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Quick answer: Aik Thi Laila is a six-episode murder mystery miniseries that aired on Express Entertainment from 8 December 2022 to 12 January 2023. Iqra Aziz plays Laila, a girl who goes missing, and her husband Yasir Hussain directs and co-stars. It was written by Faiza Iftikhar and produced by Hina Amaan.
Aik Thi Laila is the murder mystery that marked Yasir Hussain’s debut as a TV drama director, with his wife Iqra Aziz in the title role. The couple teamed up for this project three years after they tied the knot. Short, fast and very different from the usual long family sagas, it is a great pick if you want a Pakistani drama you can finish over a weekend.
Aik Thi Laila: Quick Facts
- Channel: Express Entertainment
- Genre: Murder mystery, thriller
- Format: Miniseries, 6 episodes
- Aired: 8 December 2022 to 12 January 2023
- Director: Yasir Hussain
- Writer: Faiza Iftikhar
- Producer: Hina Amaan
Aik Thi Laila Cast
- Iqra Aziz as Laila
- Yasir Hussain as the police inspector investigating the case
- Faysal Quraishi as Azeem Ullah
- Hassan Ahmed as Fareed
- Maham Amir as Inspector Rukaiyya
- Nayyar Ejaz as Hafeez
- Gul-e-Rana as Nuzhat Keenchi
- Inaya Khan as Saba Azeem Ullah
- Fareeha Jabeen as Kashif’s mother
- Sheheryar Munawar as Qais (cameo)
- Also featuring Saad Farrukh Khan, Usama Bin Ateeq and Asif Latta
When the project was announced, Yasir called it any director’s dream cast. Iqra Aziz came into the show after playing Mahi opposite Feroze Khan in Khuda Aur Muhabbat 3.
Aik Thi Laila Story
As the name suggests, the show follows a girl named Laila who goes missing. The idea twists the classic Laila Majnu love legend into a crime story. The teaser asked two simple questions: who is Laila’s Majnu, and where is Laila?
Instead of treating her disappearance as a possible abduction, the people around Laila, including her ex-fiancé and the police, assume she has eloped. This reflects a very familiar reaction from institutions in our country. Those same people then become suspects as the investigation moves forward, and one by one the men in her life are questioned.
The drama’s message is strong: it is easier for society to point fingers at a woman than to keep her safe. Laila’s story is shown as a long road of betrayals, and the show unpacks what really happened to her piece by piece.
Full Story (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning: skip this part if you have not watched the show.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Laila had to go through a long chain of betrayals. Laila is eventually recovered, and she turns the tables on the people who were quick to judge her, shaming the suspects who blamed her while ignoring their own faults. The ending drives home the drama’s main point about how women are judged rather than protected.
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Behind the Scenes
Yasir Hussain announced the project in August 2022 on Instagram, sharing a picture with Iqra and the caption “First time directing this superstar”. The couple had already worked together on the drama serial Jhooti. This miniseries was Yasir’s directorial debut on TV.
The show was first expected to release in October 2022, but it finally premiered in December 2022. Early reports said it would have only five episodes; the final run was six.
Reception and Awards
Critics liked the show’s pace. A Youlin Magazine review praised its quick storytelling, fresh cinematography and crisp editing, and called it an entertaining watch for viewers who are used to streaming shows and tired of stretched-out family dramas.
Aik Thi Laila received four nominations at the 22nd Lux Style Awards in 2023, including Best Television Director, Best Television Writer, and two Critics’ Choice nominations for the lead performances.
Where to Watch Aik Thi Laila
Aik Thi Laila originally aired on Express Entertainment. To watch it now, look for the episodes on Express Entertainment’s official platforms, such as its official YouTube channel, and avoid unofficial uploads. With only six episodes, you can finish the whole series in one or two sittings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Aik Thi Laila have?
Aik Thi Laila is a miniseries with 6 episodes. It aired on Express Entertainment from 8 December 2022 to 12 January 2023.
Who directed Aik Thi Laila?
Yasir Hussain directed Aik Thi Laila and also acts in it as the police inspector. The drama was written by Faiza Iftikhar and produced by Hina Amaan.
Who plays Laila in Aik Thi Laila?
Iqra Aziz plays Laila. The cast also includes Yasir Hussain, Faysal Quraishi, Hassan Ahmed, Maham Amir, Nayyar Ejaz, Gul-e-Rana and Fareeha Jabeen.
What is Aik Thi Laila about?
It is a murder mystery about a girl named Laila who goes missing. People around her assume she eloped, but they become suspects as the investigation reveals betrayals and shows how society blames women instead of protecting them.
