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Daam
Promotional image
GenreDrama
Written byUmera Ahmad
Directed byMehreen Jabbar
StarringSanam Baloch
Aamina Sheikh
Adeel Hussain
Nimra Bucha
Sanam Saeed
Faisal Shah
Pari Hashmi khan
Opening theme"Daam Tha" by Zeb and Haniya
Country of originPakistan
Original languageUrdu
No. of episodes18
Production
ProducersHumayun Saeed
Abdullah Kadwani
Production company7th Sky Entertainment
Original release
NetworkARY Digital
Release11 June (2010-06-11) –
15 October 2010 (2010-10-15)

Daam (Urdu: دام, lit. Price) is a Pakistani drama television series which premiered on ARY Digital on 11 June 2010 and its last episode aired on 15 October 2010. The 18-episode series is directed by Mehreen Jabbar, is written by popular Urdu novelist Umera Ahmad and produced by Humayun Saeed and Abdullah Kadwani's production house 7th Sky Entertainment.[1]

It was rebroadcast by ARY Network on ARY Zauq in 2013 and was also aired in India on Zindagi, premiering on 26 October 2015. The show ended its run in India on 29 November 2015.

Cast and characters

[edit]
  • Sanam Baloch as Zara Hidayatullah; a hardworking student of MBBS, Maleeha's best friend and classmate who hails from an underprivileged family
  • Aamina Sheikh as Maleeha Sami; a confident student, Zara's best friend and classmate and Junaid's sister
  • Adeel Hussain[2] as Junaid Sami; Maleeha's brother
  • Nimra Bucha as Aasma Hidayatullah; Zara's elder sister who works harder as a breadwinner of her family
  • Sanam Saeed as Fiza; Maleeha's stubborn and arrogant cousin and classmate
  • Pari Hashmi as Mano; Zara's intellectually challenged younger sister
  • Muhammad Yasir as Jamaal; Zara's brother who aspires to be an actor
  • Lubna Aslam as Amna; Zara's mother
  • Shahid Naqvi as Hidayatullah; Zara's good-for-nothing father
  • Faisal Shah as Yasir; Maleeha's fiancé and Fiza's brother
  • Syed Mohammad Ahmed as Sami; Maleeha's father who is doctor by profession
  • Parveen Malik as Maleeha's mother
  • Behroze Sabzwari as Haji Sahab; Amna's brother who pretends to be pious
  • Atif Badar as Ghulam Ali; Shopkeeper from Zara's neighborhood
  • Farah Nadir as Sajida; Haji Sahab's wife
  • Ahmed Zeb as Jibran; Fiza's fiancé
  • Mohib Mirza as himself
  • Gohar Rasheed as himself
  • Azfar Rehman as himself
  • Shehrzade Sheikh as himself
  • Humayun Saeed as Hassan; Zara colleague in hospital (cameo)
  • Aijaz Aslam as Fareed; Aasma's husband (cameo)

Plot

[edit]

Zara Hidayatullah and Maleeha Sami have been two close friends for seven years. Zara belongs to a lower-middle-class family while Maleeha comes from an upper-class household, but their class difference does not threaten their friendship. Maleeha has been there for her friend through many hardships, but she never really felt the extent of anguish which plagued Zara's life. The great blow to their friendship comes when Maleeha's elder brother Junaid shows his interest in marrying Zara. Their parents have no objection to the union, but it comes as a shock to Maleeha. She thought that Zara was trapping her brother, who could live a better life. Maleeha's cousin Fiza, who is also Zara and Maleeha's class fellow, starts manipulating her against Zara. Meanwhile, Zara's family found the perfect suitor for her older sister Aasma, whose marriage was a reason for depression for anyone. She promises Junaid that his family can approach hers with their proposal after her sister's marriage. But things didn't go as planned. Zara's father is imprisoned for deceit in a business scheme he was involved in. Her family needed to accumulate a large amount of money to pay for his bail, which they couldn't afford. Zara asks Maleeha for help, but Maleeha makes a bargain with her. She decides to give Zara the money only if she breaks things up with Junaid. Insulted, disdained and helpless, Zara agrees and gives Maleeha the pendant Junaid gifted to her as a token of his love. Junaid's family later approaches Zara, but she turns them down by saying that she is committed to one of her cousins. Meanwhile, Fiza starts to develop feelings for Junaid. When Junaid refuses, Fiza makes life miserable for Maleeha and her husband Yasir, who is also Fiza's brother. Meanwhile, Zara receives a 100% scholarship and shifts to Glasgow for her further education. Moving to the UK after a short period of time, Zara returns to Maleeha every single penny that Maleeha had spent on her in the seven years of their friendship.

