Udaari

Udaari
Genre	Drama Romance Crime
Created by	Momina Duraid Productions
Developed by	Sultana Siddiqui
Written by	Farhat Ishtiaq
Screenplay by	Farhat Ishtiaq
Directed by	Mohammed Ehteshamuddin
Starring	Samiya Mumtaz Bushra Ansari Ahsan Khan Urwa Hocane Farhan Saeed Hina Altaf Khan
Theme music composer	Sahir Ali Bagga Sohail Haider
Opening theme	Sajna Ve Sajna by by Hadiqa Kiani and Farhan Saeed
Ending theme	Bol Ke Lab Azaad Hadiqa Kiani and Farhan Saeed
Country of origin	Pakistan
Original languages	Urdu, Punjabi
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	25 (list of episodes)
Production
Producer	Momina Duraid
Production locations	Lahore,Punjab Sargodha, Punjab
Cinematography	Azhar Ali
Editors	Mehmood Ali Shehraz Fiyaz Muhammad Ali Sooni Ali Raza Ansari
Camera setup	Multi camera
Running time	40-50 minutes
Production companies	Momal Productions Kashf Foundation
Original release
Network	Hum TV
Release	10 April (2016-04-10) – 25 September 2016 (2016-09-25)

Udaari (Template:Lang-ur; lit: To fly) is a Pakistani television series that aired on Hum TV. It premiered on 10 April 2016 and is co-produced by the creative head Momina Duraid with Kashf Foundation. The show is written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin. The story of the series focuses on the social and economic marginalization of citizens in Pakistani society alongside highlighting deeply rooted problems in Pakistan such as child sexual abuse, the uptake of music as a career, false police involvements and negative political supports, in order to break the myths and taboos which surround these issues by providing real solutions to serious problems. It centers on the lives of Sheedan and Sajida with Sheedan holding criticism due her local music career and Sajida struggle against her husband.

It was co-created by creative head Momina Duraid and Kashf foundation, with sponsorship from Canada. The show was first aired on Hum TV, as a part of night programming all under Duraid's production company. The series is produced and written by the makers of Humsafar, Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu and Diyar-e-Dil.

Udaari has an ensemble cast with Bushra Ansari as Sheedan, Samiya Mumtaz as Sajida, Urwa Hocane as Ameera, Farhan Saeed as Arsh, Ahsan Khan as Imtiaz, and Hina Altaf Khan/Areesha Ahsan as Zebo. The show is set in the village Mirpur and Urban areas of Lahore, Punjab. Udaari premiered in Pakistan, UK, USA and UAE with same premier date and timings. It received Positive reviews throughout its premier till its finale by critics who found the story's arc well drafted and composed, the critics lauded the entire casting. Udaari remains popular throughout its run and garnered high to consistent ratings dominating the No.2 rank on the list of high rated TV series of 2016 season, close to its finale Udaari dominated the No #1 slot leaving behind Mann Mayal.

Udaari has received critical acclaim and won awards at 5th Hum Awards the most for the ceremony including, Best Drama Serial - Jury and Best Drama Serial - Popular for Momina Duraid, Best Director Drama Serial for Mohammed Ehteshamuddin, Best Actor - Jury for Ahsan Khan and Best Writer Drama Serial for Farhat Ishtiaq. At 15th Lux Style Awards, it won three awards including Best TV Writer and Best TV Director for Ishtiaq and Duraid and was nominated for Best TV Actor, Best TV Actress and Best Original Soundtrack.

Plot

It is the story of two different worlds, the urban and the rural as well as highlighting prevalent issues in modern society. The series depicts the lives of two neighbouring families in a village, and the struggle of a group of four friends living in the city, trying to pursue a music career. In the village, it focuses on two close neighbours, Rashida (Bushra Ansari) and Sajida (Samiya Mumtaz). Rashida (nicknamed as Sheedaan) along with her husband Maajid (Rehan Sheikh), daughter Meera (Urwa Hocane) and son Ejaz are local musicians who earn through singing and entertaining people at weddings, because of which they are discriminated and criticised in the society, being termed as Marasi. Whereas Sajida, Parvez's widow, works as a maid in a distant house. She runs the household, cares for herself and her 10-year-old daughter, named Zebo. Simultaneously, in urban city Lahore, resides a group of four students, Maleeha, Haris, Arsh and Farwa who want to pursue a music carrier. Meera is in a complicated relationship with Illyas who happens to be Sajida's nephew. He always warned her to stop singing or he will break his relationship. Imtiaz (Ahsan Khan), Parvez's best friend, proposed Sajida for marriage who first showed reluctance but later married him for Zebo's sake. On their wedding, Majid passes away which makes Imtiaz closer to Sheedaan's family resulting in his negative sexual desires for Meera. One day, when Sajida and Zebo are not home, Imtiaz attempts to sexually abuse Meera, but she escapes from there, resulting causes a dispute between Sajida and Sheedaan where Sajida claim's Meera's intentions wrong, refuses to believe her and supports Imtiaz. After this Sheedan's breaks off all her relations with Sajida and Illyas breaks off his relationship with Meera. On the other hand, Farwa is forced by her parents to bid adieu to her music career. Milli and her mother Muneera (who runs an NGO) visit the village for a wedding where she sees Meera tearfully singing and records her music. The band then visit Meera's house and take her on as a replacement singer for Farwa. After immense arguments and disputes, Arsh and Meera grow close to each other. The band successfully wins the music competition, leaving the village shocked seeing Meera on Television. complications begin when Imtiaz's sexual desires arise for Zebo. One rainy afternoon while Sajida is at work, Imtiaz finds lures Zebo into one room and rapes her, she is threatened to keep silent. Back in Lahore, Meera gains fame and recognition all over the country, she earns enough money to purchase a house and settles in Lahore with her family. Sajida later finds out that Imtiaz assaulted Zebo. She immediately quits her job as a maid and stays with Zebo which makes Imtiaz furious due to her unremitting presence at home. Meera invites Zebo to her new house through writing a letter and gave her the new address. One evening, fed up with Imtiaz's disgusting desires, Sajida confronts him. Things get worse when he locks her in a room and brutally rapes Zebo once again, the entire incident is overseen by his friend Jamshed. After her release, with her daughter severely injured in tears, Sajida loses control and savagely stabs Imtiaz and kills him. She then flees the village with Zebo. They go to Lahore and approach Sheeda. Seeing such iniquity they had faced, she ends her despise with Sajida and encourages her. Sajida and Zebo then start a new life with different identities as Tahira (Sajida) and Komal (Zebo). Milli and Haris move to England to complete a music course.

