We are no strangers to the depiction of romance in entertainment. More recently we have been bombarded with an overdose of subtle love. Those coy looks, those gentle touches, the occasional smile and the quintessential wink!! What then makes our favorite pair on the idiot box so special?
I confess I am not exactly young. So like most of my esteemed friends here, I am not attracted to this show essentially because of our dear friend Dr. Armaan. I like him, yes, I think he is very nice looking, I firmly believe Karan Singh is a brilliant actor with a unique and inimitable style, not comparable with any reigning superstar on the silver screen. But that is definitely not reason enough to follow a TV show with a passion that sometimes embarrasses me and more often than not, is agonizing because of the wait and fear of missing an episode.
I have scrutinized each episode and as a student of literature I have been most fascinated with the character graph that has been sketched for Armaan. His is what we call a rounded character, as opposed to the flat characters of Sapna or Dr. Kirti. Flat characters are not in anyway uncomplimentary. They are just uni-dimensional souls who are also essential to a plot but do not exhibit too many facets of their personality.
Armaan's roundedness can be traced with just the romance track of the show. He evolves progressively from the cocky, brash youngster, full of confidence and verve. Blessed with brains, good looks and money, he believes he rules the world. He has a heart that thumps louder than most others' when people in need surround him, but with his peers, he is consummate, reigning supreme over others around him.
And then quite suddenly he is introduced to that part of his heart that he did not know existed. A secret corner that makes his pulse race, his breath quicken and eyes widen with a strange feeling of warmth that he cannot explain. Invaded by a foreign presence, this nook malignantly slowly spreads its influence around everywhere. The tussle between the little corner and the rest of him has been beautifully depicted all through the denial scenes.
As the foreign presence becomes stronger, so do Armaan's ambitions change. No longer is his sole purpose being the best at work. He needs to be the best in eyes of his love. Thus begins his efforts to woo her. Don't forget however that his basic bratty nature hasn't yet deserted him. So while he attempts to charm his lady, his actions are still infused liberally with confidence and arrogance. Notice his expressions during the initial scenes of proximity between our hero and his heroine. His eyes still gleam with same spark that suggests that he is so sure of himself.
One mistake and our hero falls down with a thud, bruised and battered, that little corner of his heart decides enough is enough and almost overnight spreads its cancerous roots all over his heart. No longer is he amused by the effect his gaze, his words and his touch have on the girl he loves. No longer does he secretly rejoice in the sweet agony he puts his lady through. No longer is his morale boosted when he sees her squirm. Every contact, verbal tactual or visual now seem to affect him as much as they affect her. Watch how Armaan's eyes now speak volumes on this transition. Contrast the basketball court date and their dance at lonavala. He is just as mesmerized by the beauty of the emotions he feels. He is just as taken by her as she is by him.
It is now a burning desire to bridge the gap, a consuming need to hold and be held. He knows now that his love is reciprocated. The earlier Armaan would have merely rejoiced his conquest and enjoyed the spoils of his victory. Yes, it is a genuine win. He wanted her heart and he got it, but now the celebration would not be for the success of his endeavors but for the success of his love.
Hats off to Karan for portraying this subtle evolution in his character so beautifully with his performance!!!
Cricket
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