Mann Jogi – Projecting reality through art

Sultana Siddiqui recently set the stage for viewers to mull over a powerful narrative of resilience and acceptance as producer of ‘Mann Jogi,’ the first of three mini-serials, currently airing exclusively on HUM TV. The former PTV director and now President of HUM Network who won accolades for her brilliant serial ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’ on HUM TV, has ventured into this domain after 12 years. Unable to bear the rising tide of intolerance, terrorism and bigoted issues prevailing in society, she took up the banner to bring awareness to people. Directed by the acclaimed Kashif Nisar, with a gripping script by Zafar Mairaj, ‘Mann Jogi’ serves as a heartfelt reflection on the impact of anger and intolerance in our lives, conveying a narrative that stands as a sharp commentary on the complexities of human behaviour.

Starring the talented Bilal Abbas Khan, Sabeena Farooq and Mirza Gohar Rasheed, the serial brings together a cast that is delivering a powerhouse performance.

With an in-depth exploration of societal issues, ‘Mann Jogi’ sheds light on the destructive tendencies that plague our communities, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences they entail. Through its thought-provoking storyline offering a fresh perspective, the drama confronts the injustices perpetuated by negative attitudes, inviting viewers to question their own behavior and actions and the choices they make.

As the serial proceeds, audiences are taken on an emotional journey, witnessing the effects of anger and intolerance on individuals and society as a whole.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the serial, its director Sultana Siddiqui shared;

“The project was born out of a deep-seated desire to create thought-provoking content, specifically addressing the destructive tendencies within the society. We wanted to create impactful and meaningful content that would resonate with the audience. The overarching thought behind the project is to explore pervasive societal attitudes, particularly the anger and intolerance that often leads to injustice. The narrative reveals how individuals jeopardize others’ lives for personal gain, with some cunning people supporting these actions and ultimately destroying innocent lives.”

What sets ‘Mann Jogi’ apart is its ability to convey important messages subtly. The drama tackles sensitive topics without resorting to sensationalism. For instance, scenes such as lynch mobs are not clearly shown in its fourth episode, as the intention is only to effectively convey the narrative rather than create unnecessary shock value.

As far as the performances are concerned, the cast of ‘Mann Jogi’ delivers exceptional performances, with Bilal Abbas Khan shining as Ibrahim, portraying his character’s fate with remarkable depth, Sabeena Farooq as Aliya showcasing a range of emotions from fear to solace and Mirza Gohar Rasheed displaying strength and vulnerability as Shabbir. Despite having fewer dialogues, Bilal Abbas Khan’s acting has won the hearts as he knows how to convey the intent through his expressions.

Overall, “Mann Jogi” is a compelling and resonant drama that is making waves for all the right reasons and sparking important conversations around societal attitudes and human behavior.

The snippets showcasing netizens’ love for the play further affirms the impact ‘Mann Jogi’ is making in the world of Pakistan’s drama industry.