In a highly anticipated reunion, acclaimed Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed are set to captivate audiences once again with their upcoming web series “Barzakh.” Directed by the critically acclaimed Asim Abbasi, known for his work on “Churails” and “Cake,” the six-episode series promises to delve into a captivating narrative that blends family drama with supernatural elements. “Barzakh,” which translates to “the intermediate state between life and the afterlife,” follows the story of a reclusive 76-year-old man, played by Fawad Khan, who invites his estranged family to his remote valley resort for an extraordinary event – his wedding to the ghost of his first love.
This intriguing premise sets the stage for an exploration of themes such as mental health, postpartum depression, generational trauma, and gender inclusivity. Reuniting the beloved on-screen duo of Khan and Saeed, who previously captivated audiences in the hit series “Zindagi Gulzar Hai,” “Barzakh” is produced by Waqas Hassan and Shailja Kejriwal for Zindagi, the Indian subcontinent-focused programming block on ZEE5 Global. The series boasts an ensemble cast that includes Salman Shahid, M. Fawad Khan, Eman Suleman, Khushhal Khan, Faiza Gillani, Anika Zulfikar, and Franco Giusti.
The inception of “Barzakh” can be traced back to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when director Asim Abbasi and Zindagi’s Shailja Kejriwal engaged in profound conversations about life, death, and legacy. These discussions, coupled with Abbasi’s recent success with “Churails,” led to the creation of this intriguing series that promises to captivate audiences with its blend of family drama and supernatural elements. “Love, loss, death, and the world beyond are at the heart of ‘Barzakh,'” Abbasi shared. “Shailja has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and Zindagi’s support has given me the creative freedom that no other platform would have provided.
As a storyteller, director, and writer, I am always striving to create an authentic story that resonates with my audience.” Following its successful premiere at the prestigious Series Mania festival in France, “Barzakh” is set to debut on Zindagi’s YouTube channel and ZEE5 Global on July 19, 2024, offering audiences a culturally rich and emotionally resonant viewing experience.