TOI: Why TV marriages take long to consumate-Rishbala

There's a common track in TV shows these days " no love before marriage and even after tying the knot, the tension or friction remains. It's only after months of ups and downs, the couples finally are drawn towards each other and then comes the high point " the consummation scene!

So what is the reason for this delayed passion? As Prashant Bhatt, content head (weekday programming) of a channel explains, "It's all about getting maximum viewers to see the whole process of a couple slowly discovering each other after marriage. The Indian mindset is about how once you have said 'I love you' and the couple have children, the whole romance is gone. So maybe in that context each show is banking on the concept." Recent times have seen at least eight shows follow this trend. Here's a look:

Bade Achhe Laggte Hain It took almost two years for Ram and Priya to warm up to each other after which the much-hyped 30-minute love scene was aired.

Amita Ka Amit Amita and Amit discover love only after marriage and that too, after many misunderstandings.

Saath Nibhaana... Saathiya After hating wife Gopi initially, Aham developed a soft corner for her almost a year later.

Madhubala... Ek Ishq Ek Junoon Madhu's forced to marry RK and after months of friction, the couple finally fall in love.

Jodha Akbar Jodha dislikes Akbar and several episodes have been spent on building a friendship and chemistry between the two. A 'vaid' also suggested 'body heat' for Jodha because she needed to get well. The consummation, however, is yet to take place.

Gustakh Dil Nikhil continues to be in love with his ex-girlfriend even after he marries Lajjo. Eventually, the wife is bound to win him over, but right now the show is still focussing on the ups and downs.

Balika Vadhu Shiv is the ideal husband, but Anandi, for whom it's a second marriage, took a long time to warm up to him. And even after falling in love, the consummation honeymoon track happened several episodes later.

Tumhari Pakhi Anshuman and Pakhi were married when they were young, but he now wants to break the marriage. We are sure love will blossom eventually, but it's going to take its own sweet time.