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Laapata
Laapata
from Wikipedia

Laapata
GenreThriller
Romance
Written byKhizer Idrees
Directed byKhizer Idrees
Country of originPakistan
Original languageUrdu
No. of episodes22
Production
ProducerMomina Duraid
Editors
  • Jamal Latif
  • Kamran Hussain
Camera setupMulti-camera setup
Production companyMD Productions
Original release
NetworkHum TV
Release28 July (2021-07-28) –
14 October 2021 (2021-10-14)

Laapata (Urdu: لاپتہ, lit.'Astray') is a 2021 Pakistani drama television series, produced by Momina Duraid under her banner MD Productions and directed by Khizer Idrees. It stars Ali Rehman Khan as a titular holder "Laapata" along with Sarah Khan and Ayeza Khan in leading roles.[1][2][3][4][5]

Plot

[edit]

The story revolves around three characters of the same household; Falak, a badminton player (played by Sarah Khan), Geeti, a tiktoker (played by Ayeza Khan), and Shams a gambler and later a millworker (played by Ali Rehman Khan). Geeti and Falak are first cousins and Shams' family was taken in by them when they were children. Falak and Shams are deeply in love and consult their family for marriage, to which they agree. Meanwhile, Geeti and her friend Nasreen (played by Inaya Khan) are scheming and trying their best to get Geeti and Shams together. Geeti has feelings for Shams, but it was more so her rivalry with Falak that caused this ruckus. Nevertheless, after many failed attempts at winning Shams over, Falak and Shams get engaged. Everything is going well until Shams gets caught in one of his gambling schemes. Shams became involved with a don in the gambling scene (who was also a cop) and was arrested after not being able to pay his dues from losing a bet. Through this illegal arrest, he was unrightfully sentenced for many years under terrorism instead for gambling. This was done by the same cop and gambler that Shams lost against (played by Saife Hassan). Shams was "Laapata" and nobody knew where he went.

After two years, after winning the badminton championship, Falak decided to get a job, where she meets Daniyal, her boss (played by Mirza Gohar Rasheed). Daniyal is interested in Falak and proposes to her to which she rejects. However, after slowly winning her over and after losing any hope of Shams' return, Daniyal and Falak get married in an intimate ceremony, after which they relocate to Islamabad, where Daniyal works and resides. After many spurs of weird behaviors from Daniyal it is revealed that he is mentally unwell and is seeing a therapist and takes medications to control his anger. Meanwhile, Geeti is making successful Tik Toks, but also falls in love with an online friend, only to get robbed of her mother's jewelry.

In Islamabad, during a party, Falak learns from some of Daniyal's friends that Daniyal was married before, but ended up divorced. Rumour has it that Daniyal actually murdered his ex-wife because he suspected that she was cheating on him and couldn't control his anger. In Karachi, after a visit to Shams' prison cell by survey cops, they discover that he was wrongfully sentenced by the same cop two years ago. This is discovered due to an ongoing investigation after the murder of the same cop that sentenced Shams for terrorism. Shams is immediately bailed and sent home. After two years, Shams returns home and is shocked and saddened to learn of Falak's marriage. After a confronting phone call from an upset Falak, Shams decides to move on and finds a job in a local factory as a millworker supervisor. Geeti asks her mother to get her engaged to Shams as now Falak has cleared her path. Her mother initially hesitates because of Shams' past but agrees and talks to Shams's parents. They also agreed and Shams and Geeti get engaged.

On the contrary, Falak has been overwhelmed by Daniyal's true character. She fights with Daniyal who in return turns really hyper and breaks Falak's phone. Upon finding a picture of Shams and Falak together, Daniyal slaps Falak across the face, to which she responds to by slapping him back. After a series of similar events, Daniyal is on the verge of killing Falak when their maid Munira hits him with a frypan and he faints. Falak was told that she had to trust Munira as she was the one who knew Daniyal's first wife and of her murder. The drama goes into a series of flashbacks and it is shown that Daniyal had married a Pakhtoon woman named Aliya (played by Momina Iqbal) whose father had captured the lands of Daniyal's father. Despite the family rivalry and differences, Daniyal and Aliya marry with the help of Aliya's brother as her father would obviously disapprove. They live happily. Daniyal orders Aliya not to meet her relatives until they migrate to America. She accepts. One day Aliya told Munira to return to her home (and she did) and behind her back she invites a man whom Munira has never seen. This happened everyday until one day Munira calls Daniyal and tells him that Aliya has been cheating on him. Daniyal then comes home, catches her, and shoots her on the spot. She instantly dies. It is revealed that the boy was none other than her own brother who helped her in marriage. Her brother told Daniyal that after their marriage, Aliya's father had died and he was here to inherit the lands to Aliya's name. Daniyal is shocked and Aliya's brother calls the police so Daniyal shoots him too. He tells Munira not to tell anyone about their murders.

