Years ago we used to get entertained by comedy shows and sitcoms on Pakistani Television (PTV) and privately-owned channels with the likes of NTM or STN. Later, when the new breed or the cluttered channels made their present felt in the most disgusting manner, the essence of good content and decent humor was lost in the wilderness of generating revenues. Alas, that was the death of a good scriptwriter.

But then there was hope. ARY Digital aired the first episode of Bulbulay starring Nabeel (as himself), Ayesha Omar (Khubsoorat) and Mehmood Aslam (Mehmood Sahab). The scrip was just perfect with all characters doing their part in the best way possible. But then, Nabeel’s mother, played by Hina Dilpazeer (as Momo) made his entry into the sitcom which changed everything. She is a desi kind of a person but the way she talks is what keeps you entertained. She also has the habit of forgetting names, things and anything she is talking about.

The best part about Bulbulay is that everything is kept simple. The characters aren’t flashy as in the usual dramas. The setting is a simple home with two bedrooms, a lounge, a front lawn and a kitchen where all the scenes takes place in these areas only. But the most important part is that there is no such thing as clutter. Every character has a balanced script at their disposal. There are only four main characters, Nabeel, Ayesha, Mehmood and Hina. Normally the episodes revolve around their simple life and the way Nabeel and Mehmood or Mehmood Sahab as Nabeel calls him, get into trouble.

Hina Dilpazeer’s role of Mumtaz or Momo is something our generation would refer to as a legend. She has blended herself with the role and creates the most laughter. Her trademark phrases include “Aye Shabaash aye” and her stare down through her thick glasses.

Viewers are also entertained by the way she replaces characters’ names and relates one event, object or person to something else. I would like to personally thank the scriptwriter of Bulbulay, Ali Imran for continuously writing such an amazing script which keeps the viewer’s smiling throughout the episode. I would also thank Raana Rizwan, the director of the sitcom, for doing his job in the best way.

Bulbulay has really brought back laughter and humor in our lives. The testimony of its success can be judged from the fact that people get amused by their dialogues and actions even if there isn’t any background laughter involved in it. The background music of Bulblay and the characters will be remembered for ages.