‘Dil Lagi‘ paved a way right to the front of the battle line of dramas tearing paths to Pakistanis’ hearts. Director Nadeem Baig’s craft molded two stars with the dashing Humayun Saeed as Mohid and the fiery Mehwish Hayat as Anmol in a tale with a simple undertone – love. The show sparkled with oddly riveting arcs between two sturdy and gloriously stubborn protagonists who couldn’t be more perfect for each other. The drama was exhilarating and dappled Pakistani television with a bit of twinkle. Here are all the reasons why it’s a drama no one will forget.
1. The significance of the rooftop and kabootris as a way to build upon the couple’s relationship
The rooftop was Mohid’s safe haven and quickly became Anmol’s too. The drama had the protagonists introspect, both separately and together as they sought comfort as kabootris fluttered around.
It symbolized a sense of freedom for both characters who would unwind and brim up with relief when things got tough.
2. Apart from the rooftop, there was the balcony that was a thematic harbor for Mohid and Anmol
Although more skewed towards Mohid, the balcony was a focal point throughout the drama where the most profound conversations took place as the couple evolved.
2. Mohid’s facade as an antagonist when really he was starkly the opposite
His authoritative and violent nature prefixed the perspective most would have of him, however as his character unraveled, his kindness and supple nature was heart-aching.
3. Mohid, who is perfectly aware that he and Anmol fit like a puzzle, yet Anmol is entirely unaware of their gel
Their chemistry is both undeniable and full of zest. Anmol’s persistent need to seek revenge blinds her of their potential as quite the suited couple.
4. The strong presence of female empowerment throughout the entire drama
No male authoritative figure is present apart from Mohid – his mother is intrepid and invigorating; her love for her son is colossal. The dogmatic prowess of other women leads in the drama, be it Anmol and her sister, or even Anmol’s mother is heavy.
5. The undying adoration between sidekick Dastagir and master Mohid is a friendship beyond measure
6. Anmol who is both fierce, outspoken and is wonderfully unapologetic
Anmol slips into the role as man of the house after her father passes away. She’s dictating, unyielding and carries about a didactic moral compass. She’s hardly unfazed by anything.
7. Mohid was never essentially the ‘ghunda‘ we all make him out to be
He was bound by the business he worked in, and relayed from the very start that his intentions were good – he came to clear up the misunderstanding and reinforced his willingness to clean up the mess he had made. He’s the unconventional ghunda – his idea of getting things done isn’t purposefully detrimental to trying to ruin others. His way of doing right is through his ghundabaazi – only because that’s how he knows how to function.
8. How Mohid and Anmol’s love emanates
Their relationship ignites in quite the riveting manner. Anmol enforces marriage upon a taken back Mohid through wary circumstances – with underlying hatred, the manner of their trajectory is built upon a jagged shore. It’s the simple tale of unreciprocated love.
A sad state of affairs for Mohid who we were rooting for throughout, and how he got what he wanted, but not really. A perfectly wrapped present with nothing but a hollow emptiness.
9. Heartfelt moments throughout that were both antagonizing and agonizing
…And all the ever more intoxicating with an incomplete tenderness between the couple.
10. Mohid’s one weakness being love
He’s your typical macho man who would then strip himself to his core in Anmol’s presence.
11. And his affection for his sister
His overwhelming concern for his sister would be at most times rather terrifying and arrogant, but it came from a good place.
12. Mohid’s overbearing-ness and dogged determination to have Anmol
At one point, Mohid’s mother who knows him far too well foretells Mohid not letting Anmol get away despite circumstances. He’s taken aback by her tenacious and unshakable demeanor.
13. The car moment, which is the crux of the story
This moment is where we begin to see Anmol slowly trickle out her affection for Mohid. On their way back home, he buys a bunch of moti bracelets for Anmol, who hesitates at first but puts them on – much to Mohid’s delight.
Who, upon seeing her slip them on, can’t help but beam out a smile, albeit rather contained.
14. A parallel that director Nadeem Baig merges into the story, among others
While there are many themes that persist throughout Dil Lagi, it’s the subtle tossing of Mehwish’s hair behind her ear by an armored Mohid that is the most tender.
While the first few instances he does it is bittersweet after she persistently flinches, it’s after her love for him blossoms that then encourages Mohid to try it once more.
15. The dialogues
Crisp, raw and soulful, the words that sprout through the entire drama are utterly charming.
“Mohobbat aur jhang mein sab jaayiz hota hai.”
“Dar mere liye gaali hai aur mein gaali nahi bardaash kar sakti.”
Are you a fan of Dil Lagi?