The scene comes to the present and Falak is living in Munira's house. The next morning, after tracking down Falak, Daniyal comes to Munira's house. During an altercation, Falak takes a steel jug and attacks Daniyal on the same spot where he was hit with a frying pan. Falak flees to her home in Karachi and Munira and her husband leave Daniyal. It was later revealed to Falak that Daniyal died due to her attack, which comes to her as a huge shock. Meanwhile, Shams and Geeti are engaged. Falak comes just before the engagement and Shams becomes very happy to see her again. But, Geeti doesn't like it. Falak lies to her family about everything and says that she and Daniyal are going to America, so she is living here for a while and after which she will flee to America. Geeti senses that Falak and Shams are hitting it off again, and so she does some digging. She finds out that Daniyal is dead and that Falak is the murderer. She secretly calls the police and on the day of the wedding, the police come to arrest Falak for murdering Daniyal. The wedding is called off. Daniyal's friend's wife, a lawyer, helps Falak in her case as she was being held accountable as a murderer and was even sent to a male prison. Through a few court trials and after losing hope Shams doesn't know what to do. Geeti is scheming in every which way that she can to win over Shams, but upon discovering what she did, he vows to never marry her, even is Falak is sentenced to death. Geeti has a mental breakdown and can't believe that she has truly lost. Eventually, Falak is set free with the help of her lawyer and returns home. Falak and Shams finally get married. The drama ended with an iconic scene where Geeti was seen weeping of her demise and not finding love. At the last second, it's revealed that she is in fact acting in her first lead role.

Cast

[edit]
  • Ali Rehman Khan[1] as Shams
  • Sarah Khan[1] as Falak
  • Ayeza Khan[1] as Geeti
  • Gohar Rasheed as Daniyal
  • Hamza Majeed Khan in a special appearance
  • Asma Abbas as Samina, Geeti's Mother
  • Rabia Noreen as Nighat, Falak's mother
  • Khalifa Sajeeruddin as Khursheed, Falak's father
  • Amna Malik as Faryal, Falak's sister
  • Munazzah Arif as Rukhsana; Shams's mother
  • Akbar Islam as Hameed, Shams's father
  • Saife Hassan as Inspector Tahir
  • Inaya Khan as Nasreen, Geeti's friend
  • Kasim Khan as Shahid, Nasreen's husband
  • Fahima Awan as Rehana, Sohail's sister and Faryal's sister-in-law
  • Raza Ali Abid as Raju, Shams's former friend
  • Qaiser Khan Nizamani as Karim, Daniyal's father
  • Amber Khan as Mrs. Karim, Daniyal's mother
  • Momina Iqbal as Aliya, Daniyal's former wife (cameo)
  • Sarmad Khoosat as television director (cameo)
  • Raeed Muhammad Alam as Geeti's imaginary boyfriend (cameo)

Reception

[edit]

TV ratings

[edit]

The 20th episode of the show received 5.3 TV ratings and the last episode ended on 7.5 rating points in the 50-minute time band.[6][7]

Critical reception

[edit]

The drama was criticized for some scenes (the "harassment accusation" scene in episode 1) and for the iconic slap scene between Falak and Daniyal.[8][9][10] However, after a few episodes when the harassment scene was cleared up by Geeti's character, it was actually praised for its positive messaging. On its premiere, it received mixed reviews due to the storyline going in too many directions but was heavily praised for its direction.[11][12][13] A reviewer from MERA FM 107.4 criticized the "poor and cliched" storyline and Ayeza Khan's acting, calling her character "problematic", and expressed concern over the drama's portrayal of harassment allegations.[14]

