News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/27th June 2024
Fawad Khan is making a triumphant return to television with the eagerly anticipated series “Barzakh,” and fans are beside themselves with excitement. The Pakistani actor is reuniting with his “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” co-star, Sanam Saeed, after a 12-year hiatus, creating an unparalleled buzz. Even before the trailer’s release on July 1, tantalizing posters and clips featuring close-ups of the cast meticulously applying kohl to their eyes have flooded social media, adding an element of intrigue to the show.
Khan re-emerged on the scene in 2022 with his film “The Legend of Maula Jutt” and the OTT series “Ms. Marvel,” marking his comeback after a six-year break. “Barzakh” signifies his return to Indian screens after an eight-year absence, his last appearance being a cameo in Karan Johar’s 2016 movie “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.”
The release of “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” coincided with a period of heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the Uri attack, which led to a sudden halt in Pakistani actors working in India. Khan’s abrupt departure left a void in the hearts of many Indian fans. Reflecting the widespread sentiment, one social media user declared, “The KING is back.”
Directed by Asim Abbasi, “Barzakh” (Purgatory) follows the story of a 76-year-old recluse who invites his children and grandchildren to celebrate his third marriage to the ghost of his first love. This six-episode series is set to premiere in India on ZEE5 on July 19. Khan portrays Shehryar Khanzada, the son of the central character. The show was first unveiled at the prestigious Series Mania Festival in France in 2023, building anticipation among both Indian and Pakistani fans.
The cross-border excitement is palpable, with many fans lamenting the political divide that keeps artists apart. One user expressed a heartfelt wish that Khan could have starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Heeramandi.” The series also features another actor named Fawad Khan from the ZEE5 show “Churails,” sparking excitement about potential shared scenes. “I am so excited to see him with the other Fawad Khan too. I hope they have scenes together. He is a brilliant actor,” another user commented.
The show is directed by British-Pakistani filmmaker Asim Abbasi, renowned for his critically acclaimed films like “Cake,” which was Pakistan’s official entry to the Oscars in 2018. Abbasi’s involvement has heightened expectations. One fan wrote, “In ‘Barzakh’, for me, Asim Abbasi is the hero. I am happy Fawad Khan agreed to do it. He is a true artiste who cares only for the story and his art. He doesn’t care about things like a comeback.”
In a unique move, ZEE5 will not only stream “Barzakh” on its platform but also release it on YouTube, broadening its reach. A user humorously noted, “Zee5 being an OTT platform and having to release ‘Barzakh’ on YT is the funniest thing ever if you think about it. The things Zee does for Fawad Khan,” highlighting the lengths the platform is willing to go for the actor.
With its star-studded cast, compelling storyline, and the directorial prowess of Asim Abbasi, “Barzakh” promises to be a monumental series, uniting fans across borders and reminding everyone of the unifying power of storytelling. As the premiere date approaches, the excitement continues to build, signaling a spectacular return for Fawad Khan
