The Married Woman sees Ridhi Dogra and Monica Dogra break free in a true blue women centric story

The Married Woman, which is adapted from a book by the same name, is an absolute treat to watch with its so many layers. At the face of it, the show narrates the story of Aastha (Ridhi Dogra) who seems to have gotten stuck in the rut of every day life with husband Hemant (Suhaas Ahuja). If that is not enough, she also has to deal with the regressive mentality that she lives in, topped by patriarchy. A teacher at college herself, she meets Eijaz (Imaad Shah), a colleague of hers, and happens to see a new side of herself. However, her bubble burst when she sees that he doesn't like her back. As one thing leads to the other, she gets close to Eijaz's wife, Piplika (Monica Dogra) and what follows is the story.

An absolute first highlight of the story is how it manages to encompass so many various aspects that are relevant, to even the present day. The show touches upon the ongoing political aspects on the surface, while it also talks about homosexuality, and the connotations to it, from back in the 90s. However, though things have changed in the present day, not a lot has changed after all, and many might find the story relevant.

The show also beautifully visualizes how things changed when a woman is married, how she is always someone's something - a mother, a wife, a daughter-in-law, among other things, and she is never just her. The dynamics that we are shown between Aastha and Pipilika are rather interesting and thanks to their absolutely amazing performances, they manage to elevate the entire scene altogether. 

Ridhi as Aastha is yet another revelation, for we see her in a different light, she is what makes the show equal parts subtle and yet, powerful. Monica, on the other hand, also comes as a great addition to the cast, and though we wished for more, she plays her part well. In the form of just two women, the makers have managed to narrate the lives of so many, how there is a bit of Aastha and Piplika that resides in all of us. 

A dialogue that is mouthed by Eijaz, one that has stayed with me after watching all that the show has in store, goes like this: Yeh jo ladai hai na vo individuality vs conditioning ki hai (This fight is about individuality vs conditioning). It basically sums up so many things, not just about the show and what it stands for, but so much more and beyond as well.

All in all, The Married Woman is a show that deserves a watch with a plot that is sure to keep you hooked. As we celebrated Women today, we might as well do it right!

Ratings: **** stars (4/5)