Soundtrack

[edit]
"Laapata"
Song by Kiran Waseen & Tehseen W. Chishty
LanguageUrdu
Released1 July 2021 (2021-07-01)
GenreSoundtrack
Length4:38
ComposerFarhan Zameer
LyricistWardah Lodhi
ProducerMomina Duraid
Official video
Laapata - OST on YouTube

The official soundtrack of the serial was performed by Kiran Waseem and Tehseen W. Chishty on the lyrics of Wardah Lodhi. The music composition was done by Farhan Zameer. Beside the official soundtrack, the soundtracks of the channel's former serials such as "Aaj Rang Hai" of Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi and "Khabar-e-tahayyur-e-ishq sun, na junoon raha na pari rahi" of Deewana were played in the background during the course of the episodes.

Production

[edit]

Background and development

[edit]

After the success of the Ramadan special play Chupke Chupke, Ayeza Khan revealed that she would be starring in another serial alongside Sarah Khan, Ali Rehman Khan, and Gohar Rasheed.[15][16] Khizar Idrees, who previously served as a cinematographer of the 2017 film Verna and the production house's dramas Sang-e-Mar Mar and Aangan, was chosen to direct the series and also wrote the story of the series.[1]

Production locations

[edit]

Besides a few episodes which were shot in Islamabad, the shooting was mostly done in Karachi.[citation needed]

Tributes

[edit]

For her role as a TikToker who creates musical videos, Ayeza Khan underwent several transformations, paying tribute to iconic celebrities. These tributes included recreating Madhuri Dixit's look from "Ek Do Teen", Sridevi's look from "Tere Mere Honton Pe" in Chandni, and Noor Jehan's signature style. She also emulated Mahira Khan's look from Superstar and Kajol's character Anjali from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.[17]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
, released internationally as Lost Ladies, is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama directed by . The story centers on two rural brides, Phool and Jaya, who are accidentally swapped during a chaotic journey to their respective marital homes in 2001, sparking a series of comedic and transformative events. Produced under Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Pictures, the film stars Nitanshi Goel as Phool Kumari, Pratibha Ranta as Jaya, and Sparsh Shrivastava in supporting roles, with portraying a key comedic figure. The narrative unfolds in the fictional Nirmal Pradesh, highlighting rural customs around arranged marriages and veiling practices, as the protagonists navigate mistaken identities and unexpected independence. Kiran Rao's sophomore feature, following her 2010 debut Dhobi Ghat, premiered at the in September 2023 before its theatrical release in on March 1, 2024, and later streaming on . Critically acclaimed for its blend of humor and on roles, the film earned a 100% approval rating on based on initial reviews. Laapataa Ladies achieved significant recognition, including selection as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, though it did not secure a nomination. At the 70th National Film Awards, it swept with multiple honors, and at the 70th Filmfare Awards in October 2025, it won 13 awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Rao, underscoring its impact on contemporary Indian cinema. The film's success propelled its lead actresses to prominence, with Goel receiving the Filmfare Best Debut Female Actor award.

Plot summary

Laapataa Ladies (2023) is a Hindi-language comedy-drama directed by , set in rural in 2001, depicting the misadventures of two young who become separated during a crowded journey to their husbands' villages shortly after their arranged weddings. The narrative follows Phool Kumari, a naive bride from a modest family, who boards the train veiled and accompanied by her husband , only to lose him amid the chaos at an intermediate station, leading her to be mistakenly taken by another groom as his intended wife. Meanwhile, the second , facing her own displacement, navigates in an unfamiliar town, encountering opportunities for that contrast with entrenched patriarchal expectations in their communities. The ensuing mistaken identities and escapades highlight themes of roles and , culminating in resolutions that underscore the brides' resourcefulness against societal constraints.

