Ruswai (TV series)

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Ruswai
File:Ruswai Tv Series.jpg
Official title card
GenreCrime Drama
Written byNaila Ansari
Directed byRubina Ashraf
StarringSana Javed
Mikaal Zulfiqar
Country of origin Pakistan
Original languageUrdu
No. of episodes29 (list of episodes)
Production
ProducersHumayun Saeed
Shahzad Nasib
Production locationsKarachi, Pakistan
Camera setupMulti-camera setup
Running time38-42 Minutes
Production companySix Sigma Plus
Release
Original networkARY Digital
Original release1 October 2019 (2019-10-01) –
14 April 2020 (2020-04-14)
External links
[{{#property:P856}} Website]

Ruswai (Urdu: رُسوائی, lit.'Disgrace'; Devanagari: ), previously titled Zard Bahar, is a 2019 Pakistani crime drama television series that aired on ARY Digital from 2019 to 2020. Produced by Humayun Saeed and Shahzad Nasib under the banner of Six Sigma Plus, the series features Sana Javed and Mikaal Zulfiqar in lead roles. The storyline revolves around the life of a rape survivor named Sameera and explores themes related to the concept of Watta Satta, a traditional family alliance system. It is available for digital streaming on YouTube and in select countries on the VIU app.

Plot[edit | edit source]

The narrative centers on Sameera (Sana Javed), a young doctor who has been raised in a loving environment with a particularly close relationship with her father. She is in a romantic relationship with Salman (Mikaal Zulfiqar), while her older brother Hamza is engaged to Salman's younger sister, Warda. Tensions arise when Salman's mother expresses disdain for Sameera's family and attempts to distance her son from Sameera by introducing him to another girl, Pinky. Hurt by Salman's mother's remarks, Sameera decides to end their relationship, but Salman confronts his mother, ultimately persuading her to accept Sameera.

After their Nikkah, tragedy strikes when Sameera is kidnapped outside a restaurant while leaving with her father and Warda. During a struggle, her father chooses to protect Warda, leading to Sameera being taken away. The aftermath of her kidnapping reveals the deep-rooted issues within her family as they grapple with shame and fear of public scrutiny. Sameera's father refuses to file a police report, believing it would bring disgrace to their family, which causes conflict between him and Sameera's mother.

As the story unfolds, Sameera is found in a traumatized state and struggles to recover from her ordeal. Her relationships with family, especially with her father, become strained as she feels betrayed. Salman initially distances himself from her upon learning of her situation, further complicating her healing process. Sameera faces immense emotional turmoil as she tries to cope with the trauma and the lack of support from those around her.

Despite encouragement from her boss, Dr. Feroz, to assert herself as a survivor, Sameera remains silent about her experiences. As she navigates her new life with Salman, she encounters difficulties in intimacy and recurring nightmares, leading to further strain in her marriage. Salman becomes increasingly abusive, both verbally and physically, exacerbating Sameera's suffering.

The series also highlights the impact of Sameera's trauma on her family, particularly her younger sister, Rohina, who struggles with her mental health due to the familial pressures and stress. The story takes a dramatic turn when Sameera discovers Salman’s infidelity, prompting her to confront him about their fractured relationship.

Ultimately, Ruswai presents a poignant exploration of societal attitudes towards victims of sexual violence, family dynamics, and the personal journey of a woman striving to reclaim her identity in the face of overwhelming adversity. The series combines gripping storytelling with social commentary, shedding light on critical issues faced by survivors of abuse.

Cast[edit | edit source]

