I have been watching some old episodes and some other serials to understand why I got addicted to IPK. Here is part 1 of my reason. Part 2 is Khushi and in this case the actress did make a difference because he character, though it started out strong, lost its was. But the actress made all the difference in keeping us glued.
(My Khushi post: http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3341389)
Here goes...
One of the real reasons why ASR was such a powerful character was because he was such a modern man. He was guy of today: he knew his mind and was not afraid to speak it out. He was mostly progressive and non interfering kind of guy, self-made to boot and very dependable. Brother, aunt, in-laws'all could depend on his. Hell even ex-girl friends and sis in laws could depend on him without him coming across as a pushover even once. Do your thing and I will do mine, was his motto. The new characters on TV don't seem to be about that. Nothing irritates me more than a man who says "you are my sis/ mother/ bro/ wife hence you cannot do this because I forbid it or I know best. And that is why no matter who plays that role; the character just does not endear you like ASR did. I don't think the writers even realized how much of a strong character they were creating and why a modern/ progressive women could not help but be attracted to him.
Also, his relations with women except for Khushi were wonderfully defined. He was respectful but could not be manipulated. He stood his ground against older women, indulged his sister beautifully and let his girlfriend be. He was kind to his sister in law and when he accepted that he loved Khushi, he was the best boyfriend/lover you could ask for. I mean all the flirting scenes and remarriage scenes were to die for.
His famous scene with Nani when he tells I will not marry and I want to be with Lavanya without marriage was fantastic as was his scene with Dadi when he tells he Khushi is my wife and if she has no place in this room then I do not want to be here either or when he says Khushi can do what she wants in this house. Very seldom do you see such characterization of a man in telly serials. I have been trying to watch some soaps off late to see if any man matches up but not really. Standing their ground without being rude or being sacrificial lambs just does not happen in serials does it?
His relationship with Anjali was well define and very, very touching. He is the younger sibling and yet the way he takes care of her and how he indulges her every whim with minimal protests was super. You could argue that it was borderline incest but that only happened when the writing was bad. Initial few months it was clear that he was a devoted brother. His attitude towards his jijaji was nicely shown too. He knew jijaji was imp to sister, hence to be accorded respect. Well portrayed.
Lavanya relationship was a little more complex. She was his girlfriend who wanted to be more. Most times he did tell her be yourself. Do not change for my family. That is modern thinking. That is about accepting Lavanya for who she was initially. But when Lavanya decides to change, even then he does not interfere with her relationship with his family. It was a goal that Lavanya set up for herself. ASR did not ask her to. So there was no question of helping her or defending her. It was her choice and her cross to bear. I like that. Very precise thinking. Also I liked the way he was honest with her the minute he realized what was really happening in his heart and had accepted it.
His relationship with Payal, Mamiji, Garima, Shashi and Buaji was touched upon briefly yet once again he was respectful and caring. Who would not like that in a guy? Sure he could have defended Payal a little more, and told Mami to back off but surely that was Aakash's job.
Khushi: well this is tough relationship to talk about. This is where he was most unlike himself because he was most involved her when he did not want to be. So in way it was easy to understand his OTT behavior. While quite a lot of it was not right, and quite barbarous, at least there was a reason behind it'he did not want to fall in love and certainly not with a woman like Khushi who was his anti-thesis in every way. But even in all this nastiness, there were moments of pure guilt, regret, caring and compassion that were hard to miss and disassociate with his real nature. And when he turned around (remarriage and after) he did show Khushi how much he loved her. There were many blips (but that is poor writing again) but in the end all I can say is that much of IPK's success lies in how ASR was written.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
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