After a six-year leap, Sajida is depicted working in a successful bakery, and Zebo and Ejaz have grown up. Muneera holds a senior post in the Kashf foundation, where as Meera is a successful singer and Arsh becomes a lawyer on his fathers wish. Arsh had proposed Meera six years ago, but she rejected it because of his mother's interracial remarks. Here the series takes a stand against social issues, by highlighting the issue of corrupt politicians. It also highlights police S.H.O's involvement in crimes and hoe they support these criminals in avoiding justice. It is revealed that Imtiaz was alive and his only mission is to take vengeance upon Sajida, who immobilized his right arm. He tracks her and openly threatens them, saying that he will have Zebo gang-raped as revenge. The story now depicts Sajida's fight for her daughter. Imtiaz gets Sajida arrested with help of his fellow corrupt officers. For her daughters honour, Sajida chooses to remain silent and asks everyone to do the same. Meera reveals to Arsh the true reason for Sajida's attempted murder. In the court's second session, Arsh convinces Zebo to speak the truth at court and motivates her to fight for her right as a survivor and not a victim. Zebo discloses the entire story, leaving Imtiaz stunned. Upon his arrest, he escapes police custody and goes to his corrupt senior posts who left him. On courts final hearings, Arsh finally manages to win Zebo's case after Jamshed, Imtiaz's ex-friend comes as an eye-witness on the last hearing to confess that he saw Imtiaz raping Zebo on the night of 21 April. His guilt made him confess as his own daughter died in a house fire as a result of him not speaking up at that time for Zebo. Jamshed shows all of the missing evidence to prove his point and eventually, in a range of anger at Jamshed for being a traitor, Imtiaz confesses his crime. He is then sentenced life imprisonment while Sajida is declared innocent and released. Everyone rejoices at the triumph of good and the 'Zebo rape case' closes with Justice. Meera and Arsh confess their love for each other and agree for marriage. Sajida is welcomed home with a celebration. Zebo and Sajida start a new happy life, where there's hope for the best in the future. Arsh's dream is fulfilled as he performs on stage singing 'Bol Ke Lub Azaad Hain Tere' with Meera as a tribute to Zebo. Series end with a message for Woman right and responsibilities of being a Pakistani.

Cast

Main cast of Udaari featuring (from left) Ahsan Khan as Imtiaz, Hina Altaf Khan as Zebo, Urwa Hocane as Meera, Bushra Ansari as Sheedan, Samiya Mumtaz as Sajida, Farhan Saeed as Arsh and Areesha Ahsan as young Zebo

Main

• Samiya Mumtaz as Sajida Bibi (Sajjo/Tahira)
• Bushra Ansari as Rasheeda Bibi (Sheedan)
• Ahsan Khan as Imtiaz Ali Sheikh
• Urwa Hocane as Meera Majid
• Farhan Saeed as Taimoor Arshad (Arsh)
• Hina Altaf Khan as Zeb-un-Nisa Parveiz / Zebo (Komal)

Recurring cast

• Laila Zuberi as Muneera Khalid
• Ins-e-Yazdan as Ejaz Majid (Jaaze)
• Malika Zafar as Maleeha Khalid (Milli)
• Adnan Saeed as Haris Khalid
• Aqeel Abbas as Iqbal (alias Balley)
• Haris Waheed as Ilyas
• Nasrullah Khan
• Alina Chaudhry
• Urooj Khan
• Rehan Sheikh as Majid
• Behroze Sabzwari as Khalid
• Maryam Fatima as Farwa Murad
• Ambar Wajid as Afrooz
• Arjumand Hussain as Arsh's father
• Rashida Tabassum as Durdana
• Saife Hassan as Malik Iftikhar Hussain
• Shakeel as Judge
• Akbar Islam as Rana (Lawyer)

Child stars

• Areesha Ahsan as Zebo (alias Komal)
• Saad as Ejaz (Jaaze)

Special appearances

• Hassan Sheheryar Yasin as himself
• Hadiqa Kiani as herself
• Emo as himself
• Babar Zaheer as himself

