Although a minor character, Sidra from Jama Taqseem has gained quite a following with her disturbing yet intense character arc. She is a lurking shadow in every episode. She is there, but also not really there. She is in the background. Or is she the background? While her story may initially appear to be a mere catalyst for Laila’s exit from the family, Sidra’s story encompasses the hidden struggle of every young woman stuck in an outdated family system.
With every new episode, viewers find Sidra’s plight more and more relatable, with many even sharing their similar experiences of being harassed by their male cousins while living in a joint family. Zeeshan, the ‘bhai jaisa’ cousin, orders Sidra around, whether it is barging into her room or passive-aggressively asking her to make chai for him under the well-maintained appearance of a ‘semi-brother’. It is truly fascinating to note how, in a family where Laila’s tiny murmur wreaks havoc, the ‘elders’ have somehow failed to glance at Sidra’s uncut nails, occasional spacing out, running out of rooms, and aloofness.
In episode 8, Sidra hesitantly tries to tell her mother about Zeeshan’s constant teasing, which borders on abuse, but is only met with “cousins karte hai behno ko tang”. Zeeshan’s behaviour is either swept under the rug by the family or fawned over by the women as simply being well-intentional.
Several users have shared their sympathy for Sidra, and hailed the drama for highlighting such a sensitive topic in such a nuanced manner.
Another user highlighted how Sidra’s trauma holds up a mirror in how society forces daughter’s to remain silent about the abuse they face at the hands of men under the guise of ‘not tarnishing the family image’.
Another user highlighted how Laila’s presence was soothing for Sidra because she was the only adult in the family who stepped up to listen to her pain, and offered her the support she needed.