Cast and characters

The principal cast of Laapata includes as Shams, a central male protagonist entangled in romantic conflicts. Sarah Khan portrays Falak, Shams' love interest who navigates family pressures and personal aspirations across the 22-episode series. plays Geeti (also referred to as Gaiti Aara), a resilient young bride facing marital discord and identity struggles. Supporting roles feature as Daniyal, a rival suitor complicating the central . appears as Sameena, providing maternal guidance amid the familial tensions. Additional ensemble members include Amna Malik as Falak's sister, contributing to subplot developments around sibling dynamics.
ActorCharacterRole Description
ShamsProtagonist in romantic entanglements
FalakShams' primary love interest
Geeti/Gaiti AaraBride confronting marital challenges
DaniyalRival in the
SameenaMaternal figure in family arcs

Production

Development and writing

Khizer Idrees wrote the for Laapata, drawing from his background as a to infuse the narrative with a cinematic quality emphasizing modern youth dynamics, including obsessions and familial pressures. Previously recognized for cinematography on films such as Verna (2017), , and , as well as MD Productions dramas like and Aangan, Idrees transitioned to writing and directing with this project, aiming to blend light-hearted romance with deeper social commentary. The script's development involved an initial submission process, after which it remained under consideration for three to four months before being selected by , the chief editor at Momina Duraid Productions, who greenlit it for production due to its fresh take on interpersonal conflicts and aspirational love stories. This led to Laapata being produced under MD Productions, with Idrees retaining creative control over the writing to ensure thematic coherence across its 22 episodes.

Casting process

The casting for Laapata was handled by writer-director Khizer Idrees in collaboration with producer of MD Productions, focusing on established Pakistani television to portray the central roles in the . Idrees revealed that the process encountered multiple setbacks, with 4-5 rejecting after reading it, citing its lack of conventional enjoyability or appeal for their typical roles. This included several notable figures who declined despite initial interest, prolonging the selection for key parts. Ayeza Khan was offered both female lead roles—Geeti, the ambitious influencer, and Falak, the more reserved cousin—but ultimately selected Geeti after rejecting Falak, viewing it as a better fit following her previous comedy Chupke Chupke. Reports indicated that up to five other actresses had turned down the Geeti role prior to Khan's acceptance, reflecting challenges in finding an actor willing to embody the character's modern, attention-seeking TikToker persona, which was a later addition to the storyline. Sarah Khan was cast as Falak, leveraging her experience in dramatic roles, while Ali Rehman Khan secured the male lead of Shams, the gambler at the story's center, based on his prior work in intense character-driven narratives. Gohar Rasheed, approached for the supporting role of Daniyal, initially refused the offer upon receiving the script but later agreed after reconsideration, highlighting the iterative nature of negotiations with seasoned performers. Supporting actors such as (as Geeti's mother Samina) and Amna Malik were selected to complement the leads, with the ensemble emphasizing chemistry among the principals amid the production's emphasis on visual appeal and thematic relevance to obsessions. No open auditions were publicly documented, consistent with the industry's reliance on agency recommendations and direct outreach for high-profile dramas on channels like .

Filming and locations

Principal photography for Laapataa Ladies was conducted primarily in the of , , utilizing rural villages to depict authentic small-town life. The key filming sites included the villages of Bamuliya and Dhamankheda, where exterior and domestic sequences were captured to reflect the film's narrative of rural Indian settings. Director selected these locations after an extensive search, emphasizing Sehore's proximity to for practicality while prioritizing sites that embodied genuine village aesthetics and daily routines. Much of the village life and interior household scenes were shot on-site to avoid constructed sets, contributing to the film's naturalistic portrayal of its themes. For added verisimilitude, the production incorporated real houses rather than replicas and cast local villagers in supporting and crowd roles, integrating community members directly into the shoot to mirror the story's cultural context. This approach extended to background elements, ensuring that environmental details like architecture and landscapes remained unadulterated by urban influences.

Soundtrack

[Soundtrack - no content]

Broadcast

Premiere and transmission

Laapata premiered on , a Pakistani Urdu-language entertainment channel, with its first episode airing on 28 July 2021. The series consisted of 22 episodes broadcast twice weekly, typically on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM (PKT). The final episode transmitted on 14 2021, concluding the run after approximately 11 weeks. Episodes were produced by MD Productions and featured a storyline centered on interpersonal relationships and modern dilemmas. International viewers accessed the series through 's global feeds, such as Hum World HD and Hum Europe, though primary transmission remained domestic on the main network.

