The most recent episode of Khuda Mera Bhi Hai made me cry

Yes, the recent episode of Khuda Mera Bhi Hai made me cry. The plot of this drama revolves around a couple, Mahgul and Zain, who give birth to a child who is ‘intersex’, which means that this child has both male and female genitalia. In the previous episode, the family decides to give up the child to transgender people – leaving Mahgul distraught and broken.

The play tackles many taboos that our society has regarding transgender people and intersex children. We see how the word ‘hijra’ is an insult and the source of distress. Arshi, Mahgul’s snotty saas (mother-in-law), is the embodiment of every negative opinion that our society holds regarding anyone who is ‘different’ or dares to walk a different path from the ‘normal’. Mahgul is seen grieving as she attempts to bury her child’s toys in their home garden and often claims that she hears her child’s cries.

One of the good things that I saw in this episode was how the male members of the family (Zain’s brother and father) counsel Zain into handling the situation better. This is so, so important. Given our male-centered families, it is so crucial that the male members of our clan step up to the plate when it comes to mental health. As they own and create so much influence, it is their responsibility to be considerate and aware of their own and their partner/family member’s conflicts.