  • Saba Qamar as Mannat Shayan: Shayan's wife; Wajih, Yawer, and Haya's sister-in-law; Nayab's friend.[1]
  • Bilal Abbas Khan as Wajih Taseer: Haya, Yawer, and Shayan's younger brother; Mannat's brother-in-law.[2][3]
  • Aijaz Aslam as Yawer Taseer: Haya, Shayan, and Wajih's elder brother; Shewar's husband.[4]
  • Emmad Irfani as Dr. Shayan Taseer: Mannat's husband; Wajih, Haya, and Yawar's brother; Shehwar's brother-in-law.[5]
  • Maira Khan[6] as Shehwar: Yawer's wife; Wajih, Shayaan, and Haya's sister-in-law.[7]
  • Azekah Daniel as Haya Taseer: Mannat and Nayab's friend; Wajih, Yawar, and Shayaan's sister.[8]
  • Ushna Shah as Nayab; Mannat and Haya's friend (Episodes 1–3).[9]
  • Gul-e-Rana as Mannat's mother.
  • Noor-ul-Hassan as Ramzaan: Nayab's father; Shamsa's husband.
  • Saima Qureshi as Shamsa; Nayab's step-mother, Ramzaan's second wife.
  • Nayyar Ejaz as Inspector Aamir Khan.
  • Shabbir Jan as Lawyer.
  • Junaid Akhter as Asad: Haya's ex-fiancé; Mannat and Nayaab's friend.
  • Shehryar Zaidi as Sulaiman; Asad's father. (Episodes 9–11)
  • Birjees Farooqui as Asad's mother. (Episodes 9–10)
  • Asfar Khan as Wajih's driver.

Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]

Year Award Category Recipient(s) and Nominee(s) Result Ref
February 7, 2020 1st Pakistan International Screen Awards Best Television Play Six Sigma Plus Nominated
Best Television Actress Sana Javed Nominated
Best Television Actress Critics choice Sana Javed Won
Best Television Writer Naila Ansari Nominated
March, 2021 ARY People's Choice Awards Favorite Drama Serial-Regular Six Sigma Plus Nominated [10][11]
Favorite Director Rubina Ashraf Nominated
Favorite Actress in a role of Bhabhi Minna Tariq Nominated
Favorite Emerging Talent (Female) Nominated
Favorite Emerging Talent (Male) Osama Tahir Won
Favorite Actor in a role of Bhai Nominated
Favorite Actor Mikaal Zulfiqaar Nominated
Favorite Actor in a role of Damad Nominated
Favorite Actress Sana Javed Nominated
Favorite Actress in a role of Wife Nominated
Favorite Actress in a role of Nand Won
Favorite Actress in a role of Saas Irsa Ghazal Nominated
Seemi Raheel Nominated
Favorite Actress in a role of Maa Irsa Ghazal Nominated
Seemi Raheel Nominated
Favorite Actor in a role of Baap Mohammad Ahmed Won
Favorite Actor in a role of Sasur Nominated
Usman Peerzada Nominated
Favorite Actress in a role of Bahen Natalia Awais Nominated
Favorite Jori Mikaal Zulfiqar and Sana Javed Nominated
January 5, 2021 Fuchsia Magazine Awards Best Emerging Actress Minna Tariq Won [12]
Best Supporting Actor Osama Tahir Won

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Nation
  2. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TNS
  3. Zia, Iman (8 February 2019). "People Think Bilal Abbas Khan Is The Psycho Villain In "Cheekh" But Is There Enough Proof?". MangoBaaz. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  4. Desk, H. I. P. (6 October 2018). "Exclusive: Aijaz Aslam to play a pivotal role in Saba Qamar, Bilal Abbas starrer Cheekh!". HIP. Archived from the original on 29 March 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
  5. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named shayan
  6. Haq, Irfan Ul (20 October 2018). "Maira Khan tells us what to expect from TV drama Cheekh". DAWN. Archived from the original on 9 December 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  7. "Audiences are worried about Maira Khan's character in 'Cheekh'". ARYNEWS. 25 March 2019. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2019.
  8. "60 Seconds With Azekah Daniel | Kaleidoscope - MAG THE WEEKLY". Mag - The Weekly. Archived from the original on 9 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
  9. "WATCH: Pakistani TV actress Ushna Shah fly like a superwoman". Dunya News. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
  10. "ARY People's Choice Awards 2021 – List of Nominations". IncPak.
  11. "ARY People's Choice Awards: Here's a list of winners who took the trophy home". Something Haute. 5 March 2021.
  12. Syed, Perisha (31 December 2020). "FUCHSIA Awards 2020 – And The Winner Is…". Fuchsia Magazine. Retrieved 24 March 2021.

Read also[edit | edit source]