“Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain stands as a heartfelt portrayal of life in a struggling Karachi neighborhood. It’s more than a story—it’s the journey of a family trying to hang on to their dreams.”
This Pakistani soap opera premiered on ARY Digital in 2011, created under the banner of Six Sigma Entertainment and brought to life by talented writer Zoha Hasan and director Nain Maniar. With 327 episodes that aired from February 27, 2011, to October 1, 2012, it offered viewers a deep dive into the heart of Mehmoodabad—a modest area full of hopes, hardships, and human spirit.
A Glimpse into the Plot of Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain
The story revolves around Zahid Ahmed and his family—wife Shah Jahan, three daughters, and two sons—living in the humble settings of Mehmoodabad, Karachi. Zahid, unemployed and seeking spiritual solace, often scolds his daughters for not strictly following Islamic practices. Meanwhile, his daughters navigate the walls of expectations, dreams, and rebellion.
The plot also introduces neighbor Shabbir and his sisters, who move in with Zahid’s family due to financial hardships, weaving more emotional threads and conflicts into the household dynamics.
Key Characters and Cast of Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain
- Zahid Ahmed (Shahid Naqvi): A father struggling with duty, faith, and income.
- Shah Jahan (Anita Campher): A caring mother whose favorite daughter is named Afreen.
- Afreen (Sajal Aly): Innocent yet strong-willed; her debut role won hearts.
- Rimsha (Saboor Aly): Charming and expressive—another breakthrough role.
- Nasreen (Farah Ali): A dreamer with a voice of her own.
- Yasmeen (Sana Ismail): A factory worker caught between survival and ambition.
- Nasir (Babar Khan): Zahid’s elder son with a heart set on marrying Sajida.
- Owais (Naveed Raza): Young, impulsive, and willing to run away for love.
- Sajida (Natasha Saleem): The object of Nasir’s affection.
- Shabbir (Farhad Farid): The neighbor who brings unexpected dynamics into the house.
Among many aspects, the casting revealed new talent and dissolved barriers—especially with Sajal Aly and Saboor Aly making their acting debuts.
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/
Creative Team Behind the Drama (Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain)
- Writer: Zoha Hasan, who built a layered and social narrative.
- Director: Nain Maniar, who shaped the storyline into memorable vignettes.
- Producers: Samina Humayun Saeed and Shehzad Nasib under Six Sigma Entertainment.
- OST: “Sapne Me Jagti Malkain” sung by Afshah Nawaz, composed by Waqar Ali.
Structure and Broadcast Details
- Episodes: A lengthy, daily soap opera with 327 episodes.
- Airing Schedule: Broadcasted Monday to Thursday at 9:30 PM on ARY Digital.
- Re-runs: Also aired on ARY Zauq in 2012 and ARY Zindagi in 2019
Themes and Social Reflection
Poverty and Aspirations
The family battles daily hardships yet looks beyond with dreams. Afreen’s club performance and Zahid’s spiritual shift are vivid examples.
Strict Religious Upbringing vs Youthful Freedom
Zahid’s devotion clashes with his daughters’ desires to explore beyond conservatism. Their paths diverge—some elope, some find work—challenging traditional bonds.
Rebel Hearts and Bold Decisions
From teenage love to running away, each character charts a distinct path, adding depth to the social fabric.
Launching Sajal and Saboor Aly’s Careers
“Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain” served as the debut lead drama for sisters Sajal Aly (Afreen) and Saboor Aly (Rimsha). Their portrayals were natural, layered, and quickly noticed by fans and critics alike. In later interviews, Sajal expressed gratitude to Humayun Saeed, whose production house gave her this launching pad.
Impact and Reception
The drama resonated with audiences who saw reflections of city life, dreams, and generational tensions. It also earned a Best Soap award at the Pakistan Media Awards (2013)—a testament to its popularity.
Production Insights and Trivia
Behind the scenes, the show was a launch platform for many rising actors. For example, actor Muneeb Butt once auditioned among 40–50 hopefuls, standing in line and even recognizing Humayun Saeed at the audition venue—an anecdote that reveals the competitive spirit of acting life.
Jahanzeb Khan, another actor, started with a minor role in this drama, showing how the set became a seedbed for future stars.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Though set in a modest neighborhood, the drama spoke to universal experiences—family, faith, conflict, and hope. It launched careers, brought female-led storytelling into the spotlight, and still enjoys re-runs on various ARY platforms. That legacy continues to warm screens and hearts.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Drama Type | Daily soap opera, family drama |
| Aired | Feb 2011 – Oct 2012, ARY Digital |
| Episodes | 327 |
| Writer/Director | Zoha Hasan / Nain Maniar |
| Cast Highlights | Sajal Aly, Saboor Aly, Anita Campher |
| Themes | Poverty, family conflict, tradition |
| Music | OST by Afshah Nawaz, music by Waqar Ali |
| Legacy | Career launch, award-winning, enduring reruns |
Final Thoughts
“Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain” is more than a TV drama—it’s a piece of Karachi’s soul and Pakistan’s television legacy. It marked the genesis of major talent, offered thoughtful social reflections, and remains cherished by viewers. Whether you’re discovering it now or revisiting again, the queens of Mehmoodabad still reign.
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