30 November 2012 (2012-11-30) – 24 May 2013 (2013-05-24)
Zindagi Gulzar Hai (Urdu: زندگی گلزار ہے, English: "Life is Wonderful") is a Pakistani television series directed by Sultana Siddiqui, produced by Momina Duraid under the banner Moomal Productions, which was first broadcast on Hum TV.[1][2] Based on the novel of the same name by Umera Ahmad, who also wrote the screenplay,[3][4] it originally aired from November 30,2012, to May 24, 2013, in Pakistan. The story revolves around two people, opposite in thoughts and financial status, and has a strong female protagonist, contributing to its popularity amongst women.[5][6]
The story revolves around the lives of Kashaf Murtaza and Zaroon Junaid. Kashaf comes from a lower-middle-class family background and lives with her mother, Rafia, and her two sisters, Sidra and Shehnila. Rafia's husband, Murtaza, had abandoned Rafia because she didn't give birth to a son. Murtaza married another woman, who eventually gave birth to his son, Hammad. The family faces many hardships, leaving Kashaf embittered, insecure, and distrustful of men. Rafia works as the principal of a government school and gives tuition to children in the evening to make ends meet. Her daughters, too, make various sacrifices to live a basic life.
Zaroon Junaid's family consists of his father, Junaid, who is calm and mature. His mother, Ghazala Junaid, is an independent working woman. Zaroon's sister, Sara, has the same views about life as her mother. Zaroon's circle of close friends consists of Asmara and Osama. He remains unaware that Asmara is in love with him. Their families get them engaged, but they break off the engagement due to irreconcilable lifestyle differences. Meanwhile, his sister's marriage also fails. Zaroon develops some notions about his ideal wife.
Zaroon and Kashaf eventually become acquainted, and dislike each other. Through a series of events, they fall in love, Kashaf learns not to be so bitter, secretive, and insecure. Zaroon understands not to be impulsive and judgmental. A few months later, Kashaf gives birth to twin girls.
Cast
Sanam Saeed as Kashaf Murtaza/ Kashaf Zaroon Junaid : Zaroon's wife, daughter of Murtaza and Rafiya, sister of Sidra and Shehnila, half sister of Tooba, Tanzeela and Hammad.
Fawad Khan as Zaroon Junaid, Kashaf's husband, son of Junaid and Ghazala.
Zindagi Gulzar Hai was originally broadcast on Hum TV in December 2012.[12] It was later broadcast on Netflix for a few years.[13]
Production
Zindagi Gulzar Hai was author Umera Ahmad's first story written for the digest magazine.[14] In an interview, she stated that the character of the lead female, Kashaf, in the novel is based on her own character.[15] The story captured the interest of readers, and Ahmad was approached to write a full-length novel by Moomal Productions.[16] In 2012, the production of the series began with Sultana Siddiqui as the director. It was Siddiqui's return to direction after a hiatus of eleven years.[17]
Reception
Television rating points (TRPs)
Zindagi Gulzar Hai started very well, averaging 6.4 TRPs, but after the climax episode, i.e., EP. 7, ratings increased dramatically, averaging and topping the charts each week. Then, after the marriage of the protagonists, ratings started increasing further, and later, Zindagi Gulzar Hai averaged 6+ TRPs, with 6.6 TRPs as the maximum until then. But, on May 3,2013, Zindagi Gulzar Hai achieved 8.7 TRP, as declared by Hum TV. Many said it would set a new record when its last episode aired. And it did by reaching a point of 9.5. It became one of the highest-rated Pakistani television series of 2013.
Critical reception
While writing for Dawn, Nadeem F. Paracha compared it with the blockbuster Humsafar and praised the series for the strong female character and the non-judgmental discourse of competing ideas of class, morality, and faith.[18]
Samina Peerzada's character of an abandoned wife yet supporting mother was widely praised.[19] In the year-ender list by The Express Tribune, the reviewer described that her performance "stole many hearts with its emotional depth and true-to-life portrayal."[20] In a 2015 article published by DAWN Images, the author credits the success of Pakistani television serials of that time to compelling storytelling and relatable characters like Kashaf, who inspire and resonate with audiences.[21]
In May 2020, DAWN Images listed it among the inconic Pakistani TV series.[11]