Episodes

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Run Time	Original air date	Overnight Viewers (thousands)	7 day Viewing Data (thousands)
1	"Episode 1"	Mohammed Ehteshamuddin	Farhat Ishtiaq	39:50	10 April 2016 (2016-04-10)	87.1	-
Sheedan and Sajida are two close relatives, Sheedan is married to Majid and has a son named Ejaz and a daughter Meeran, along with them lives Sheedan's brother Iqbal all four of them are local musicians, singing and entertaining people at weddings. Sajida on the other hand lives a struggling life with her eleven-year-old daughter Zebo as her husband had died, she works as a maid. In Lahore resides the group of four youngsters Arsh, Maliha, Haris and Farwa, four of them plan to start their music carrier together. Muneera is Haris and Maliha's mother who works as a working woman (mostly social work) and allows her children to fulfil their dreams. Farwa on the other hand manages to live with strict parents who dislike her pursuing a music carrier. Sajida's s boss suggests her to think over second marriage where as Meera secretly meets Illyas (Sajida's Nephew) the two promise to get married on day. Meeran and his family are set to sing in a wedding nearby where a strange man tries to tease Meeran
2	"Episode 2"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	42:48	17 April 2016 (2016-04-17)	51.4	63
Society issues are introduced, Sajida faces street goons teasing her, she is rescued by Imtiaz who later proposes to her, Sajida refuses and leaves. Meeran on the other hand is told to bring the food, when she is found alone the same guy tries to molest her, Meeran is rescued by her family, all of them received disrespect by the entire village as they are local musicians. Meeran and her mother argue over their carrier. Illyas holds a rude attitude for Meeran as he wants her to stop singing. Illyas's mother hates Meeran and shows disrespect for her family. When Sajida visits her for her suggestion regarding marriage, she abuses her and asks her not to marry Imtaiz. Sheedan consoles her and asks her to marry Imtiaz.
3	"Episode 3"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	41:00	24 April 2016 (2016-04-24)	60.3	72
Sheedan and Zebo convinces Imtiaz and Sajida for marriage. Sajida agrees as she wants her daughter's best future. Their Marriage date is decided and the rituals were completed. The event took place at Sheedan and Sajida's house. Illyas scolds Meeran for dancing and tells her that If she continues to do so he will not marry her. On Sajida and Imtiaz's marriage day, Iqbal rushes to Sheedan and tells her that Majid has died due to car accident. Whereas in Lahore Arsh, Maliha, Haris and Farwa finalise their song. When Farwa reaches home, her parents yell at her and forbids her to sing as they don't want her to be a local singer (knowns as marasi in the society). Imtiaz expresses his feelings to Sajida. Farwa and Maliha decide to attend their music recording session secretly without informing Farwa's parents. They successfully record their music, when Farwa's mother reach home she finds her missing.
4	"Episode 4"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	39:14	1 May 2016 (2016-05-01)	42.4	72
Farwa's mother finds out the truth and abandon's her to pursue music. sheedan is depressed after Majid's death. On Illyas and Meeran's secret meeting, Illyas badmouths her family and asks her to stay away from them and stop singing. Arsh, Maleeha, Haris and Farwa got selected for their band. Farwa's mother tells her that from now on they are moving to Karachi as she wants Farwa to stay away from the band, she considers this as her punishment. Farwa tearfully bids abide to her music carrier and leaves her song Saajna Ve Saajna for her band, she asks the members to start searching for a new female vocalists and bids abide tearfully. Imtiaz develops false feelings for Meeran and Zebo, his negative side is revealed. The band decides to search for a new female vocalist before their Audition.
5	"Episode 5"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:44	8 May 2016 (2016-05-08)	83.0	100
Sheedan finds out about Meeran and Illyas's love affair. She scolds them and warns Illyas that If his mother approaches for marriage proposal she would only then agree for their marriage. Sajida's sister scolds her for Meeran and Illyas's relation and warns her to keep them away from her family. After which she reaches Sheedan's house and Insults them with their carrier calling them Marasi (A negative term used for local musicians and considered as insult) which hurts Meeran. Next day Sheedan sends Meeran to borrow rice from Sajida's house, when Meeran approaches there she finds Imtiaz alone, when she enters kitchen Imtiaz locks all the doors and reveals his true colours by trying to molest Meeran, who then attacks him and rushes to Sheedan. Sheedan then scolds Imtiaz who lied to Sajida about Meeran hugging her. Sheedan warns Sajida about Imtiaz but she insults her calling a Marasi and praised Imtiaz over her. Sheedan and Meeran are deeply hurt and tearfully break all their ties with Sajida. Illyas's mother invites Meeran and Sheedan to perform on his Marriage. She Insults them and compares them over their status. Maleeha and the band get selected. Meeran apologises to Sheedan for her doings.
6	"Episode 6"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	38:02	15 May 2016 (2016-05-15)	70.5	110
Milli convinced Arsh and Haris to search for a female vocalist. Meeran met Illyas who broke his relationship, he told her that he has agreed to marry Jamila as he considered her as a woman with good character and rejected Meeran calling her a Marasi. He warned her that it is their last meeting and told her that the next day Is his engagement after which he will marry Jamila (after one year). Meeran was heartbroken, she apologised Sheedan for all her lies but was consoled by Sheedan. Muneera was Invited to Shehnaz's (her former client's) daughter, she asked Milli to accompany her, on the same marriage, Sheedan was also invited for her music performance, Meeran asked her take her along as she will never do what Illyas told her to do. There on the marriage Meeran sang a song which described her sorrow for Illyas, with this she tended to forget every moment with Illyas. Her song attracted Milli who rushed to her and recorded It. Sajida brightened herself and wore colourful dress for Imtiaz who makes fun of her Instead calling her old enough, Sajida is left heartbroken. Milli searched for Sheedan and Meeran and finally found them, she told them that she has recorded their song and wants Meeran to join their band as their new female vocalist, which would give her fame and carrier to work on television, this made Sheedan excited. Milli showed Arsh and Haris the video she recorded, she tried convincing them to meet Meeran. Imtiaz asked Zebo to give him a foot massage.
7	"Episode 7"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:27	22 May 2016 (2016-05-22)	89.5	-
Imtiaz asked Zebo to give him foot Massage, he planned to molest her but Sajida came and asked her to get himself ready for Illyas's engagement, Imtiaz's plan foils. Sheedan met Zebo in street and hugged her, Sajida come and yelled at her, she abandoned her to meet Sheedan and Meeran. Milli finally convinced Arsh and Haris to meet Meeran. Imtaiz's false desires Increased for Zebo. Sheedan's hen escaped as Meeran left the door open, Sheedan started yelling and her to catch their hen, at the same moment Milli, Haris and Arsh reached there, Haris and Arsh got shocked looking at Meeran. They were welcomed and Meeran's voice was examined, after this they left. After reaching home, Arsh and Haris told Milli not to involve Meeran in their band, they thought that she have understood their decision but she Instead invited them to her house. Muneera permitted Milli to invite them to live in their house, she also convinced Arsh and Haris.
8	"Episode 8"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	38:30	29 May 2016 (2016-05-29)	68.3	87
Sheedan and Meeran leaves for Lahore, Imtiaz tries to falsely touch Zebo but gets Interrupted by Sajida. Sheedan and Meeran reach Milli's house and gets introduced. Zebo tells Illyas and Imtiaz about Meeran planning to sing on television. Illyas gets jealous of them and manipulated by Imtiaz. Urban living was recent and different for Sheedan and Meeran who found music appliances hard to understand, this made Arsh angry. Sajida finds out about Sheedan moving to Lahore, Imtiaz badmouths them which makes her uncomfortable.
9	"Episode 9"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:33	5 June 2016 (2016-06-05)	72.8	116
Arsh and Haris try teaching Meeran how to sing continuing their rude attitude, whereas Milli supported her. Sheedan tries to correct daily chores applying her traditional habits. Zebo was playing in rain, Imtiaz told her to get into the room as Sajida was not home. He rapes her and threatens her to keep her mouth shut or he would kill Sajida. Meeran is depressed as she found herself not capable for the band, she is consoled by Milli. When Sajida reached home she found Zebo sick. Arsh yelled at Meeran for singing wrong and discourages her which hurts Meeran. Arsh apologised to Meeran when he found her crying and encourages her that she has a hidden talent.
