Half Plate

If you can understand Urdu, Half Plate is the best one and half hour entertainment that television
could ever provide. And I seriously doubt if anyone would be able to produce anything better. On a scale of 1 to 10, one would like to rate this long play above 10.

It’s a humour filled story of an old aged Urdu writer/ poet who is unable to make both ends meet; yet, his pride and self-esteem is unmatchable. He lives with his wife and four sons. The wife is always cribbing against the activities of the father and the sons who earn almost nothing and spend all their time in frivolous activities related to literature and poetry.

Half Plate was aired by PTV in 1980’s. It has been written by Anwar Maqsood where the lead role has been played by the legendary Moeen Akhtar. The whole drama has been staged on a single set depicting a room in an old house. It’s worth watching again and again.

Main Cast

Moeen Akhtar, Khalida Riasat, Jamshed Ansari, Lateef Kapadia and Arshad Mahmood

1. Mirza Sahab played by the late, legendary Moin Akhtar (also spelled as Moeen Akhtar) is an old writer/ poet who over-estimates his literary capabilities, and has a very high self-esteem.
2. Begum Sahiba played by Khalida Riasat is Mirza’s wife. She has apparently been having very dis-satisfied with her matrimonial life; even at an old age, she doesn’t let any chance to mock Mirza and his interest in the literature. In fact, she insists that Mirza would earn more if he attempts to run a food stall (and thus, the name “Half Plate”).
3. Kaleem played by Jamshed Ansari is Mriza’s eldest son. He is a poet and lives with his parents. His father is very proud of his literary capabilities.
4. Iftikhar played by Lateef Kapadia is Begum’s cousin who has returned from Canada and pays a courtesy visit to the Mriza family. He immediately observes the poor financial condition of the family and offers some financial help. Surprisingly, the Begum refuses to take any kind of help.
5. Butt sahab played by Arshad Mahmood is the landlord who visits Mirza to collect rent, which Mirza tactfully avoids. He insists that his house should be vacated but doesn’t succeed in that either.

Can I watch it online?