his neighbor Naeem Sherwani who has impure thoughts towards Naseem) she struggles to achieve her dreams and nearly becomes a victim of human trafficking.

Years later fate intervenes, Allah Rakhi and Jamshaid cross paths with each other as full grown adults. Allah Rakhi runs away from the brothel and finds place in 'Big Brother' shelter home where Jamashaid works to help such women. At first both don't recognize each other but then some series of hints make Jamashaid recognize her as his long-lost childhood friend who used to live in the same village with him.

Cast

Production

In January 2020, it reported that Yumna Zaid is starring in a caused-based serial, directed by Kashif Nisar, written by Amna Mufi and produced by Kashf Foundation.[6] The principal photography of the series began in late 2019 in Lahore but was halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shooting then resumed in October 2020.[7] The serial was rejected by three mainstream channels in the country and consequently aired on TV One and PTV Home on 18 January 2021.[8][9] The series's broadcast was postponed during the month of Ramadan. The writer stated in an interview that story of the series is inspired by her novel Yeh Bhi Aik Kahani Hai.[9]

Reception

Sadaf Hiader of DAWN Images praised the sensitive portrayal of the subject and performances of the actors including Zaidi, Rizvi, Shehzad, Rana and particularly the child actors.[10] The News International praised the women portrayal and empathetic treatment of the characters, especially women.[11]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardsCategoryRecipient(s)/ nominee(s)ResultRef.
November 24, 2022Lux Style AwardsBest TV DirectorKashif NisarNominated[12]
Best TV WriterAmna Mufti
Best TV Actress-Viewers' ChoiceYumna Zaidi
Best TV Actress-Critics' Choice
Best Ensemble TV PlayDil Na Umeed To NahiWon[13]
  • It earned TV One its first LSA win.

References