10	"Episode 10"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:27	12 June 2016 (2016-06-12)	35.9	74
Munnera was Invited in a Social conference event where she conducted her speech against child sexual abuse and Pedo files. She says that Its their parents job to find out and also adds that in rural areas, the crime is common and is mostly neglected, coincidently same situation was being faced by Zebo because of her step-father. She got panic facing Imtiaz, and was again threatened by him that he will kill her mother If she tells her. Meeran, Arsh, Milli and Haris patch up and started composing their music, Meeran and Arsh grow close and practised more often. The next morning Arsh finds Meeran practising for their music and gets impressed by her song. Sheedan tried attempting her traditional ways to finish Muneera's foot ache. When Sajjo starts cooking breakfast, Imtiaz goes to Zebo who attempts to run, she was stopped and bullied by Imtiaz. The same day Imtiaz slaps her and attempt to pull her hair so she stays frightened and quiet. Imtiaz cuts of as roaster with the same knife he showed Zebo (for killing Sajida) after which she faints.
11	"Episode 11"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:29	19 June 2016 (2016-06-19)	115.6	130
Meeran gets a Make over by Milli, the band practised there song one last time. The next day they reach they Audition where Haris finds out that out of two hundred bands, one eighty had already reached, he says that only fifty bands will be selected and It may take a lot of time in the que. Sajida scolds Zebo for keeping disputes for Imtiaz. The band finally performs their song Sajna ve Sajna being judged by Hadiqa Kiani, Emmo and Hassan Sheheryar Yasin. The band was Invited for Interview next day and Meeran was Warned to name herself as Fawa by Milli. The next day, band was Interviewed and Meeran accidentally reveals that she is not Farwa after which the judges decided to reject them.
12	"Episode 12"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	38:48	26 June 2016 (2016-06-26)	119.6	143
The band was given forty seconds to prove themselves after which they perform a difficult song, It impresses all the judges who gave them the title of Top one band. The next day the band was broadcast on TV over the entire country which made Ejaz, Iqbal, Sheedan, Muneera, Khalid and Arsh's parents proud. Imtiaz, Illyas and Illya's mother was shocked jealous of her, the entire village saw Meeran on TV praising her. Next day Sajida Scolds Zebo and force her to attend School, she left for work and asked Imtiaz to pick her up. Imtiaz bought Zebo home, he took her to room and plans to molest her, when he began to abuse her Sajida enters. Imtaiz's plan was foils and he lies, saying that Zebo was misbehaving. Sajida gets suspicious over Imtiaz's harsh attitude for Zebo and changes her attitude with him. She recalls Sheedan's sayings when Imtiaz tried to molest Meeran. Zebu got a panic attack when she saw Sajida's finger bleeding. At night Imtiaz goes to jungle for hunting. Before sleeping Sajida asks Zebo about her changing behaviour for Imtiaz and forces her to tell her. Zebo reveals that Imtiaz had raped her, Sajida is left shocked.
13	"Episode 13"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:14	3 July 2016 (2016-07-03)	59.6	91
Sajida broke down when Zebo told her about Imtiaz raping her. The next morning Sajida's anger increases for Imtiaz, she told Zebo to never discuss her incident with anyone. Milli, Meeran, Arsh and Haris celebrate their success, Milli and Muneera helped Meeran searching a new house for her, Meeran gets an offer for the OST of a TV series. Zebo starts living a depressing life, when she reaches home with her mother, Imtiaz slaps Sajida for not working again. Sheedan reaches her village to take all her belongs and asks Ejaz to return the money back to Sajida which she ones borrowed as a loan, along this ejaz handover Meeran's letter where she mentioned her house address, after this they left Multan forever and went to Lahore, Sajida gets sad. Meeran finally gets a new house. The next day Meeran records the OST she was offered and gets a three lac cheque.
14	"Episode 14"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:03	10 July 2016 (2016-07-10)	101.1	128
Imtiaz drops the food Sajida prepares for Zebo, Imtiaz raised hand which was stopped by her. Sajida reveales to him that she knows everything he did and warns him to stay away from Zebo, she threatens to kill him If he touches Zebo and tells him that she will always protect her. Imtiaz gets angry and gives her an open challenge that he will rape Zebo in front of her. After this he forcefully locks her into a room, a helpless Sajjo yelled at Zebo to run away, Zebo attempted to escape but was caught by Imtiaz who forcefully took her to his room and once again molests her harshly. The entire incident was being watched by Imtiaz's colleague who only came take his money back and was hiding behind the store room. After several minutes Imtiaz came out and opened Sajida who lost her control, she warns her to stay away and tells her that he will use Zebo whenever he wants, after this he went to sleep. When Zebo comes she was seen harshly beaten by Imtiaz with her clothes being torn. Looking at her Sajida loses control over her anger and rushes to Imtiaz, she bangs him three times with a knife and finally kills him. After this she told Zebo that she has avenged her rape and the two escape for Sheedan's house. There she apologised for all her doings and revealed to her about Zebo's rape and Imtiaz's death. Sheedan consoled her and told her to live with them. Imtiaz's Colleague stole Imtiaz's watch and money after his death.
15	"Episode 15"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	38:34	17 July 2016 (2016-07-17)	79.2	106
Milli and Haris are going to England for completing music course. Meeran gives Sajida and Zebo a makeover which completely changes them. She asked them to change their Identity and name themselves as Tahira and Komal. After two months the series shows how Zebo and Sheedan get settled in Lahore where Zebo regularly attends school. Sajida decides to start working as a working woman. The next day Milli told Meeran about their cook who got sick, she informed her that they have arranged a party for which Sheedan agrees to help. Muneera appreciates Tahira's cooking and suggests her to seek help from Kashf foundation which regularly helps people In financial Issues, she suggests her to work for a bakery after their words with Kashf foundation. The next day Illyas saw Meeran with Arsh, after meeting her, he told her that he does not want to marry Jamila anymore and once again asks proposes Meeran who rejects his proposal and told him that she Is a Marasi, the one who has a higher standard then him, she leaves a message for his mother that she will not attend his marriage as a Marasi as the fee she charges can never be paid by them. The band met before Milli and Haris's flight and the next day they left for England.
16	"Episode 16"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	38:29	24 July 2016 (2016-07-24)	57.7	84
Sheedan helped Tahira to cook for restaurants. Meeran went to Arsh's house to pick him up for lunch, this Irritated his mother who asked him to distance himself apart from meeran, Arsh revealed to her that he Is In love with Meeran after which his mother compared their standard terming her as a Marasi. The entire conversation was being heard by Meeran who got hurt and felt the same as she ones felt by Illyas's mother, she left when Arsh saw her. The next day she told Arsh that she just wants to keep her friendship with Arsh and asked him not to love her, she also revealed him about Illya's and her broken relationship. Tahira paid all her loans to Kashf foundation which suggested her to start a food shop with their help. Tahira aimed to start a business. Six years passes and It is shown how successful Tahira gets, Zebo grows up to be a sixteen year old College student and Ejaz grows up as a nineteen year old. Milli gets married dun England whereas Arsh Is now a successful lawyer It is shown that Imtiaz was never dead and was saved by a politician six years ago, he works as a gangster who helps politicians (Malik Sahab) for killing their enemies. The series now turns to be against the societal Issues being caused by Politicians. Tahira successfully pays back her loan to Kashf foundation whereas Meeran is now a successful singer. Tahira goes to a Bakery shop where Imtiaz saw her as a changed Urban woman.
17	"Episode 17"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	38:08	31 July 2016 (2016-July-31)	85.8	101
