**Neil Bhatt/Kesar Appreciation Thread** - Page 27

Originally posted by: Krisha123

This was an awesome scene, Neil played the whole scene out with his eyes and expressions, truly beautiful to see. The best of the serial was exemplified here, Neil's acting, and that of his co-actors, the set up with wall dividing Kesar and family (and his desire to be part of them and the solitary situation he was in with his knowledge of Vasant's death keeping him), the haunting use of music and lighting and choice of props. Scenes like these were spellbinding! Thanks Krisha for posting the pics to this and others.

Originally posted by: Krisha123

Wow, loved this scene!

01/08/11: Neil's Expressive Best: Spectacular KesarDushyant Showdown

The confrontation began. In front of Kunal, Kesar acted normal, he smiled, welcomed him in spite of the tense situation. He also acknowledged the fact that men should support women by returning some small favors for their dedication towards their spouse. That was a perfect husband in every sense. He agreed to Gulaal's request and joined the puja leaving Dushyant alone.

The tension remained. He could not pretend normalcy. He kept looking at Dushyant, because his heart was so full of queries, to which Dushyant is accountable. That was a beautiful scene when Kesar and Dushyant's underlying undercurrent was so palpable just through the eye contact between Kesar and Dushyant. Even in this situation, Kesar can't turn down Gulaal's request when she asks him to clap hands as the bhajan was rendered. But the impatience was building up in Kesar.

Gulaal seemed like she was genuinely waiting for Kesar to feed her. He did so. What I love about Kesar's characterization is that though he is passionate in his love when it comes to Gulaal, he doesn't get carried away by this sweet gesture which he would have if it were during better times. Of course Gulaal had to feed Kesar too because he too had to break the fast.

KESAR DUSHYANT SHOWDOWN

Neil stole the show. It was such a treat to see Neil and Sushant perform in this spectacular showdown between Kesar and Dushyant. I only regret there is no more possibility of the scenes between two superb actors. I am happy about how Kesar's and Dushyant's scene was handled. Last Friday I had mentioned that I wish that Gulaal is kept out of this confrontation and we get a "man-to-man" confrontation. My wish was fulfilled.

I think it was "Jagrata" that the Puja extended into the wee hours of the morning from the previous night. Kesar's patience had worn out. Gulaal advices but he can't remain silent any longer. This time Kesar does not hide behind Gulaal's decision and he has decided that the best way out is to confront Dushyant. He still maintained the respect and civility when he called out Dushyant Ba.

When Motaba told Kesar that he believes Dushyant, he was already guilty when he looked at the trust Motaba laid on him. The situation escalated and Kesar brought out the dowry issue. Again he gets confronted instead. I like the stress in his words as he spoke to his dad" haan'Motaba, why don't you ask him if he has done this or not'poochiye'.

I felt bad for Dushyant because that leech Raman just slipped away and no one even doubted him. Kesar says it is not about money, it was about the deception and a breach of trust towards people who trust him blindly. This was not a mistake but a huge SIN. The entire dialogue by Kesar, we need to understand is based on the information Kesar has about Dushyant murdering Vasant. The 10 year long resentment he had buried temporarily since other incidents took priority in his life. The anger and resentment just resurfaced in the wake of him learning about the money being swindled. Sushant Singh was fabulous in his expressions as Kesar hurled the "accusations" of breach of trust, deception, etc. He was hurt and helpless because he had indeed not taken that with a selfish motive. He is human too; he was hurt that his decision led to all these accusations just in the name of money. What he did not know was that Kesar's anger was more due to the information he already knew and not for this 27 lakhs.

The mention of the word deception took a sad turn. When Kesar declares that Dushyant's intentions were corrupt, Dushyant slaps him. I can't understand every passerby feels good and great in physically abusing Kesar. Why ? Is it because he is the youngest of the family?

Neil's eyes just spoke volumes and volumes after that slap: The first shock, his recovery, looking back in utter disbelief that Dushyant has indeed slapped him. When Dushyant talks about Kesar's mistakes being overlooked by him dismissing those as immaturity, I really could not fathom, what grave or little mistakes Kesar had done to be pardoned by Dushyant. His error in judgement was during the incident when Kesar forced Gulaal home. But then that is not a mistake that needs to be pardoned by Dushyant. That was between Kesar and Gulaal.

Kesar kept his eyes lowered as he was reminded of such magnanimity. Obviously he was unsure of what his mistake was. Kesar's shock was superbly brought out in Neil's body language when he stepped back a little just gathering himself of this enormous blow. When Dushyant mentions about how he was sent to boarding school 10 years ago, Kesar's anger took the better of him because he associates that incident of being packed off to boarding school with the truth he learnt about the murder issue from Durgesh. That incident accelerates his anger. When Dushyant continued in his own defense saying he took care of the family, Kesar could not take it any longer. All that anger, frustration just came out within a blink of the eyes. Kesar's anger had been dormant like a volcano for very many years. Kesar tried to come to terms with it in vain. The issue was only temporarily dislodged from his focus but all that came back in the fraction of a second. Kesar yelled out " JHOOT".. The yelling with that hoarseness in voice was perfect. Kesar could not put up with what he believed was Dushyant's pretension in talking about pain and hurt because Kesar believed and knew that Dushaynt has been the root cause of all the problem in the family that started with Vasant's death. Kesar blurts out his conclusion about Dushyant's intention Kesar believes it and that is what he vocalized when he said "You have always wanted the entire wealth to yourself and in the process eliminated Vasant Ba from your path, Jaan le li meri Vasant Ba ki" That made Gulaal loosen his grip on him.