Viewership metrics

Laapata registered moderate viewership in Pakistan, with early episodes averaging around 2.8 TRP points according to fan-tracked data from entertainment discussion platforms. A specific episode in September 2021 dipped to a low of 2.2 TRP, reflecting inconsistent performance amid competition from higher-rated dramas like Rang Mahal (8.0 TRP) and Fitoor (7.5 TRP). Industry analyses classified the series as an average performer for lead actress Ayeza Khan, trailing her more successful projects that topped TRP charts. Internationally, the drama saw limited but measurable audience engagement in the UK via broadcasts, where one episode drew 12,000 viewers and contributed to a 0.10% channel share on a Thursday slot. Overall, while not a breakout hit in domestic TRP rankings dominated by family-oriented narratives, Laapata sustained steady tune-ins through its 22-episode run, buoyed by its star cast and relatable youth themes rather than peak ratings.

Reception

Critical analysis

Laapata's narrative structure blends comedic elements with melodramatic twists, initially presenting a light-hearted exploration of youthful romance and influences, but later shifting to darker themes of betrayal and psychological turmoil. Critics noted the early episodes' reliance on familiar tropes, such as rooftop romances and obsessions, which establish a rom-com tone but fail to innovate beyond conventional Pakistani formats. This safe approach, while accessible, results in underdeveloped subplots that prioritize visual appeal over substantive character arcs, as evidenced by the show's quick pivot to unresolved conflicts in its 22-episode run. Character portrayals drew significant scrutiny, particularly Ayeza Khan's Geeti, whose arc begins with bubbly exuberance but devolves into problematic behaviors, including a fabricated accusation in the premiere episode that undermines serious allegations of . Reviewers argued this depiction reinforces skepticism toward women's claims of , portraying them as manipulative tools in personal vendettas rather than genuine experiences, a choice that sparked backlash for insensitivity amid ongoing societal discussions on gender-based violence in . In contrast, Sarah Khan's Falak emerges as a more resilient figure, with standout confrontational scenes highlighting themes of agency and retribution, though these moments are undermined by abrupt tonal shifts. Gohar Rasheed's Daniyal, revealed as possessing psychotic traits and a hidden past, adds intrigue but suffers from inconsistent motivation, shifting from to sympathetic without adequate buildup. Thematically, Laapata attempts commentary on modern obsessions with virtual validation and familial expectations, using as a lens for generational clashes, yet executes this superficially, favoring sensational twists—like the protagonist's disappearance—over causal exploration of relational breakdowns. Strengths lie in its brisk pacing and ensemble chemistry, providing escapist for viewers seeking non-intensive viewing, but weaknesses in scripting lead to a finale marred by and unresolved threads, such as lingering psychological motivations and ethical ambiguities, rendering the resolution unconvincing. Production values, including and costumes, enhance visual engagement, but dialogue inconsistencies and rushed conclusions betray a lack of rigorous discipline. Overall, while Laapata garners praise for its cast's and occasional emotional peaks, its critical shortcomings stem from formulaic writing that prioritizes commercial appeal over coherent , limiting its contribution to broader on contemporary relationships. This aligns with patterns in mid-tier , where audience retention often trumps thematic depth, as reflected in modest viewer metrics and polarized online .

Public and viewer response

The film garnered widespread praise from audiences for its heartfelt storytelling, humor, and social commentary on gender roles in rural , with viewers frequently highlighting its emotional resonance and relatable characters. On , Laapataa Ladies holds an 8.3/10 rating based on over 55,000 user reviews, reflecting strong approval for its simplicity, moral depth, and nostalgic evocation of classic Indian cinema focused on everyday lives. Audience members at the in September 2023 gave it a , describing it as the festival's standout for eliciting laughter, tears, and applause. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of positive reactions upon its March 2024 theatrical release, with netizens calling it "excellent" and appreciating its blend of and themes set in 2001 rural . Word-of-mouth propelled its popularity, leading it to outperform higher-budget films like in viewership metrics by May 2024, with viewers specifically noting its appeal and recommending it widely. Internationally, Japanese audiences in October 2024 hailed it as a "" for its engaging narrative, strong performances, and cultural insights, contributing to its status as one of IMDb's most popular Indian titles of 2024. Viewer recreations of scenes on platforms like further amplified its cultural footprint, with influencers mimicking key moments and sparking viral engagement by mid-2025. Despite initial modest returns, sustained audience enthusiasm underscored its role as an "eye-opener" on identity and relationships, with many crediting its unpretentious approach for broad appeal across demographics.

