Aunn Zara


Aunn Zara is a 2013 Pakistan drama television series telecast on A-Plus Entertainment. It revolves around a married couple spoilt by their respective families and desperate to escape this attention. It is based on Faiza Iftikhar's novel Hisaar-e-Mohabbat, and is directed by Haissam Hussain. It stars Maya Ali and Osman Khalid Butt.

Plot

The story revolves around the lives of Aunn and Zara. Aunn, being the only male in his family, is overtly pampered by everyone. Aunn is dying to break out of the shackles of his overprotective and overbearing family members. Zara is a headstrong and vivacious girl. In contrast to Aunn, she lives in a house where she is the only female member of her immediate family. Zara lives with her father and grandfather. Her father, Jamshed, a retired army officer, wants Zara to join the air force. However, Zara wants to have a family life.
Aunn and Zara's first encounter upsets them. A misunderstanding lands Aunn's proposal in front of Zara's family. Unaware of the proposal, Zara lies to her father that she loves Aunn.
When Aunn and Zara discover who they are marrying, they resist but eventually get married. The duo spend time together and eventually fall in love. Aunn realizes that his family is overbearing, and he cannot spend time with Zara. He creates misunderstandings between Zara and his family. Soon a rift develops between Zara and Aunn's family, resulting in Aunn and Zara shifting to another house. Zara learns that she is pregnant.
Zara's friend, Shehna, clears the misunderstanding between Nighat and Zara. Meanwhile, Aunn informs his family about Zara's pregnancy. Aunn's family gets excited, but they fear that Zara might want to keep them away from the baby. Nighat informs the family about Aunn's past actions leading to the strained relationship with Zara. Aunn also confesses his mistakes. Zara eventually reconciles with Aunn's family.

Cast

The theme song "Aunn Zara" was composed by MAD Music with the lyrics by Awais Sohail. It was sung by Athar and Ragini. Other background music are also composed by MAD Music.

Broadcast and release

First premiering in May 2013 on A-Plus Entertainment, the series was re-launched with enhanced marketing efforts following the appointment of Noor ul Huda Shah as the network's CEO, who recognized the show's potential. It later aired in India on Zindagi, first in 2014, and then in 2022. The series became available on ZEE5 as a video-on-demand in 2020.

Reception

Critical reception

Sadaf Haider of The Express Tribune praised the series for its simplicity, and unique storytelling, and commended the performances of Osman Khalid Butt and Maya Ali, as well as Faiza Iftikhar's nuanced characters. In the year-ender list by the same newspaper, the series was voted as the Best Drama Serial, Best Writer and Best Supporting actor for Mukarram Kaleem.
Karanjeet Kaur of The Caravan praised the portrayal of the quirky families and dialogues of the series but critiques its failure to challenge traditional gender perceptions, ultimately succumbing to orthodox drama with protagonists assuming pre-ordained gender roles.
In an article published by the DAWN Images in July 2017, the series was listed among the "iconic Pakistani TV drama" and was noted for its sparkling script, skillful direction, and fabulous performances.

Awards and nominations

YearAwardsCategoryNominee/ RecipientResult
2014Lux Style AwardsBest TV PlayShahzad Chaudhryrowspan="3" Nomitated
2014Lux Style AwardsBest TV DirectorHaissam Hussain-
2014Lux Style AwardsBest TV WriterFaiza Iftikhar-
2014Pakistan Media AwardsBest DramaAunn ZaraNomitated
2014Pakistan Media AwardsBest Drama DirectorHaissam HussainNomitated
2014Pakistan Media AwardsBest Drama ActorOsman Khalid ButtNomitated
2014Pakistan Media AwardsBest Supporting ActressSabreen HisbaniWon