Neil's rendition was perfect when he showed his fierce rage about his Vasant Ba being killed in the dialogue delivery, the top voice, the pain, the hurt in his eyes and the reddening of his face in fierce fury. Such vehemence and intensity of the anger was enacted with such a powerful dialogue delivery. Sushant Singh's reaction to that was lovely. He was shocked in all ways that his past has been unearthed and also that Kesar had known this truth. That came as a big blow to him.

Watch Neil's expression after he blurts that out. He had the sadness of that little young Kesuda who misses his brother so much. Gulaal is shocked, her 10 year effort gone in the drains. My heart went out to Kesar and Dushyant there. And it is strange that I felt equally bad for Dushyant. Each one of them has been intricately woven into the web that had its central focus on that one truth VASANT. My heart went out to Gulaal too who had suppressed this within her thinking she is doing it for the common good. Actualy Iam so surprised at myself feeling bad for Kesar, Gulaal and Dushyant. Probably because I heard Dushyant speak to Gulaal that night where he says he wished "samay ka pahiya peeche ghuma payen toh '" because at an impulsive moment he threw Vasant off the bridge.

The extreme sense of loss in Kesar was shown in the way he cries so much and gestures with his hand. That gesture is like saying" Now it is done with, I can't have my Vasant Ba ever, why did you?"

Everyone was shocked. They wasted time showing everyone's reaction in slow motion. When Kesar finally said" Maar diya mere Vasant Ba ko", Kesar and Gulaal were one in expressing the loss of someone who was close to their heart in their own way and till now both of them in a way has never been able to overcome the loss of that binding soul Vasant. Dushyant was shocked beyond words because he too has relived that weak moment in his life which he regrets every minute of his life.

Kesar gestures again with his hand, once more cursing the fate that took his brother's life and fate was in the form of Dushyant standing right in front of him. I felt Kesar literally cried out in memory of Vasant. For the first time he has been able to openly show his suppressed feelings of hurt. And Gulaal cried with him too. The loss was deep in both their lives. The loss was something that sealed their twisted fates together.

Kesar was still regaining his steps after that overwhelming episode that Motaba walks up to him and slaps him hard. I do not mind about this slap because Kesar should have confided in his father at least when he came back after 10 years. He did not see that coming from his dad and that slap literally pushed him to the ground as he fell on the showpiece. That scene was so naturally done. Gulaal finally helps him out, holds him and helps him get up.

I felt bad for Motaba because here was a father who does not want to believe in the mystery behind his beloved son's death at the hands of the most trusted person Dushyant whom he has come to treat like his own son that he is ready (and willing) for his other son Kesar (whom he actually loves) to be proven wrong. What a sad state of affairs. The interplay of emotions in Kesar, Gulaal's and Dushyant's faces is something fabulous.

The scene where he sat on the chest was something strange and cute. Kesar looked on with worry seeing Jamna Kaki. He did not have resentment on his face seeing her but he did appear genuinely concerned. When Jamna Kaki requested Gulaal to request Motaba, I like the look on Kesar's face. It was as if silently telling Jamna Kaki "Gulaal has done the maximum that was within her limits, now she can't help you anymore"

When Dushyant favors Gulaal and puts her on a high pedestal saying she killed the demon in me and gave me a chance to reform with dignity, Kesar acknowledged that. Little did he realize until Motaba's anger turned to Gulaal. We could see Kesar walking towards Gulaal to her defense.

He showed his support to her by trying to take her away because he knew that no one would be able to understand her and that too when he himself did not know the actual truth. He tried resisting his own mother but in vain. When Motaba declared she would stay back in this house, a momentary happiness came to his face mixed with the hope that his father was willing to show some concern for her and maybe he hoped that he would support her. That snapped in a minute when Motaba decides to give her a life-term by staying in this house. That was a little too much though his anger is justified. Why blame Kesar for short temper? Like father, like son. Kesar's total disapproval of his father's decision, his resentment over how far his father was going to hurt Gulaal added to that was his worry seeing his own father in so much pain over Vasant . This whole lot of emotions was brought out in that one reaction of his.

It was a beautiful realization of shock and worry the minute he turned back to see Gulaal fallen to the ground. That was a reflex action for him, to sit down beside her and support her. Very beautifully that love and affection came through the way he held her and touched her face, asked her to console. Gulaal was shocked beyond words because she has done everything so far hoping and believing them to be right just out of her love for her dead husband and to keep his dreams alive. When sh was accused of betraying Vasant, it was an end to her soul because it was for that very person Vasant whom she loved that she put up with all this. Gulaal actually died that minute. i remember after her Deeyarvatu with Kesar, the next day she prayed to god at the mandir in her own home that she has died with Vasant but for his dreams she was going to rebuild this home once over just for him.