Meeran goes to America for her concert, while Muneera is of senior members of Kashf Foundation. the Imtiaz saw Tahira and recognised her, he followed her till her house. When Imtiaz reaches her house, he shocks Sajida and Zebo and gives them an open threat that he will attack Zebo ones again. The next day Sajida leaves Zebo in care of Sheedan and Ejaz. The story now stands against the societal Issues of politics who support gangsters for their benefit, It also highlights the fact that Police S.H.O's also choose to support criminals for their fate. Imtiaz decides to kidnap Zebo who is currently residing at Sheedan's house, the same day Ejaz revealed to Zebo that he knows everything about her rape incident as the same day he was playing outside and heard all the torture Imtiaz gave him, he also heard Imtiaz's threat to kill her If she open's her mouth and decides to keep it a secret as he wanted to see Zebo alive, he further adds that as he was a child he didn't knew what happened, Zebo is shocked and left. Imtiaz decides to visit Sajida again, unknowing that Sheedan is already there. Sheedan and Imtiaz fall Into arguments after which Imtiaz threats her Involve police, he is then kicked out by Sheedan.
18	"Episode 18"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:00	7 August 2016 (2016-August-07)	165.0	164
Meeran went to America for her shoot, the Police S.H.O falsely helps Imtiaz with his F.I.R and arrests Sajida on charges of murder attempt. Sajida is sent to jail. Imtiaz comes to her and threatens her to gang-rape Zebo. Illyas and his mother learned about Sajida's arrest, they decide to show their fake concerns for Zebo so Illyas can marry Meeran. Zebo breaks downs when she found out about her mothers arrest, Sheedan and Ejaz seek Muneera for help who went to Bangladesh for social work. Along with murder attempt, the police charges a fake robbery crime on Sajida. The police illegally attempts a third degree force on Sajida.
19	"Episode 19"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	35:57	14 August 2016 (2016-August-14)	71.5	84
Sheedan seeks Arsh's help for Sajida, the two met Sajida and Arsh forbids the S.H.O from attacking Sajida who lied saying that she did this to herself. Sajida forbids Sheedan from disclosing Zebo's case. Arsh found out about Sajida's murder attempt, upon his concerns Sajida yelled at him saying that she is a criminal and deserves punishment. With courts first meeting, It was decided that Sajida would remain in jail till the second meeting. Meeran comes to Pakistan. Imtiaz came to Sajida who yelled at her saying that God will take her revenge.
20	"Episode 20"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:58	21 August 2016 (2016-August-21)	64.2	77
Arsh is suspicious about Imtiaz's attitude with Zebo tries to find out what happened on 21 April 2010. Afrooz (Arsh's mother) asks Ahmed (Arsh's father) to convince Arsh for marriage. Ahmed confronts her for her attitude towards Meera, with his advice and conversation he finally convinces Afrooz who turns positive for Meera. Imtiaz's driver told him that he has revealed about Zebo's rape on his drunk state. Mr. Malik promises to help Imtiaz if he agrees to his condition. Arsh tries to convince Meeran to let him meet Zebo but fails. Zebo later gets a panic attack and wows to kill Imiaz but is stopped by Sheedan, Ejaz and Meera, the next day she visits Sajida who scolded her and asked her to leave. Afrooz finds out about Arsh's involvement in Sajida's case and apologised to him revealing that she has turned positive for Meera and asked him to take her to Meera's house for marriage proposal. Arsh further informs this to Meera. But however meeran again rejected Arsh claiming that she will never marry anyone in her life this left Arsh heartbroken but he showed meeran respect saying that it is her right to reject him.
21	"Episode 21"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	38:49	28 August 2016 (2016-August-28)	123.4	130
Arsh forcefully asks Meera to reveal him about Imtiaz, she firstly reveals to him about the incident of him trying to molest her, after this she revealed him the rape incident of Zebo which shocked Arsh. Arsh's colleague gathers Imtiaz's informations and his fraud cases in Dubai after which Arsh reveals her Zebo's rape incident. Court session takes place where Sajida is confronted regarding the charges, she denies all the charges given by Imtiaz, the court adjourns and schedules its second session after few weeks. Arsh tells Zebo to stand for her right and motivates her, Zebo agrees to Arsh's decision and decides to fight against Imtiaz. The next day Arsh and Meera take Zebo to Muneera where she reveals her entire truth, rape incidents and Sajida's murder attempt. Later, Meera tells Arsh about the day Zebo and Sajida escaped and how Zebo was taken to the hospital. Courts second session takes place where Imtiaz charges more false attempts on Sajida claiming that she continued a false relationship with her boss for money and wanted to pursue prostitution along with Zebo. The same day Muneera takes Zebo to the police surgeon and gather Zebo's medical reports.
22	"Episode 22"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	39:17	4 September 2016 (2016-September-04)	141.0	114
Arsh, Meera and Muneera decide to search for Dr. Rabiya and Zebo's Medical form. In the court session, a police officer bribed by Imtiaz, lied showing false proofs against Sajida, the court ends with a further declared date. The next day, Muneera, Arsh and Zebo finally get Zebo's medical report from hospital records. With courts next session Arsh claimed Imtiaz and her Police man wrong and brings Zebo as a witness which shocks Imtiaz. A motivated Zebo enters the court with Sajida begging her to leave, In the court Zebo reveals everything to the Judge including her rape incidents and Sajida's murder attempt to Imtiaz which proves all Imtaiz's charges wrong. The same day Meera and Muneera start a campaign with Kashf Foundation for Zebo's justice. Moreover Arsh shows Zebo's FIR as a proof to Court.
23	"Episode 23"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	37:56	11 September 2016 (2016-September-11)	68.2	TBD
Arsh and Zebo successfully prove the police property wrong. The court adjourns announcing its next session, as a decision the judge orders to arrest Imtiaz until the next sessions, Imtiaz escapes from the police and reaches Malik Iftikhar's house for help who hides himself saying that he has moved to U.S.A. Meera and Muneera finally start their campaign. Imtiaz's probes SHO orders to arrest him at any cost. Imtiaz's driver traps him into a plan saying that Malik Iftikhar as arranged his Dubai tickets, a excited Imtiaz reaches his farmhouse where the police arrests him, his fellow SHO lied saying that Malik Iftikhar will save him shortly. On his interview Malik Iftikhar states that he will never support Imtiaz in any crime which shocks Imtiaz. Sajida is angry on Zebo and asks her leave, Zebo tells her that she will always fight for herself and will live as a survivor, Arsh assures Sajida that he will always support Zebo.
24	"Episode 24"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	38:11	18 September 2016 (2016-September-18)	19.5	TBD
Malik Iftikhar decides to help Zebo for his fate. Meera decides to give her statement against Imtiaz by revealing hi rape attempt on her. Muneera gathers public attention for Zebo and starts campaigning for her case. In courts next session, Zebo reveals her entire rape incident in the court. Imtiaz's lawyer tells the Judge that Imtiaz is innocent and the rape might have been done by someone else, he gains attention when Arsh has no proof for Zebo's statement. In the court, Ejaz expresses his feelings for Zebo. It is shown that Imtiaz's gambling partner, Jamshed (eye witness of Zebo's rape incident) griefs his pain in front of his wife and daughters grave.
25	"Last Episode"	Muhammad Ehtishamudin	Farhat Ishtiaq	66:40	25 September 2016 (2016-September-25)	60.1	TBD
Imtiaz's ex-friend, Jamshed, comes as a witness on the last hearing to confess that he saw Imtiaz raping Zebo on the night of 21st April, when he himself came to rob Imtiaz due to personal enmity. His guilt made him confess as his own daughter died in a house fire as a result of him not speaking up at that time for Zebo. Jamshed shows all of the missing evidence to prove his point. Imtiaz, in a range of anger, confesses his dirty crime. He is then sentenced life imprisonment and Sajida is declared innocent. Everyone rejoices at the triumph of good and the 'Zebo rape case' closes. Meera and Arsh come even closer leading for their marriage, Sajida is welcomed home followed by Meera and Arsh's engagement. Zebo and Sajida start a new happy life, where there's hope for the best in the future. At the end of the episode, Arsh's dream is fulfilled as he performs on stage singing 'Bol Ke Lub Azaad Hain Tere' with Meera as a tribute to Zebo, the entire family gets united as Sajida is now released.

