Despite boasting an impressive cast, an experienced director, and a brilliant writer, Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi failed to create any hype before it premiered, however, people learned about the drama once it went on-air. Once its first episode premiered, the drama was all people could talk about. The audience immediately fell in love with the gripping storyline and realistic performances. But then again, when names like Kashif Nisar and Amna Mufti are attached to a project, the expectation is bound to be high. Fortunately, Kashf Foundation’s Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi delivers on all fronts.
Three separate timelines
Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi introduces the audiences to three separate timelines; one set in the present, one in 2012, and one in 2008. The present storyline focuses on a modern/elite brothel and the women that live in the house; the 2012 timeline is set in a patriarchal society where young girls aren’t even allowed to play outside their homes and the 2008 timeline is set in an underprivileged area that deals with a poor family finding it hard to make ends meet.
Apparently, the 2012 and 2008 timelines are supposed to be the background stories of the characters we see in the present timeline. However, they haven’t revealed exactly whose backstory is the audience watching so far and that element of mystery makes the show even more interesting. At a time when dramas struggle to manage even one timeline properly, Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi weaves three separate timelines in a smooth and effective flow.
Superlative performances
The drama stars some of the most talented actors of Pakistan. Leading the cast is Kashif Nisar’s favorite Yumna Zaidi as the enigmatic Sumbal. Sumbal is entirely different from the previous two characters Yumna played in Pyar Kay Sadqay and Raaz-e-Ulfat last year and that is a testament to Yumna’s versatility. Yasra Rizvi is equally brilliant as Sawera; her scenes with Yumna are especially enjoyable. Navid Shahzad doesn’t appear in a lot of dramas but her acting in this one proves that she still remains one of the finest actors in the country.
Nadia Afgan, Omair Rana, Kashif Mehmood, Samiya Mumtaz, and Noor-ul-Hassan make their presence felt in supporting roles. Wahaj Ali made a brief appearance at the end of episode 3. It will be interesting to watch his equation with Yumna Zaidi. The kids from the 2012 and 2008 timelines deserve a huge round of applause for giving such heartfelt performances. Their dynamics are very entertaining to watch and that is only because of the child actors’ convincing performances.
Since Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi deals with multiple sensitive topics, it isn’t exactly going to be an easy watch. Human trafficking, child abuse, and child marriages are rampant in our society and such stories need to be told in order to spread awareness about them. And so far, Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi has done an excellent job in conveying the right message.