Seven years later, a professionally successful Zara reconnects with Junaid, who is unhappily married to Fiza. Junaid discovers that Zara lied about her engagement and was single all along. He confronts Maleeha and decides to divorce Fiza. Yasir threatens Maleeha with their own divorce if Junaid abandons Fiza. Maleeha visits Zara to apologize for what she made her do.

Zara, who had no intentions of marrying Junaid, tells Maleeha how deeply she loved him and how unfair Maleeha had been. Maleeha regrets her behavior and realizes that she had lost two important people in her life. Thus she tells Junaid the truth and leaves Yasir on her own. Zara moves back to the UK, rejecting Junaid but saying it would be impossible for her to forget the memories that she made with him.

Zara tells Maleeha that Maleeha actually has no regrets about her actions, despite hurting her best friend. Maleeha's apology is solely motivated by fear of losing her own husband if Zara accepts Junaid's proposal. Maleeha tearfully confesses her jealousy, admitting that Zara has always been the winner, leaving Maleeha in second place. Consumed by insecurity upon learning of Junaid's feelings for Zara, Maleeha's actions shattered Zara's dreams. Zara explains that falling for Junaid wasn't a choice, but an escape from the reality of Zara into a picture-perfect family of Maleeha.

A year later, Maleeha calls a happily married Zara to wish her a happy birthday. When her husband asks who the caller is, Zara talks of her as an old classmate and not her former best friend, symbolizing she has moved on for the better.

Reception

[edit]

A reviewer from Dawn praised the several performances of the actors, including that of Baloch, Sheikh, Naqvi and Bucha but criticised the slow pace.[3] Aslam's portrayal as a mother who always stands by her daughter was also praised.[4][5]

While praising Jabbar's direction and Ahmad's screenplay, DAWN Images listed it among the 10 iconic TV dramas.[6]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Recipient(s)/ nominee(s) Result Ref.
2010 Lux Style Awards Best Television Play - Satellite Daam Nominated [7]
Best Television Director Mehreen Jabbar Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Daam

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Daam (Urdu: دام, lit. 'trap') is a Pakistani -language drama television series that originally aired on in 2010, consisting of 18 episodes that delve into the complexities of , , , and differences among urban youth in . Written by acclaimed novelist and directed by , the series was produced by 7th Sky Entertainment under producers and . The narrative revolves around the deep bond between two best friends, Zara Hidayatullah from a lower-middle-class family and Maleeha Sami from an affluent background, whose lives unravel when Maleeha schemes to pay Zara to sabotage her impending marriage to Maleeha's brother, ultimately creating an inescapable "daam" (trap) of jealousy, hatred, and regret for all involved. Starring Sanam Baloch as Zara, Aamina Sheikh as Maleeha, Adeel Hussain as Junaid, Sanam Saeed as Fiza, and Nimra Bucha as Aasma, Daam marked early breakthroughs for several emerging actors and earned praise for its realistic depiction of contemporary Pakistani society, achieving an IMDb rating of 8.4 out of 10 based on viewer votes. The series premiered on June 11, 2010, and concluded on October 15, 2010, becoming one of ARY Digital's notable early successes in producing character-driven dramas that address emotional and relational dilemmas without relying on melodrama.

Background and production

Development

Daam was written by Umera Ahmed, known for her nuanced portrayals of interpersonal relationships. The series was directed by Mehreen Jabbar, selected for her expertise in character-driven dramas emphasizing emotional depth and realistic portrayals. The production was handled by 7th Sky Entertainment, led by Humayun Saeed and Abdullah Kadwani. The series consists of 18 episodes. took place in .

Casting and filming

Sanam Baloch portrayed Zara, portrayed Maleeha, and Adeel Hussain portrayed Junaid, marking his breakout role in television. Filming took place in 2010 in real locations in , including residential neighborhoods. Post-production focused on to ensure pacing that balanced dialogue-heavy scenes with visual , with episodes running approximately 40 minutes.

