Kumkum Bhagya: Namik Paul, Pranali Rathod bring back missing old charm of Indian TV romances; fans thrilled

Indian daily soap viewers have been complaining that shows nowadays do not offer the nok-jhok, romance and angst of those in early 2000s. There is no proper romantic story as we see plots revolving around one male lead and two female leads, family issues, children and what not. Well, it looks like Namik Paul (Shivaansh) and Pranali Rathod (Prarthana) are kind of filling up the void. Fans are loving the chemistry between the two actors. In fact, some feel that this is the best ever pairing of Pranali Rathod. In the past, she has worked with Pravisht Mishra, Harshad Chopda and Aashay Mishra. Harshad Chopda and she were a rage in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai but then the story went awry.

Namik Paul’s character of Shivaansh is a lot like traditional ITV hunks like Aarnav Singh Raizada, Asad or Rishabh Kundra of Madhubala. Female fans love these Wattpad coded heroes who are tall, dark, handsome, brash with loads of enigma. Well, Namik Paul has always had the good looks to swoon fan girls and this time the makers have tapped into his persona to create the aura. This is his third show with Balaji and they know how to present him well.

The fans have also liked how they are showing Shivaansh’s bond with his younger sister-in-law. After a spate of shows where we have seen two sisters chasing one man, this is like a breath of fresh air. Yesterday, we saw a scene that was pure classic ITV romance. Shivaansh picks up Prarthana with one hand as he carries her inside the house.

There is a track involving Prarthana, Shivaansh and Rounak. Some believe we will see a sequence similar to what was there in the film Dhadkan. After some misfires, it looks like classic romance is back on ITV.