Things I liked: 9th July

Originally posted by: iamahunter16

Lovely analysis... loved the episode...
especially nikumbh - azam scene...
the scene started with azam being so excited and the whole reaction to the
sherwani and letter was funny and cute. One can understand nikhumb's pain.
His pain has made him bitter and catches up at times.
Azam gets hurt and probably the first time they had a little argument which
was high on emotional quotient yet subtle. I seem to be loving their chemistry
more with every passing day. Their friendship is relatable. Kudos to the writers
and both the actors. 👏 👏 👏

Originally posted by: Shell16

Finally watched the episode. You're right it was a great set up, character development and movement in the story.

Like you I am really enjoying the friendship angle of NY relationship and the wonderful growth and slow awkwardness as they become close. Love the sweetness and newness of the relationship. I never would have called it haq or right on each other but NM's wonderful narration and your write up makes me see how that is done. To me it is comfort level with a friend where you know you are not being judged so you can say anything to them. You can be yourself and ask them for things without worry. Loved how Y asked him to come for her and N understood without her saying that she is scared of being alone at the party and later asked Azam to stay with her the entire time. I guess that is the reason he will come to the party.

Another thing I loved was the giddiness that Azam experienced when he receives Shaheen,s gift and the way he tries to calm himself...it was adorable. That kind of stuff can be OTT but it works so well here.

Can't wait for today.

Originally posted by: AreYaa[/QUOTE

Thank you :-)

Yes, the Nikumb-Azam scene was beautifully done and they are usually the highlight of most epis...I love how Azam does understand Nikumb's pain but still doesn't let his negativity bog him down...neither of them acts mahaan about their friendship either...another that I like about them :-)

Originally posted by: LoveToLaugh

For the first time, we got a proper insight into Nikumbh's back story. I enjoyed the way it was told, Maybe it did get a little dramatic, what with the bangles getting crushed in his hands... But it also made sense because it is such a fair point. Financial security is almost always a point when two people want commit to a serious relationship. Nikumbh was obviously immature back then, while also hopelessly in love with a girl and with his theater. And when she left him, he decided to walk over his crushed dreams (which is what they tried to signify with him walking over those crushed bangles) to pursue what he really loved. And theater has loved him back in return. He may not be a millionaire, but he still is a respected name when it comes to theater in Lucknow. It has given him an identity, a home and a place from where he can look at the world and challenge and dream. Actually honestly, I LOVED the narration of this flashback...the way they used the light and darkness vis a vis lighting in that scene...the song choice was also very good...and then the fact that they keep the figure of the girl in darkness...it's only her voice that comes across to us...the taunting tone in it hitting at Nikumb, his reaction to it...this was another excellent theatrical/stage tool they used to portray a scene...really enhanced the scene IMO...word to the bit in bold...on a second watch, some scenes add to this even more...the way Nikumb speaks of dreams in any context, be it his own or when he's encouraging Yamini and telling her that dreams are only fulfilled for those ppl who KNOW how to get them fulfilled...who are willing to fight to achieve them...his passion for his dreams shows in these statements

I too see the two clashing over this at some point in the future. But let us see how that unfolds.

On an off note, I hope they shoot the entire play when they finally perform it on stage. Not just tidbits, but the entire play from start to finish. Maybe they can have a maha episode or something. I would love to see Yamini's portrayal of Shakuntala and Nikumbh's vision coming alive on stage. They have done pretty well so far. Almost every episode begins with them rehearsing a scene. Like nothing will allow the show to get deviated at this point. The whole play might be difficult to show but I guess they will show crucial scenes from it...as it is it turns out that Nikumb is going to end up playing Dushyant😆...but yeah it would be nice if they could show the whole thing and see the result of all this hard work put together as a final product.

Much of the beauty in NM's narration is in the way he chips in his thoughts while also leaving space open for the viewer to interpret. The way he says he knows Nikumbh because he is obviously his character, but also letting the viewer realize that that's not it. Of course there is more to Nikumbh than what his own creator can see. Like all stories and all characters. Because in many ways, a viewer/reader shapes a character. Well said...I too love this fact about his narration...the way he talks about the characters as if they are both known and unknown to him...his ability to be both the creator as well as the audience in such instances is what is fascinating...the musing, whimsical quality he brings to the narration when he teases the audience both with what is to come and what already is...he helps us understand the characters and at the same time muses about them in such a manner that our interest and curiosity is piqued further about what it is to come...essentially it is a very simple story, very predictable in nature too...but what NM brings alive for us is the very essential MAGIC of STORYTELLING...cuz stories may or may not be that great, it is the way they are TOLD, NARRATED that makes them special...and this one is being made special thanks to the way NM talks about it...about the characters...

Anyhow, I will be back with my take on the episode today after I am finished watching it! 😊 Cool😊