Controversies

In July 2021, the serial drew criticism for a scene in which the protagonist Geeti, portrayed by , fabricates a against a to evade consequences for . shared the clip on , prompting PPP Senator to publicly condemn it as promoting against a vulnerable and undermining genuine claims. Online backlash intensified, with viewers accusing the narrative of perpetuating the notion that women's allegations are routinely invented, potentially eroding trust in real victims. A subsequent episode in September 2021 featured a contentious sequence where the character Shams, played by Mirza Gohar Rasheed, slaps his wife Falak after she strikes him first amid escalating marital tension. The scene went viral, dividing audiences: some praised Falak's retaliation as an assertion of agency against , while others decried it for normalizing reciprocal in abusive relationships. Rasheed defended the portrayal in interviews, arguing that "oppression is a choice" and emphasizing the character's decision to endure or resist as reflective of personal responsibility rather than victimhood. This sparked broader discourse on gender dynamics in Pakistani media, with critics from outlets like Dawn noting the scene's potential to blur lines between and escalation.

Cultural impact

Themes and societal reflections

Laapata explores themes of youthful autonomy clashing with familial and societal expectations in contemporary , particularly through the lens of arranged marriages and personal aspirations. The narrative centers on young protagonists navigating romantic relationships amid pressure to conform to traditional unions arranged by parents, reflecting the tension between individual desires and collective . This dynamic underscores the aspirations of urban Pakistani to prioritize and over obligatory matches, often leading to elopements or secretive affairs. The series portrays platforms, such as , as both enablers of self-expression and sources of superficial validation, where characters seek fame and validation online, mirroring real-world obsessions among Pakistani that can strain offline relationships and amplify generational conflicts. Societally, the drama reflects entrenched patriarchal norms that prioritize authority and subservience, depicting women as manipulative or resilient within oppressive structures, which drew criticism for reinforcing gender stereotypes. A pivotal plot involving a false by a character against a lead sparked backlash, with viewers and celebrities arguing it undermined genuine victims and trivialized movements against abuse, especially amid Pakistan's high rates of . Proponents, however, noted the storyline's intent to illustrate the risks of in a where patriarchal imbalances can foster both real and retaliatory falsehoods, highlighting causal factors like inadequate legal safeguards and cultural mistrust. The normalization of physical confrontations, such as slaps, in interpersonal conflicts further mirrors pervasive and in Pakistani institutions, critiquing how media perpetuates rather than challenges these norms. Overall, Laapata prompts reflection on the erosion of traditional values under modern influences, questioning whether liberates or distracts from deeper societal reforms needed for equitable gender relations and family dynamics in . While some analyses praise its commentary on urban , others fault it for simplistic resolutions that favor dramatic over nuanced causal analysis of entrenched customs.

Accolades and tributes

Laapata garnered praise for its engaging narrative and strong ensemble performances, particularly from viewers and industry observers who highlighted the chemistry between leads and , as well as the modern take on romantic entanglements. The series' opening episodes were noted for their power-packed execution, blending , and social media satire effectively. Writer and director Khizer Idrees specifically commended Ayeza Khan's nuanced handling of scenes involving social media antics, crediting her for elevating scripted moments like sequences beyond expectations. Similarly, and Sarah Khan's portrayal of a married couple drew acclaim for its authenticity and emotional depth, contributing to the serial's appeal amid its exploration of relationships. A notable tribute within the production came from Ayeza Khan, who recreated the iconic look of legendary singer Noor Jehan—complete with traditional attire and styling—as part of her character's arc, honoring the "Melody Queen" of Pakistani cinema. The finale elicited positive public responses, with audiences appreciating the resolution of its central conflicts and the cast's delivery, though the series did not receive formal accolades at major events like the Hum Awards.

References

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