Sanam: Yet another messy plot like Mann Mayal

The most annoying part is Maya Ali’s character who often offers completely unsolicited self-righteous diatribes.

In the recent episode of Sanam, we once again see the story relying on harmful stereotypes. This time Sanam vilifies the children of single parents: We see Sara’s child being abrasive and aggressive after seeing her mother speaking to an old friend (Harib). Not only is this a harmful generalisation, it’s also a false one. There are many children who are probably worse off at the hands of a family that is ‘together’ but very abusive.

At the same time see Aan’s mother (Hina Khawaja Bayat) lying to prospective in-laws of Aan, stating that they used to live in Dubai and had a very educated family – when in reality they belonged to a small and modest neighbourhood and their family profession was butchery.

What’s interesting and disappointing at the same time is how Sara’s child has been slandered as a ‘bad’ kid but Aan’s mother taking out her sandal and hitting her grown daughter is considered comical and laughable (Harib’s character sits, munches, and laughs as this whole scene plays on).

The second most annoying part about this play is fast becoming Maya Ali’s character who often offers completely unsolicited advice and extremely lame jokes and self-righteous diatribes. It’s fast turning into yet another messy plot like Mann Mayal, and Maya Ali has simply rehashed Mannu’s madness into just a ‘lighter’ colour.

Falling into the same trap as Mann Mayal, Sanam also seems to be following a similar route where the pretty faces, pretty scenery, and delicious cinematography are inviting, but the message it holds is harmful and reprehensible.