Starring: Nosheen Tariq, Humayun Saeed, Javeria Abbassi, Aijaz Aslam, Khalid Ahmed,
Sultana Zafar, Farida Raheel.
Written by: Mohammed Ahmed
Directed by: Naila Jaffery
Telecasted in May 1999 during the drama festival on NTM.
Based on a true story, the long play Bhutaan deals with the story of a young
woman Saima (Nosheen Tariq) who has to bear the illicit advances made upon
her by her husband's uncle while facing the wrath of her in laws.
Saima is married to her first cousin Sabir (Aijaz Aslam) and comes to
Karachi to her in law's house. A week or so after the wedding Sabir leaves
for abroad on a job for one year. Saima is at first showered by extereme
love by her mother-in-law (Sultana Zafar) and sister-in-law Sobia.
Also living in the same house is Bhai sahab (Khalid Ahmed) who had lost his
family during partition and was then adopted by Sabir's grandfather. He is a
highly respected and loved person by the entire community. He tries to make sexual advances toward Saima who writes a letter to her husband. Before the letter could be mailed, Bhai Sahab tries to rape Saima and when caught puts all the blame on her. Her in-laws lock her up in a room waiting for Sabir to return.
Soon Sabir and Saima's brother
arrive. Saima had been waiting anxiously for Sabir to return as she felt that he
will help her out. What happens when Sabir returns?
The play was excellent. The writer and director both excellently portrayed
the evil persons present in our society who have hidden their sins under the
cloak of piety. Hats off to the whole unit and Naila Jaffery her first
time directing. Nosheen Tariq excelled in her role. She
has turned out to be a brilliant performer. -by Gina.