Khuda Mera Bhi Hai

Khuda Mera Bhi Hai is a Pakistani drama serial that aired on ARY Digital from 22 October 2016 to 10 April 2017. The serial is written by Asma Nabeel, directed by Shahid Shafaat and produced by Sana Shahnawaz. The title soundtrack has been composed and sung by Waqar Ali. It stars Ayesha Khan, Syed Jibran, Furqan Qureshi, Saba Hamid, Alyy Khan, Mehmood Aslam, Hira Tareen and others.

Overview

The drama revolves around Mahagul, a mother who gives birth to an intersex child named Noor, and the resulting challenges she faces in her family and society – where acceptance of the third gender remains a taboo. Noor's father, Zain refuses to accept the baby and leaves his wife.
Mahagul is a conscientious, strong woman who envisions equal opportunities and fair treatment for her child like any other normal being. She provides him a privileged upbringing and education while challenging societal norms. She is joined in her mission by Noor's tutor Mikaeel, who becomes his caretaker and treats him like his own son. Mikaeel also develops feelings for Mahagul.
The serial sheds light on the stereotypes, gender discrimination and marginalisation that intersex people face within Pakistani society, and their identity crisis.

Cast

Ayesha Khan as Mahagul, the mother of an intersex child named Noor
Syed Jibran as Zain, Mahagul's divorced husband and father of Noor
Furqan Qureshi as Noor, the intersex character and protagonist
Saba Hamid as Savera, Mahagul's mother and the leader of an NGO
Alyy Khan as Mikaeel, Noor's tutor and caretaker
Hira Tareen as Kashmala, Zain's second wife
Mehmood Aslam as Hassan, Zain's father
Irsa Ghazal as Arshi, Zain's mother
Imran Ashraf as Zaahir, Zain's younger brother and Noor's paternal uncle
Mariam Saleem as Sanam, Mahagul's best friend and Zaahir's love interest
Tabbasum Arif as Hina, Sanam's mother
Maha Hasan as Rana, Mahagul's family friend

Reception

Critical reception

The serial has received critical acclaim for its bold story line, and the "important questions" it raises regarding communal attitudes towards transgender people in Pakistan. Mahwash Badar of The Express Tribune called it a "game changer", while praising the themes touched by the drama such as "domestic abuse, how divorce is considered taboo, social pressures, and most importantly, the rights of transgender people and intersex individuals in the Pakistani society." While reviewing negatively, The News commented that the series lacked the depth and sensitivity required to deal with the subject.