I liked the way Gulaal was reminded of Kesar's words finally when she remembered "Tu yeh kyun kar rahi hai is ghar ke liye, sabko khushi milti hai lekin tujhe, sirf ghutan hi ghutan". At last she has begun to realize that her so called selflessness hasn't really earned her any "apnapan" in this house. She stands alone when she needs support.

I am so looking forward to tomorrow's episode

Kesar comes into the room, watches her in pain and is pained too. He calls out to her softly. Gulaal tries to wipe off her tears but is so depressed that she can't hide them any longer. Kesar requests her in the most earnest way to stop crying over what happened and gives her a practical advice that her crying would not make things better.

Kesar notices Champa, decides to use it for cheering her up. He glances at Gulaal once and then strikes a conversation with Champa. Kesar's mono-acting was endearing. Kesar can befriend an inanimate object if it is for Gulaal, or to put it differently he can treat even a doll as a living being if that can bring a smile to Gulaal's face. We could see Gulaal slowly melting away to that conversation between Kesar and Champa. Of course she is a bit surprised when Kesar says "Ab yeh din dekhne ko rahe, Waise bhi I can't find any of my things in this room, and to add to this your Gulaal has completely messed up this room. Ab mei kya karoon"

Kesar and Gulaal look at each other. Kesar waits for her reaction and Gulaal has no option but to smile, at least she did because subconsciously she appreciates the effort he is taking to cheer her up. She picks up on his last sentence but that is reality based. "Mei kya karoon Kesar??" My heart went out to Gulaal because the taunts from her so called dear family have left her in such a state of depression and low self-esteem. It is really good to see her bond with Kesar who has shown her his support during this tough time. She has become so emotionally dependant on him that she is willing to look out for his reasoning and actually expects that he could find a solution. Again, sub consciously she has placed so much trust and faith on this man who has time and again proven that he means well for her and she too has come to accept that this is his way of showing his love.

Sensing her yearn for issues to be sorted, to mend things at home and to mend hearts, he tells her the best solution is to wait until this dark cloud passes by. The analogy to the eclipse was just too good. Kesar has so much maturity in him now. It is not that Gulaal does not understand the eclipsed phase of this house, but at such a low phase in her life, she needs Kesar who can reason out with her to just go with the flow and wait until the dark clouds pass by. Like everyone points out, it is such a role reversal when Kesar takes care of Gulaal. This is what it takes for a relationship to thrive. To pull each other up when the other feels low, comes in any relationship, be it friends, parents but specifically in a couple. It is heart-warming to see Gulaal's appreciative and indebted look when Kesar explains to her to let this time pass.

His firm NO to a resisting Gulaal, dragging her all the way, firm announcement that Gulaal would work in the kitchen, ordering her to make his tea and breakfast, his sensitivity to Talli's support, his care for talli asking her to obey her mother, careful observation of the women's callous behavior, don't care attitude when the women marched out to boycott his decision on Gulaal's involvement in kitchen affairs, Kesar was all the more a caring friend and husband. The women of the house deserve this treatment from him.

Kesar decides to lighten the atmosphere of an otherwise tense situation that he showed his super excitement on being left all alone in the kitchen along with his beloved wife. I am touched by his straight forwardness in confessing about his cheating last time he made Talli prepare the Chai for him. How caringly he makes her sit down. Gulaal avoided his touch when their hands accidentally met while opening the wardrobe. Now she is so oblivious of such facts and has quite gotten used to this doting from him. She does not retaliate or bring up the issue that the others left because of her and instead just participates with him in his maiden venture on Chai making. Kesar's voice modulation while saying "Jaise bhi banega, tujhe khana padega" reminded me of how little children are pampered by their guardians. Indeed such a role reversal now. I still get reminded of the scene where Gulaal willingly gives in to young Kesuda and allows him the satisfaction that he had fooled her over the phone.

She reacts seeing him burn his finger and she also smiles when he plans to deliberately delay their work to keep the others hungry. Kesar is happily banking on that one statement of Gulaal. He is all so happy in the Pati mode. Care to notice that Gulaal no more gets irked by the Pati-Patni word and she has come a long way in being able to smile with him when being asked to exert her rights to make her husband dance to her tunes. Kesar is willingly giving her the permission. He keeps saying "Jab tak tera pati hoon" and he has decided to leave home Humesha humesha ke liye. That is surprising. Arre Kesar what would you do for a living now that you have a wife. Arre temporary or permanent wife, hai toh wife hi. Ghar toh mil gayi, thanks to Talli, ab kaam kya karega.

I mentioned in Reema's thread, Kesar is so proud as a peacock making his own Chai and sipping it to give the expression of total bliss in having his first self made Chai by lunch time. He knows how to credit himself at the same time discrediting him for the time taken too. Strange guy.

Kesar is in his favorite spot, in the "Goshala". All his important decisions he prefers to decide in this cowshed. He recollects his mother's taunts, the promise he gave Baapji, and about Gulaal's short lived happiness in the mango orchard. Hope for a btter episode tomorrow. Precap seems interesting.