Production

Development

Udaari was developed by Hum TV's senior producer Momina Duraid of MD Productions, the channel hired the award-winning director Mohammed Ehteshamuddin to direct the series. Story of serial is written by award-winning writer Farhat Ishtiaq. It was Ishtiaq's first screenplay without a novel release, she has previously worked thrice with Momina, when she wrote mega-hit drama serials in Pakistan television history Humsafar, Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu. and Diyar-e-Dil.

Song composition is done by Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider while background music is given by Mohsin AllahDitta who chose singers like Bushra Ansari, Hadiqa Kiani and Farhan Saeed for singing. It was Insari and Kiani's second collaboration after Pakistan Idol. Kiani and Saeed collaborated on the title song and also provided the vocals for the characters of Meeran and Arsh (portrayed by Saeed). There were discussions laid on its time slot, previously it was announced that the show will air on Saturdays replacing Durad's Gul-e-Rana. However, due to promotional reasons and Slot importance the show was given time slot of Sundays, 8:00 pm, whereas the long running series, Abroo was gives a time slot of Saturdays. Udaari was initially planned to be released in 2017 after completion of filming but Duraid decided to release it in 2016 to bring Hum TV's Sunday slot on better position to face 2017, It was released in April and was planned to end along with Hum TV's Mann Mayal thereby both the shows were slotted to maintain Sunday and Monday slots to bring higher Television Rating Points (TRP) to them for the future .

Casting

(left to right) Samiya Mumtaz (portraying Saajida), Bushra Ansari (portraying Sheedan). Ansari received critical acclaim and popularity for her role of Sheedan, she was awarded as the most impactful character on the 6th Hum Awards.

Producer, writer and Director mutually chose the cast which includes Bushra Ansari, Samiya Mumtaz, Ahsan Khan, Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed and Hina Altaf Khan/Areesha Ahsan to play the leading roles of Sheedhan, Sajida, Imtiaz, Meera, Arsh and Zebo.

Veteran Actress Bushra Ansari who received appraisal for her famous roles of Saima Chaudhary in blockbuster series Kis Ki Ayeegi Baraat, and famous series Bilqees Kaur was selected to Portray the role of Appa Sheedan. The actress received critical acclaim within the pilot episode, according to her, this role was a challenge. Ansari was a huge subject to critical acclaim, her role was lauded by the critics due to her Village get up and parody.

Urwa Hocane and Farhan Saeed marked their second appearance together as a couple being previously acted in Ary Digital's Mere Ajnaabi.

It was Samiya Mumtaz, Momina Duraid and Mohammed Ehteshamuddin's third project together after Sadqay Tumhare. Mumtaz portrayed the role of Sajida who struggles for her child's Justice and bares all tortures, she had a close association with Ansari as her onscreen friend, Mumtaz's role of a helpless village women earned her critical acclaim where critics praised her role, get up, acting skills and close association with Bushra Ansari alongside Mumtaz, Hina Altaf Khan portrayed the role of rape-survivor, Zebo. It was her third project with Duraid after Series like Aik Thi Misaal and Abroo, this role was initially portrayed by Areesha Ahsan as child artist till episode 15. Roshaneh Zafar, Founder of Kashf Foundation states about building the character of Zebo, Zaibo is convinced into speaking up and coming out with the truth about Imtiaz (also portrayed brilliantly by Ahsan Khan). Alongside Khan, Ins-e-Yazdan (Hocane's Brother) marked his debut for the character of Janze.

Udaari was Ahsan Khan's first series where he portrayed a negative role, khan was selected to play the child molester Imtiaz, this role was previously offered to actor Mikaal Zulfiqar who rejected it due to its grey personality. Speaking about his role, Khan states Even while reading the script, I could not digest these scenes. It is definitely the most difficult character to portray on-screen, further sommecfting on his role Khan states Such abuse leaves the child traumatised forever. My maid's child was suffering from it and that's what made me realise that I need to spread awareness. commenting on critical acclaim Khan stated It's a huge honour for me to receive this appreciation from one of the greatest villains of all times. Khan's negative role of child molester earned him critical acclaim from Pakistan and International countries, speaking about his Bollywood popularity, Khan states Reena Roy is also following my show and has also appreciated my role, furthermore, the Yes Boss actor wrote to Khan saying Hi brother, we saw your show Udaari. It is fantastic and you are outstanding. Speaking about series reviews from India, Khan states Udaari isn't being aired in India currently but these two stars have been watching my show on YouTube. I really appreciate their love and support.

Production also chose Behroze Sabzwari, Laila Zuberi, Maryam Fatima, Rehan Sheikh, Haris Waheed and Aqeel Abbas for the supporting roles of Khalid, Muneera, Farwa, Majid, Illyas and Balay respectively. Sabzwari received critical acclaim for his role of Tajamul in Duraid's Diyar-e-Dil, he was selected to portray Khalid alongside Zuberi who joined the series after her previous project Mann Mayal with Duraid.

Music and sound

OST Vocalists Hadiqa Kiani and Farhan Saeed

All the music and songs of Udaari were composed by musician Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider with Mubarak and Zahid being the sound engineer. The background score is given by Bilal Allahdittah, the lyrics for the OST were penned down by Imran Raza. The OST Sajna Ve Sajna was sung by Farhan Saeed and Hadiqa Kiani. It marks the return of Hadiqa Kiani to Hum TV, since she performed for the channel's hit drama series Zindagi Gulzar Hai's title song. Veteran actress and vocalist Bushra Ansari performed only Punjabi music for various episodes. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's Samjhawanki was taken and performed by Hadiqa Kiani for the series.

Udaari's full OST was released in May 2016. Saajna Ve Saajna received critical acclaim for Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider for comping and Hadiqa Kiani and Farhan Saeed for vocals. The Series dominated the Top No.1 rank according to Pakistan's Official Music App Taazi. "Mein Tenu Samjhawanki" received critical acclaim and success.

Filming and locations

Shooting began in February 2016 and finished in May/June. Shooting was extensively done in urban areas of Lahore and Multan, whilst the production house also chose Mirpur Khas for a shooting location. Some of the shooting was done in Karachi as well, in United Medical And Dental College. Udaari's first promo was released in March. Chief editing and cinematography was carried out by Azhar Ali who edited the series. The series was ordered and consists of 25 episodes. Udaari was initially planned to be released in 2017 after completion of filming but Duraid decided to release it in 2016 to bring Hum TV's Sunday slot on better position to face 2017. It was released in April and was planned to end along with Hum TV's Mann Mayal thereby both the shows were slotted to maintain Sunday and Monday slots to bring higher Television Ratings (TRP) for the channel in future.

Post Production and Pre-release

Press Conference

On 7 April 2016 a press conference was held for Udaari. The programme, hosted by Shanaz Ramzi, CEO Starlinks PR began the proceedings with a welcome and a brief introduction about the serial. A show-reel followed. Momina Duraid from MD productions shared that some of the actors had to really come out of their comfort zones for the roles that they played in the drama. Explaining what prompted the decision to create the drama on such a complex subject, Roshaneh Zafar from Kashf Foundation pointed to the Kasur incident as the catalyst which pushed both Kashf Foundation and MD Productions towards bringing the issue onto mainstream television. Ehteshamuddin, the director explained how it had been challenging to get the writer, Farhat Ishtiaq to write the script, as not only was the subject a difficult one to portray on screen but it also needed a script that was very close to reality. Bushra Ansari shared her role which is that of a woman who is extremely confident but unrefined, and embodies the real culture of Pakistan's rural areas. She regaled the media present with her quick vivid descriptions and stories painted about the time on set in Mirpur Khas.

