Chup Raho drama revies ARY DIGITAL

The basics

Chup Raho is the story of Rameen (Sajal Ali), a woman who is subjected to sexual abuse by her brother-in-law (sister's husband), Numair (Jibran Syed). In an attempt to save her sister Manal’s (Arjumand Rahim) marriage and her own "reputation", Rameen is forced to bear Numair's vile acts in silence.

Why Chup Raho is worth watching

The drama tackles a taboo topic that – as depicted in the show – is never discussed in society, covered up, hidden or ignored, especially when family members are involved.

The reason why Rameen doesn’t confide in her husband, Azar (also Numair's cousin, played by Feroz Khan) or her sister Manal is that in Pakistan, women are pressurised to not speak up against such injustice and are expected to quietly endure everything, including sexual advances and attacks.

Staying true to life, Rameen does the same, and when she does eventually try to tell her husband, he gently reminds her that she is wehmi (paranoid).

The drama also depicts the monstrosity of the perpetrator, as they prey on a victim and casually slip away due to the very fact that they are a close relative.

What is also interesting to watch is Numair’s relationship dynamics with his own young daughter, Naila. Numair is shown to be extremely protective of Naila and e.g. is deeply offended when Manal and Azar pray for his daughter to be 'blessed' with a husband like her father.

Chup Raho aims to shed light and drive dialogue around this dark aspect of society, and kudos to the team for such an effort.