Cast and characters

Lead roles

Zara Hidayatullah, portrayed by , is a resilient and hardworking MBBS student from a lower-middle-class , introduced in the first episode as a dedicated young woman balancing academic ambitions with familial responsibilities and unwavering loyalty to her best friend. Baloch's captures Zara's internal struggles through natural and subtle expressions, earning for its authenticity and emotional depth. Maliha Sami, played by Aamina Sheikh, serves as Zara's ambitious yet flawed best friend from an affluent upper-class background, depicted initially as a confident MBBS classmate whose privileged upbringing influences her decisions. Sheikh's portrayal emphasizes Maliha's complex personality, highlighting the nuances of her ambition and relational dynamics with compelling realism. Junaid, enacted by Adeel Hussain in his debut leading role, is Maliha's elder brother and a gentle, honest individual studying abroad, introduced early on as a figure embodying traditional familial obligations while grappling with personal affections. Hussain's performance conveys Junaid's moral ambiguities and quiet intensity, noted for its subtlety and vitality in representing the character's dilemmas.

Supporting roles

Aasma Hidayatullah, portrayed by , serves as Zara's elder sister and the primary breadwinner in their underprivileged family, working as a secretary while grappling with personal bitterness from repeated marriage rejections and financial hardships. Her character introduces familial tension by embodying resilience amid adversity, often providing emotional support to Zara during crises, yet her cynical outlook underscores conservative societal expectations around women's roles and unmarried status in Pakistani families. Bucha's performance highlights Aasma's internal conflict, balancing quiet strength with underlying frustration to deepen the portrayal of lower-middle-class family dynamics. Fiza, played by Sanam Saeed, is Maliha's arrogant cousin and classmate, as well as a fellow student to Zara, whose manipulative nature drives key conflicts by sowing discord in the protagonists' through and . As a spoiled product of her affluent upbringing, offers moments of through her exaggerated ego and scheming, but her actions ultimately provide emotional support only to those aligning with her views, contrasting the leads' . Saeed's nuanced portrayal balances 's humor with deeper layers of insecurity, making her a pivotal who influences subplots involving romance and without overshadowing the central narrative. Other family members further enrich the story's exploration of societal roles, such as Zara's parents—Amna (Lubna Aslam) and the imprisoned Hidayatullah (Shahid Naqvi)—who represent financial instability and traditional dependencies that pressure daughters like Zara and Aasma into sacrificial roles. Maliha's father, Sami (Muhammad Ahmed), embodies a patriarchal yet benevolent figure in his upper-class household, influencing marriage decisions through his hospital ownership and family authority, while relatives like Haji Sahab () highlight hypocrisy in religious and familial obligations by offering selective aid. These characters collectively amplify themes of class disparity and norms, with their interactions subtly shaping the leads' choices in and relationships. Guest appearances, including (Humayun Saeed) as a brief romantic interest for Maliha and Mano (Pari Hashmi) in advisory subplots, contribute to episodic tensions by introducing external perspectives on and ambition, often catalyzing revelations in the main characters' arcs without dominating the overall storyline.

Plot and themes

Synopsis

Daam is a Pakistani television drama series that unfolds over a span of seven years, centering on the deep yet increasingly strained between Zara Hidayatullah, a diligent student from a lower-middle-class , and Maliha Sami, her affluent classmate and confidante. The story introduces tension when Maliha's brother, Junaid, proposes an to Zara, challenging the boundaries of their bond and highlighting class disparities. Comprising 18 episodes, the narrative arc addresses key themes through major developments, including Zara's family's financial hardships, broader societal expectations imposed on women, and the ripple effects of a desperate "" (daam) Maliha offers to safeguard their , which ultimately ensnares everyone in unintended complications. The series builds from an initial setup of interpersonal relationships and the in the early episodes, progresses to intensifying conflicts and betrayals amid shifting family dynamics in the middle, and culminates in efforts toward reconciliation in the later stages. Throughout, non-spoiler elements such as the integration of traditional customs, evolving alliances and tensions within the households, and poignant emotional peaks underscore the fragility of personal connections under external pressures, without resolving the central dilemmas. Zara's drive for and Maliha's protective instincts briefly intersect with Junaid's intentions, adding layers to the relational web.