Music

Udaari OST
Soundtrack album by Farhan Saeed, Hadiqa Kiani, Bushra Ansari and Maryam Fatima
Released	12 April 2016 (2016-04-12)
Recorded	2016
Genre	Television soundtrack
Language	Punjabi, Urdu
Label	M.D Productions and Kashf Foundation
Producer	Momina Duraid

The title song of Udaari was composed by musician Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider, the lyrics were penned down by Imran Raza. The OST was sung by Farhan Saeed and Hadiqa Kiani. It marks the return of Hadiqa Kiani to Hum TV, since she performed for the channel's hit drama series Zindagi Gulzar Hai's title song.

The Soundtrack is produced along with the series production by Momina Duraid and Kashf Productions. The original music was recorded by the production house itself while few songs used in the show were covers of previous classics, including the song Mein Tenu Samjhawanki which was sung by Hadiqa Kiani. Actress Bushra Ansari revamped classic Punjabi Pakistani songs.

Udaari's full OST was released in May 2016. Saajna Ve Saajna received critical acclaim for Sahir Ali Bagga and Sohail Haider for comping and Hadiqa Kiani and Farhan Saeed for vocals. The Series dominated the Top No.1 rank according to Pakistan's Official Music App Taazi. "Mein Tenu Samjhawanki" received critical acclaim and success.

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Imran Raza; all music is composed by Sahir Ali Bagga & Sohail Haider

No.	Title	Artist(s)	Length
1.	"Sajna ve Sajna"	Hadiqa Kiani & Farhan Saeed	6:32
2.	"Jab Se Miley Tum"	Farhan Saeed & Maryam Fatima	1:22
3.	"Main Tenu Samjhawan"	Hadiqa Kiani	3:06
4.	"Udaari (Instrument)"	Hadiqa Kiani & Farhan Saeed	4:33
5.	"Kukra Dhamidiya"	Bushra Ansari	1:19
6.	"Mere Banre Tey"	Bushra Ansari	1:10
7.	"Bol Ke Lab"	Hadiqa Kiani & Farhan Saeed	4:40
8.	"Pehli Pehli Vaari"	Bushra Ansari	2:32
Total length:			15:01

Release

Broadcast

Udaari was originally decided to release in September after completion of filming in July and post production delays, but instead Production decided to release it in April with approximately two months and 15 episodes far from the original broadcasting. With its release, it was initially decided to premiere on 9 April 2016, and air every Saturday night with higher reception, replacing Gul-e-Rana which had maintained the slot with a high viewership for the channel. But to maintain their Sunday slot, the channel instead released Udaari on 10 April 2016, airing every Sunday night, replacing Abro, which was then shifted to Saturdays. The channel aired a weekly episode for approximately 30–45 minutes (without commercials). It was ordered and compromised 25 episodes. It was aired on Hum Europe in UK, on Hum TV USA in USA and Hum TV Mena on UAE, with same timings and premiered date. All International broadcasting aired the series in accordance with their standard times.

Homa media

In late November 2016, Hum Network released Udaaril's season on a DVD set along with other shows like Mann Mayal, Gul-e-Rana, Diyar-e-Dil and Abroo. All episodes of Udaari went available on Hum's official site by late 2016. In January 2017, iflix contracted Hum Network and picked few commercially successful seasons where they picked the entire season of Mayal Mayal on a subscription basis.

Ratings

Number of Episodes	Timeslot (PST)	Premiere			Finale			TV Season	Rank (2016)	Overall viewership (Millions)
		Date	PAK Viewers (Millions)	Television Rating Points (TRP)	Date	PAK Viewers (Millions)	Television Rating Points (TRP)
25	Sundays 08:00 pm	10 April 2016 (2016-04-10)	1.9	4.9	25 September 2016 (2016-09-25)	2.9	10	2016	No #1	18.67

According to BizAsia, Udaari premiered with 87.1 thousand viewers in UK, the series averaged between 70 thousand viewers will episode 10. On episode eleven, Udaari scored 11.5 Million Viewership followed by episode twelve which gained 11.9 Million viewers, with further episodes it averaged viewership in millions. After Averaging a viewership of 70 Thousand viewers till episode seventeen, the eighteenth episode gained a record breaking viewership for the series of 16.5 Million viewers. On a scale of Top ten shows of Pakistan in 2016,Udaari had dominated the No. #2 spot where as another Hum TV series, Mann Mayal dominated the No. #1 position. Both the shows bought a higher reception for the channel. The series competed with Geo TV's most expensive Pakistani series, Mor Mahal which was then shifted to 22:00 slot between the course of show.

Hum TV released the ratings Information of the series on their official Facebook page. Udaari premiered with 4.9 Television Rating Points (TRPs), moreover the channel stated that they the third episode too scored 4.9 TRPs. With the fourth episode, Udaari bought 5.5 TRPs and with episode six it gained 4.0 TRPs. On its eighth episode,Udaari scored a hit by jumping to 7.1 TRPs, the series average 6 TRPs till episode thirteen where as on episode fourteen the series once again bought a higher point of 7.3 TRP, next week the series bought Its highest ratings of 7.8 TRP. Udaari was Ramadan's most watched show where viewership decreases, the series received higher viewership leaving behind several gameshows. On its sixteenth episode, Udaari received 6.2 TRPs, it was expected to score the same next week but it peaked at 7.3 TRPs on its seventeenth episode. On Its eighteenth episode Udaari moved further receiving 7.8 TRPs. Close to its finale Udaari peaked at 6.0 TRPs on its Twentieth episode and 6.6TRPs on its Twenty first episode. The Last episode of Udaari averaged 6.8TRP at 20:00, after 21:00 it averaged 7.9 TRPs peaking at points above 10 TRP's.

PAK TV ratings

Udaari episode rankings in the P.A.K. television market

Episode	Timeslot (PST)	TV season	Rank (overall)	Timeslot Rank	Viewers (millions)
2	Sunday 8:00pm/20:00	2016	#2	#2	2.1
5	Sunday 8:00pm/20:00	2016	#2	#1	2.1
8	Sunday 8:00pm/20:00	2016	#2	#1	2.7
12	Sunday 8:00pm/20:00	2016	#2	#1	2.7
18	Sunday 8:00pm/20:00	2016	#1	#1	2.7
22	Sunday 8:00pm/20:00	2016	#1	#1	2.6
25	Sunday 8:00pm/20:00	2016	#1	#1	3.0

Critical appreciation

Writing for Dawn News, Sadaf Haider moderately reviewed the series praising its parody if culture saying, Udaari reads like a brightly colored map of Pakistani society today. Divisions of class and wealth are amply illustrated but so are everyday human interactions. Furthermore, Haider praises the casting stating, Udaari has a strong star cast and it looks as if we will see some great performances. She concluded her review saying that Udaari seems like a safe bet for some informative and enjoyable hour every Sunday. In April issue of The Express Tribune, Udaari was ranked third behind Mann Mayal and Dillagi'.

Khan received immense popularity and appraisal for portraying Imtiaz

However, Sheeba Khan of Dawn praised the series script and characters saying, ..Udaari, gave an astounding opening this week with its larger than life first episode. After watching the serial, one is blown away by the phenomenal acting and superb characterization in this drama. Moreover, Khan praised Udaari's premier and culture saying Udaari has a very impressive opening with flamboyant characters and their dull sides of life. Every actor is immersed into the feel of his and her role, and gives a magnificent performance. All of them have acquired Punjabi accents with so much ease and grace that it will make you think as if they are not just characters, but are real people from an actual rural setting. She concluded her issue praising Farhat Ishtiaq's writing saying The best part about Udaari is its characterization of each actor, for which the writer Farhat Ishtiaq should be applauded.

