Early Engagements and Changing Values Explored in ‘Yeh Kese Rishtay Hain’

By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: The stage play “Yeh Kese Rishtay Hain” was presented on the 21st day of the ongoing Awami Theatre Festival 2026 at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, receiving an enthusiastic response from theatre-goers.

Written and directed by Zahid Shah, the production featured performances by Zakir Mastana, Shanzay, Sapna Ghazal, Pervez Siddiqui, Shamir Rahi, Faiza Malik, Aamir Hokla, Shehbaz Sanam, and Talha Bujani, all of whom delivered compelling portrayals that held the audience’s attention throughout the performance.

The play explores a significant social issue centered on family relationships and decisions made during childhood. It examines the common practice of parents arranging engagements for their children at an early age — decisions that may later clash with evolving personalities, values, and aspirations as the children grow older. While harmony can sometimes develop over time, differences in temperament and outlook often create emotional and social tensions.

The narrative revolves around two families — that of a paternal aunt living in the city and a maternal uncle residing in a village. During childhood, the aunt’s daughter is engaged to the uncle’s son. The central character, portrayed by Zahid Shah, grows up in the village and later becomes a doctor after completing his education. When he moves to the city, he encounters a vastly different lifestyle and social environment, creating a cultural and emotional divide despite his professional success.

The female lead is depicted as a sensible and balanced personality, adding emotional depth to the story while reflecting the complexities of relationships shaped by tradition and change.

Beyond the delicate dynamics of family bonds, the play also delivers a strong contemporary message. It highlights the risks associated with irresponsible motorcycle use among youth, emphasizing how reckless driving and overspeeding can lead to tragic accidents that devastate families and communities.

Blending emotional storytelling with social commentary, “Yeh Kese Rishtay Hain” emerged as a thought-provoking production that reflects on tradition, responsibility, and the evolving realities of modern family life. The performance received widespread appreciation from theatre enthusiasts, adding another impactful presentation to the Awami Theatre Festival 2026.