Themes

Daam explores the fragility of and the corrosive impact of , particularly through the central relationship between two women whose bond is tested by personal ambitions and hidden resentments. The narrative illustrates how can be undermined when one friend's threatens the other's sense of entitlement, with the titular "daam"—meaning "trap" or "price"—serving as a for the emotional and social costs of misplaced trust. This dynamic highlights the erosion of interpersonal bonds in the face of , as one character manipulates circumstances to the other's happiness, ultimately fracturing a lifelong companionship. The series critiques roles in Pakistani society by portraying women's constrained agency within marriages and spheres, challenging patriarchal norms that limit their . Female characters navigate societal expectations that prioritize familial duty over personal fulfillment, often resorting to sacrifices in love or career to uphold traditional structures. For instance, the Zara embodies the "" —an educated who balances modern ambitions with domestic responsibilities—yet faces barriers rooted in biases that undermine her . This portrayal underscores the tension between and , where women must negotiate limited choices in a male-dominated framework. Class disparities and family obligations form a core tension, depicting the struggles of middle-class families amid financial desperation that prompts moral compromises. The contrast between affluent and economically vulnerable households reveals how socioeconomic divides exacerbate familial pressures, with poorer relatives expected to defer to wealthier kin in exchange for support. Characters endure hardships like debt and unstable livelihoods, leading to decisions that blur ethical lines for survival, such as prioritizing a sibling's marriage over personal aspirations. This examination reflects broader Pakistani societal realities, where class influences family dynamics and individual agency. Redemption and are woven throughout the seven-year timeline, emphasizing the arduous process of emotional and personal growth rather than swift . Betrayed characters grapple with lingering pain but ultimately prioritize self-evolution, choosing boundaries over unconditional . One figure attempts by dismantling the harm caused, yet true resolution lies in the victim's forward momentum, illustrating as an internal journey rather than an obligation. This theme underscores the long-term psychological toll of relational fractures and the potential for individual renewal. Cultural motifs enrich the emotional depth, with traditional attire symbolizing inner turmoil and societal rootedness. Characters' adherence to shalwar kameez and dupattas reinforces the interplay between personal identity and collective norms. These elements ground the story in Pakistani heritage, amplifying the universality of human struggles within a specific cultural context.

Broadcast and distribution

Original airing

Daam premiered on on June 11, 2010, as part of the network's programming focused on social dramas. The series aired weekly on Fridays at 8:00 PM, promoted through teasers that emphasized its central themes of and interpersonal relationships. The drama ran for 18 episodes, with each installment lasting approximately 40 minutes, and concluded its original run on October 15, 2010.

International release

The Pakistani drama series Daam expanded its reach internationally through television broadcasts and digital platforms following its original 2010 airing. In , it premiered on the Zindagi channel on October 26, 2015, and concluded its run on November 29, 2015, airing with English subtitles to cater to a diverse audience. The series contributed to the growing popularity of among South Asian viewers in India and the , as Zindagi's programming introduced such content to broader audiences seeking relatable narratives. Beyond South Asia, Daam was distributed via ARY Digital Network, which broadcasts to Middle Eastern countries through satellite and dedicated channels like ARY Arabia. Episodes became widely available online post-2010 on platforms such as YouTube and the ARY Digital app, enabling global access for expatriate communities and international fans; as of 2025, full episodes remain accessible on the official ARY Digital YouTube channel. This digital distribution helped extend the series' visibility to audiences in Europe, North America, and beyond, where ARY's international feeds are accessible. The series also saw a rerun on Zindagi DTH in September 2024.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Upon its release, Daam garnered praise for the compelling chemistry between leads and , whose natural portrayals of the central friendship brought emotional authenticity to the narrative. Reviewers highlighted how their performances captured the nuances of and , making the interpersonal dynamics a standout element. Mehreen Jabbar's direction was widely lauded for its elegant minimalist style, which effectively paced the emotional scenes and elevated the series' intimate tone. The screenplay by was commended for its mature handling of complex relationships, providing an intelligent exploration of the human condition without unnecessary embellishments. Critics offered mixed views on the script, with some accusing certain confrontations of veering into , particularly in moments of heightened conflict that felt overly dramatic. Additionally, a few noted a slower pace in the mid-season episodes, which occasionally disrupted the momentum despite the overall engaging flow. Media coverage emphasized the series' social relevance, particularly its depiction of class differences, pressures, and the sacrifices inherent in close bonds, resonating with audiences through realistic portrayals of everyday struggles. On , Daam holds an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 based on 291 user reviews, reflecting broad appreciation for its depth and execution. Contemporary responses in 2010 focused on the series' fresh and realistic approach to themes of friendship and loss, distinguishing it amid typical tropes. In retrospective assessments, such as a 2016 Dawn feature on iconic , critics appreciated its enduring impact, praising the timeless quality of its character-driven storytelling and subtle .

