# Ishq Jalebi

Ishq Jalebi is a 2021 Pakistani romantic comedy television series, directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain and written by Saima Akram Chaudhry for 7th Sky Entertainment produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi. It premiered on 14 April 2021 on Geo Entertainment and aired during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. It features Wahaj Ali and Madiha Imam as leads. Noor ul Hassan, Qavi Khan, Mehmood Aslam and many others were also part of the cast. The drama emerged as a huge critical success and was highly appreciated by the audience.

## Plot

Muhammad Boota owns a decades old family business of catering. His wish to make both of his sons, Rafaqat and Sadaqat a part of his business, remains unfulfilled as his sons along with their families settle abroad. Disheartened by his sons, Muhammad Boota gives away his family business in the care of his only son in law, Ashiq Hussain and grandson, Basim.
Basim, a handsome young man dreams of moving abroad but is quite frustrated and complains about every inconvenience in his life. On the other hand, Bela is a beautiful young girl who has been living with her grandfather after the death of her parents. Being a sensible and hardworking girl, Bela disregards the attitude of her cousin, Basim and the two of them are always arguing with each other.
The story takes a turn when everyone finds out about the split in ownership of the family business leading Rafaqat and Sadaqat just to visit Pakistan with their families but they get trapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan.
What begins as an unusual family reunion slowly escalates into a series of realizations, family bonding and a chance of young love. Amongst this family dramedy, will Basim and Bela realize their true love for each other.

## Cast and characters

| Name | Role | Notes |
| Wahaj Ali | Basim Hussain aka "Petha" | Although irascible and somewhat cynical, Basim is very caring and tender on the inside, with a great sense of duty. He lingers to move abroad to escape his tiring life. Love interest and later husband of Bela. |
| Madiha Imam | Bela Salahudin/Bela Basim Hussain aka "Balushahi" | Initially involved in one-sided love for Basim. Bela is most beloved in the entire family. Love interest of and later wife of Basim; aspires to become an event planner. |
| Qavi Khan | Muhammad Boota | Grandfather of Basim and Bela; father of Rafaqat, Sadaqat, Iffat and late Nudrat; Boota has a business of catering "Babbu and Boota Bakery" (BnB) and wanted his sons to continue his legacy |
| Noor ul Hassan | Aashiq Hussain Advocate | Father of Basim; he is a lawyer and has lost all his 999 cases before joining father-in-law's business |
| Hina Khawaja Bayat | Iffat | Mother of Basim; wife of Aashiq Hussain who is her cousin from paternal sister; daughter of Boota; sister of Rafaqat and Sadaqat |
| Usama Khan | Waqar aka "Wicky Laddu" | Son of Sadaqat and Sajeela; wants to marry Bela |
| Shaista Jabeen | Aniqa "Nikki" | Wife of Rafaqat; Sister of Sajjo; Cousin of Aashiq |
| Mehmood Aslam | Rafaqat "Riffi" | Brother of Sadaqat and Iffat; son of Boota; he left his father as he is not interested in being a part continuing Boota's catering legacy and he has built his own independent life abroad in America, having laundry business |
| Kashif Mehmood | Sadaqat | Brother of Rafaqat and Iffat; son of Boota; he left his father as he is least interested in being a part continuing Boota's catering legacy and he has built his own independent life abroad in Canada, having restaurant "Sialkoti Tarka" |
| Maryam Noor | Isha aka "Barfi" | Daughter of Rafaqat and Aniqa, Wants to marry Basim, cheerful |
| Mariyam Nafees | Hina | Fraudster doing 'paper-marriage' business |
| Parveen Akbar | Bazgha | Cousin of Boota |
| Irsa Ghazal | Sajeela "Sajjo" | Wife of Sadaqat; Sister of Aniqa; Cousin of Aashiq |
| Syed Atif | "Rocket" | Worker and friend of Basim |
| Asim Mehmood | Gulfaam "Gullu" | Grandson of Bazgha, herbal specialist |
| Saife Hassan | Salahudin | Late father of Bela |
| Munazzah Arif | Nudrat | Late daughter of Boota and mother of Bela |
| Salman Faisal | Hassaan | Bela's ex-fiance |
| Humaira Bano | | Hassaan's mother |

## Soundtrack

The original soundtrack of Ishq Jalebi "Piya Piya Re" was written and sung by Wajhi Farooki. The lines of the song are frequently used during the course of the show. The original soundtrack was released on 14 April 2021. The song along with production is produced by Abdul Kadwani and Asad Qureshi.

## Awards and nominations
### Lux Style Awards

| Ceremony | Categories | Recipients | Result |
| 21st Lux Style Awards | Best TV Long Play | Ishq Jalebi | Nominated |
| 21st Lux Style Awards | Best TV Writer | Saima Akram Chaudhry | Nominated |

### Fuchsia Magazine Awards

| Date of Ceremony | Award | Category | Recipient(s) and nominee(s) | Result | Ref |
| January 2, 2022 | Fuchsia Magazine Awards | Best Supporting Actor Gold (Male) | Qavi Khan | Won | |
| January 2, 2022 | Fuchsia Magazine Awards | Best Comic Role (Male) | Noor ul Hassan | Won | |