What a way to commemorate 100 glorious episodes of Peshwa Bajirao!
This entire week has been fantastic, with the crowning glory being Balaji and Radhabai's ascent to becoming Peshwa and Peshwin Bai! I have always loved these two characters and their relationship immensely, thanks to the way they have been written and portrayed with such sensitivity and subtlety. Manish Wadhwa and Anuja Sathe are exceptional actors, and their dedication to their craft has resulted in not only bringing two fascinating historical figures to life, but also in creating a chemistry so effortlessly natural and beautifully intimate that every moment they share sparkles and shines.
I could honestly write pages and pages about many, many episodes, since they are so well-executed and provide so much to think about and learn from! All the detailing has impressed me since the very beginning - that just goes to show how much thought has been put into bringing this story alive. Very early on, hearing both Manishji and Anuja talk about the traditional attire and authentic sets, as well as the Peshwa Bajirao team's efforts to show Balaji and Radhabai's changing status through housing, clothing, and jewelry, made me wonder if we would be able to watch their journey in detail, see them become Peshwa and Peshwin Bai and settle into those roles before the impending changes...
I was beyond overwhelmed when Balaji was taking the oath to become Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath Bhat and Radhabai was proudly watching her husband! Their silent conversations are always beautiful to behold - the language spoken through their eyes is as profound as the words they say to each other aloud. Seeing the depth of understanding between them and the love that they share, as well as hearing that lovely theme music of theirs, always makes my heart swell. I am going to miss them immensely, but I am incredibly thankful that their relationship and journey has been given the space to flourish.
I tend to focus on details very closely and, as usual, this week I picked up on many little things that just make me want the current cast and crew to stay with this show until the very end! A few of them - Balaji and Radhabai's unwavering support and faith in each other at every step, whether they are together or apart, and their ways of dealing with self-doubt while facing their detractors with respect and grace...The Bhats' strong family ties and even stronger sense of duty to their country and their ruler...which brings me to Shahuji. His faith in Balaji's abilities is heartwarming and I hope they continue to stay strong and become a force to reckon with!
i wish we could have many, many more episodes with this team of actors, writers, directors, and the rest of the crew. To bring such a story to the screen is no small feat - I will always treasure this era of the show!