Accolades and impact

Daam received nominations at the 10th in 2011 for Best Television Play (Satellite) and Best Television Director for . Although it did not secure wins in either category, with Bol Meri Machli taking Best Television Play (Satellite) and Haissam Hussain winning Best Television Director for Daastan, the recognition highlighted the series' quality production and direction. The series significantly boosted the careers of its cast, particularly Adeel Hussain, whose lead role as Junaid marked his major breakthrough in Pakistani television after earlier short series appearances. Hussain's performance in Daam established him as a versatile actor, leading to prominent roles in subsequent hits like Mera Naseeb and Mora Piya. Culturally, Daam influenced discussions on female friendships in Pakistani media by portraying complex dynamics of loyalty, , and within social constraints, as analyzed in academic examinations of contemporary dramas. Its rebroadcast on India's Zindagi channel starting October 26, 2015, positioned it as a classic example of nuanced Pakistani storytelling accessible to a broader South Asian audience. The series highlighted middle-class struggles, including financial pressures and familial expectations, prompting viewer reflections on arranged marriages and their emotional toll. In terms of legacy, Daam inspired similar emotionally charged dramas like , both adaptations of Umera Ahmed's works that delve into interpersonal conflicts and societal norms. It further solidified Umera Ahmed's reputation for masterful emotional storytelling, drawing audiences through intricate character arcs and relatable dilemmas. As of 2025, fan communities on platforms like continue to discuss the social issues raised, such as class divides and relationship betrayals, underscoring its enduring relevance.

References

  1. https://mrkhansreviews.com/2021/02/20/mr-khans-review-on-daam-2010/
  2. https://www.arydigital.tv/top-5-ary-digital-dramas
  3. https://letterboxd.com/film/daam/crew/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1749177/
  5. https://www.youlinmagazine.com/story/umera-ahmed-the-queen-of-tv-dramas/MTY5NQ==
  6. https://7thsky.biz/portfolio_page/daam/
  7. https://nettv4u.com/about/Urdu/tv-serials/daam-urdu
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1749177/locations/
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1749177/fullcredits/
  10. https://pakistani.pk/daam/
  11. https://reviewit.pk/drama-of-the-week-daam/
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1749177/reviews/
  13. https://sanamsaeedfp.wordpress.com/2014/12/25/sanam-saeed-an-actor-par-excellence/
  14. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/34018
  15. https://unboxedwriters.com/daam-and-the-politics-of-generosity/
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynbTRDffY94
  17. https://www.justwatch.com/in/tv-show/daam
  18. https://nettv4u.com/about/hindi/tv-serials/daam
  19. https://images.dawn.com/news/1176410/10-iconic-pakistani-tv-dramas-you-should-binge-watch-this-weekend
  20. https://arydigital.tv/ary-digital-network-brings-ary-arabia-for-middle-east-and-the-global-arab-diaspora
  21. https://arydigital.tv/
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHwZjop6fQU
  23. https://www.linkedin.com/company/ary-digital-network
  24. https://www.indianbroadcastingworld.com/zindagi-dth-announces-september/
  25. https://www.fashioncentral.pk/blog/2011/07/13/lux-style-awards-announce-nominations-for-television-music-and-fashion/
  26. https://eventspakistan.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/10th-lux-style-awards-2011television-winners-list/
  27. https://www.facebook.com/AllPakistanDramaPageOfficial/posts/adeel-hussain-active-in-dramas-since-2008-first-he-done-few-short-series-his-fir/796674589165287/
  28. https://reviewit.pk/adeel-husain-shares-his-journey-from-drama-serial-daam/
  29. https://ir.iba.edu.pk/sslace/108/
  30. https://reviewit.pk/best-pakistani-dramas-of-all-time/
  31. https://fuchsiamagazine.com/5-absorbing-stories-from-umera-ahmed-to-add-to-your-watchlist/
  32. https://www.reddit.com/r/PAKCELEBGOSSIP/comments/1hz0dw8/daam_rewatch_some_thoughts/
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