Raqeeb Se
Raqeeb Se () is a Pakistani romantic drama television series produced by Momina Duraid, written by Bee Gul and directed by Kashif Nisar. It aired on Hum TV from 20 January 2021 to 26 May 2021 all under MD Productions. "Raqeeb Se" revolves around the repercussions of a love story stretched around one's entire life. It features an ensemble cast of Hadiqa Kiani, Nauman Ijaz, Sania Saeed, Iqra Aziz, Faryal Mehmood and Saqib Sumeer. The series received critical acclaim due to its storyline and performances of the cast. Plot. The television series is centred around four women and  the men around them. Sakina, who leaves her home with her daughter, Ameera fleeing from her father due to him domestically abusing her. She seeks shelter at her former lover Maqsood Sahab's house and their love story is so tragic and interesting that his wife Hajra, and daughter, Insha know it by heart. Hajra consoles Sakina and takes care of her and her daughter while Insha considers it as an injustice for her mother. On the other hand, Maqsood Sahab's brother, Masood and sister-in-law, Aatka show an extreme reaction and order him to do Nikkah with  Sakina so that the revenge of murder of Maqsood Sahab's younger brother can be taken who was killed by Sakina's brother, twenty years back. Music. The title song of "Raqeeb Se" is composed and performed by Hadiqa Kiani who played one of the lead role in the serial, while lyrics were penned by Khawar Kiani. It marks the return of the singer to the channel, since she performed the OST of channel's hit drama series "Yaqeen Ka Safar"' in 2016. Production. Background and development. Bee Gul, writer of the drama serial said; “It was a deliberate thought -out decision... I convinced myself that I do not have to write another issue-based serial, for we seem to have amplified and unwillingly exploited social issues by presenting them inconsistently for ratings. The subjects have lost their sensitivity as a result and do not come as hard-hitting narratives anymore. Therefore, I decided to go for something that is equally important, equally meaningful and maybe equally ignored as well, and the sentiment of love came to my mind. This is how "Raqeeb Se" happened.” Casting. Singer and vocalist Hadiq Kiani was selected to portray the Sakina, one of the  leading role, thus series marked her acting debut. Veteran actors Naumaan Ijaz and Sania Saeed were selected to portray the roles of Maqsood and Hajra, previously acted together in "Jhumka Jaan" (2009) "Khamoshiyan" (2010), "Aao Kahani Buntay Hain" (2011) and "Sang-e-Mar Mar" (2016). Young actors such as Iqra Aziz, Faryal Mehmood and Abul Hassan, son of veteran actor and comedian Sohail Ahmed were cast in prominent roles. Theater actor Saqib Sumeer was selected to play the role of Rafique Ali, previously offered to Sohail Ahmed. Likewise, Saba Faisal and Salam Shahid were cast in supporting roles of Aatka  and Masood respectively. Reception. The sereis received critical acclaim due to performances and storyline. Hrithik Sharma of "El Viaje Reviews" included it into his select list of "Pakistani Gems" and says that ""Raqeeb Se" is a masterfully written show powered by extraordinary performances, meticulous direction, and euphonious background score". He adds, "The performances are breathtaking. Especially of the three principal characters. Maqsud Saab, played by Nauman Ijaaz brings in exactly the right amounts of charm and helplessness. Hajra, played by Sania Saeed, keeps you wondering whether she is too good to be true, or is she actually happily devoted to  Maqsud and Sakeena’s love story. And then, my personal favorite, Hadiqa Kiyani, who towers over every scene and magically dominates every frame that she is part of". "The News International" praised the storyline of the serial and said it "A Breath of Fresh Air". The newspaper also praised the performance of debutants Hadiqa Kiani and Hamza Sohail.