Posted:
There was a strikingly dissonant scene in yesterday's grihapravesh episode.
Mithila was shown as the epitome of knowledge and a place where freedom to question exists in comparision to the patriarchial and rigid Ayodhya. Mithila's sisters were known for their knowledge and love towards each other. Sita ji gives a lot of Gyan(instead of Ram but fair as its consistent with the theme to an extent and they are mirror images of each other).
When guru Vashisht asks Sita ji the jyestha vadhu to do the honors first, there is a big, visible frown on Mandavi's face. And Shrutakeerti's too. I don't know if this was discussed in the forum. Urmila's was not that obvious. REspect for elders is a core value even today. Isn't it surprising that Mandavi and co act like that when its their own elder sister? We all know that this is story from Sita's perspective. But why such huge contradictions in the characterization where once they(sita's sisters) are shown as the epitome of virtue and the next instance shown like juveniles.
Sita notices and steps back and makes amends. I hope they don't show this as a power struggle between Sita(who sacrifices) and Mandavi(the headstrong). Urmila is the sensible one. Less said about Shrutakeerti. I hope they dont show it(vanavas) as Sita's sacrifice for Mandavi instead of Rama wanting to keep his father's word.
I was wondering where this idea came from. This is not Valmiki Ramayan or Ramacharitamanas. I don't know other Ramayans. But I saw on the net that there is a book by Kavita Kane which portrays Mandavi as headstrong, Urmila as the binding force and Sita the sacrificing and docile kind. The book is titled 'Sita's sister'. Didnt read the whole book(only the synopsis) but there are striking similarities.
Raghukul's brothers fare much better in this aspect. They respect elders.
Coming to dialogue writers
The other day Shiva said 'Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah' when Rama empathized with Sita's pain and said her struggle is his. Namastasyai -- means Namah to her. Used for females.
Today, Kaikeyi said 'upayukt patni'. What on earth was that. Upayukt as in useful? There are other shades of meanings like suitable and worthy for this word but the common and most popular one is 'useful'. It could have been 'Anukool(suitable)' or 'Anuroop' or 'Sarvathaa yogya' or 'sarvathaa uchit'. She said it twice. It was certainly a low point'. Not the first time I felt that the dialogue writers are looking at dictionary to fit those words.
Ravana said 'Dashaanand' instead of Dashaanan. He doesn't know himself?
The dialogues have been generally off in this show. Highlights are Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Sumitra and Urmila.
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