JODHA AKBAR --- A LASTING SAGA

A subtle smile of happiness on my urban irksome lips hovers and a pleasant feeling of love marks my otherwise tensed frowning brows these days. Not that a sudden change of fate or fortune, that still awaits its milestone turn, has encountered me in the path of my monotonous life watching, day in and day out on our small screen, the same insipid family sagas that trail in every family. It is the historical saga of love between Jodha and Akbar and an awe inspiring union between Hindus and Moghuls, that has come alive with all its regal zest is what has done its magic.

Not that we have not watched this historical romance earlier in theatres which starred our bollywood biggies. It did run into packed theatres, but one must admit with fortitude that the celluloid of 2008 hardly made any impact nor has it left any indelible memories of 16^th century monarchy and the fineness of love that existed then.

Ekta Kapoor's daring and unnerving resolution to play it all over again with lesser known actors has been a marvelous step in winning the hearts of thousands of avid viewers who have got addicted to this serial now. This remake of Jodha Akbar has hitched itself as a favorite past time of many now and has certainly eclipsed the celluloid presentation of its earlier replica.

The new Shehanshah played by Rajat Tokas is such a pleasure to watch and it is extremely thrilling to listen to his unique voice that sets him apart from all other actors. A new is Jallal reborn with a kingly status radiating from his very cute face! If one were to employ lexigram, one would be surprised to discover that the word Raja' lies embedded in his name ---- Rajat. The glory of a Moghul emperor becomes explicit in his aristocratic countenance and performance of action with sublimity. It is said that great passions can raise the soul to great things and Rajat Tokas is symbolic of it.

How true is the remark of one commentator on zeetv.com ... I watch it online nonstop 2 days randomly,' he says, ...I feel I' m part of mogul soltanath...'It is undoubtedly the most successful serial happening today. If one were to watch this serial online uninterrupted with continuity, one can easily get lost into the sixteenth century. Whether it is the costume or the setting, the background melodia or the tirelessly delivered dialogues almost in one breath, whether by Jallal or his badi ammi', Maham Anga, it definitely has succeeded in creating an old world regal charm, very different from the filmy version of our historical reproduction. The serial would do even better if Maham Anga's name being resonated to reiterate her negativity in the filmy style is removed.

The entry of Lavina Tandon replacing Smilie Surie has unfalteringly added the Moghul Mallikai charm, while it is unfortunate that Ankita Dubey who played Moti, Jodha's accomplice has walked out of the set. Who can forget the dramatic scene in which Dubey has carried to the supreme height her fear of getting subjected to Islamic scrutiny in the presence of the authoritative Mahamanga and the emperor, Shahanshah? Her breathless nervousness is superbly executed and her consummate acting skill gushes to the fore. She had the capability to represent and identify herself with Jodha's feelings more intensely with a passion more devoted than the present actor.

The choice of Paridhi Sharma to play Jodha is indisputable. A charming beauty just right to play the princess.

Even the eunuchs and the little bandha' of Benazir have put on their marvelous performances. Watching this serial slowly unravel its magical events and incidents (though one can't wait for the next episode), one begins to wonder about the destiny that was written in our history to warp the fantastic union that existed once upon a time between the two dissimilar cultures and customs. Somewhere an uncomfortable barrier raised its hood between the Moghuls and the Hindus in our history, though some of our celebrities have broken the accepted tradition.

This dramatized version of a beautiful piece of history has indeed fantastically captured the essence of a sixteenth century oriental world and exemplifies that love has no barriers. This wonderful serial is incomparable with other soap operas that we have in plenty now on almost all channels. The serial has proved (with discreetly chosen actors and an actor like Rajat par excellence) that the story of Jodha Akbar' will live on as long as the sun and the moon shall live enduring all seasons and ages.

Putti Rao (thisisforyou)