Sadaf Haider of Dawn News praised Udaari's direction saying, Udaari's success lies firmly with director Ehtashamuddin's masterful ability to translate Farhat Ishtiaq's wonderful script flawlessly to the screen. He has elicited some great performances from his team and made sure this wide-ranging storyline did not lose its way. Furthermore, she stated that even after Seven episodes, Uddari is successfully topping rating charts. Talking about same publication, Sheeba Khan praised the Urban and rural life combination for Dawn's review, Khan states, The director has managed to extract the best out of all of his actors and has shown a great amount of sensitivity to what should be projected on screen. Sexual abuse is a huge issue in Pakistan, yet for some odd reason has become a taboo and cannot be spoken about. Lastly she praised the theme of child abuse and societal issues by saying, Pairing a debate on sexual abuse with a commentary on parenting is a smart move, and just shows how, of all the plays running right now, Udaari is not only intelligent and real, it highlights issues in society that need attention so they can be prevented. It shows that victims need not keep quiet and that their families should be their first line of defence. Further more Sadaf Haider praised the roles of Ahsan Khan and Samiya Mumtaz praising Sajida's positivity for her Daughter Zebo, according to her reviews, It was Mumtaz's most powerful role, where she portrayed the role of a village women with an extreme powerful getup sparking her role.

Dawn News's article Sadaf Haider praised the Twenty first episode of Udaari with series giving its message, Haider praised the character of Zebo and Arsh stating, Most significant of all, instead of lecturing Zebo to do the right thing, Arsh becomes a true hero by empowering her and showing her a way to take control of her life. He explains that any shame or guilt is not her burden to carry; all of it should be firmly placed on the perpetrator's shoulders, never the victim's.

While talking to local media about, Urwa Hocane portraying the role of Meera discussed the importance of the drama and social taboos like child abuse and rape. Hocane said, It's about time for women to talk about this. I think Udaari has brought a change. The people who wanted to ban it couldn't because of the people who wanted the drama to bring about a change. Girls don't speak about such things. I am probably destined to change that mindset. Furthermore, talking about her role of Meera being a local musician, Hocane stated, I want to change the mindset of people. Bushra jee told me that the word miraasi comes from miraas. You should be proud of it rather than feel horrible about it.

In addition to critical reviews Imtiaz's character received wide media attention and has been a subject of popularity since the beginning, commenting in his role Ahsan Khan stated that Even while reading the script, I could not digest these scenes. It is definitely the most difficult character to portray on-screen. Moreover, Khan decided to donate 20% of his fee from the serial to the victims of the heinous crime, he also began working with an NGO to make his contributions more substantial and concrete. Khan commented on the series theme child abuse stating, Such abuse leaves the child traumatised forever. My maid's child was suffering from it and that's what made me realise that I need to spread awareness. commenting on critical acclaim Khan stated It's a huge honour for me to receive this appreciation from one of the greatest villains of all times. Khan's negative role of child molester earned him critical acclaim.

Moreover, Fatima Awan of Review It praised the role of rape-victom Zebo, according to her Udaari played a major role in educating their audience against communal crimes. Apart from sexual abuse, Awan also commented on other societal issues such as politician's negative support and bribing police which plays a major role in societies. Role of Zebo was furthermore praised where Awan states that every girl should stand for her justice and live her life not as a victim but a survivor. Further more Awan commented on the final episode of Udaari where she praised the roles of Zebo, Sajida, Imtiaz, Arsh, Muneera, Meera and Sheedan. With Arsh (Portrayed by Farhan Saeed) Awan praised the message he gave against child sexual abuse and for the favour of Women rights, she praised the roles of Sajida and Zebo where the two finally sealed justice and of Munnera educating her society. According to her review, Udaari has proved o be the major commercial success of 2016.

According to critics Udaari received excess ratings as Pakistan's most expensive Geo TV series Mor Mahal was set to release with the same slot after a long running production, there was a competition between the two and as a result, Udaari proved to be a successful show where as Mor Mahal was shifted to 22:00 slot due to low ratings.

Controversies

On May 10, 2016, 'Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority' (PEMRA) issued a notice against Udaari calming that It had inappropriate content on its eighth episode and an immoral storyline of Child abuse. However, on 25 May 2016 Momina Duraid responded PREMRA regarding the reality of society and responded the issue, as a result the issue was taken back. Further more Duraid stated that, We feel that Pemra might have been misled by a group of people who would never want our society to raise and flourish. We will explain our view point and present it with evidence. We are attaching articles and feedback supporting Udaari with the our reply. Following this Udaari received support from several audiences and various TV Artists.

Awards and accolades

Year	Award	Date	Category	Recipient(s)	Result	Ref.
2017	Hum Awards	April 29, 2017 22 July 2017 (televised)	Best Drama Serial (Jury)	Momina Duraid	Won
			Best Drama Serial - Popular		Won
			Best Director Drama Serial	Mohammed Ehteshamuddin	Won
			Best Actor (Jury)	Ahsan Khan	Won
			Best Actor in a Negative Role		Won
			Best Actor - popular		Nominated
			Most Impactful Character		Won
				Bushra Ansari	Won
			Best Actress - Popular	Urwa Hocane	Nominated
			Best Supporting Actor	Farhan Saeed	Won
			Best Writer Drama Serial	Farhat Ishtiaq	Won
			Best Original Soundtrack	Sajna ve Sajna by Hadiqa Kiani & Farhan Saeed	Nominated
			Best Onscreen Couple - Popular	Farhan Saeed & Urwa Hocane	Nominated
			Best Onscreen Couple (Jury)		Won
			Honourable Award for Best Child Performance of the Year	Arisha Ahsan	Won
	Lux Style Awards	July 29, 2016 20 August 2016 (televised)
			Best TV Play	Momina Duraid	Won
			Best TV Director	Mohammed Ehteshamuddin	Won
			Best Original Soundtrack	Momina Duraid	Nominated
			Best Actor	Ahsan Khan	Won
			Best TV Writer	Farhat Ishtiaq	Won
	IPPA Awards	20 August 2016 (televised)	Best Actor TV	Ahsan Khan	Won
			Best TV Director	Mohammed Ehteshamuddin	Won
			Best Supporting Actor	Farhan Saeed	Nominated
			Best Soundtrack of the Year	Momina Duraid for Sajna ve Sajna	Nominated
			Best Actor (Male)	Ahsan Khan	Won
			Best TV Writer	Farhat Ishtiaq	Won
			Best on-screen couple	Farhan Saeed & Urwa Hocane	Won

See also

• 2016 in Pakistani television
• List of programs broadcast by Hum TV
• Mann Mayal
• Humsafar
• Diyar-e-Dil
• Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu

External links

• Official website
• Udaari at IMDb
• Udaari on Facebook