Actors of the Week that went by: Shweta & Rajat (Telly Tadka Artic

Initially while penning down this article I was determined to talk about only one actor...the actor that was phenomenal this week. But when I started watching the weeks' episodes it was amply clear that there simply can't be an actor of the week' instead it should be actors if the week' as both these actors were absolutely magnificent.

Shweta Basu Prasad and Rajat Tokas take a bow!!! *Slow Claps*

Last weeks' episodes of Chandra Nandini saw both Shweta and Rajat who essay the roles of Nandini and Chandra respectively give brilliant performances. In fact I would even go on to say that it was one of their best performances till date since the show went on air. We all know that Rajat is an phenomenal actor and an outstanding performer. By now he has mastered the art of performing historical characters' with great panache, but what is astonishing is watching him break his own record when it comes to acting. As for Shweta this is her first stint on Television as a leading lady and her growth as an actor , a performer is unbelievable. It is a true challenge to overshadow Rajat in a scene or any scene for that matter, but this week's episodes saw Shweta give Rajat equal takkar' in terms of acting and emoting; especially in Nandini's breakdown scene where she has given her 101%, and totally owned the episode!

Rundown of the events: The week starts with Nandini falling prey to Apama's ploy. She is poisoned and collapses on to the floor. A vigilant Chandra rushes to Nandini's side and then it is a race against time to save Nandini from the clutches of death. As per Chanakya's advise Chandra seeks the help of the Vishkanya and Nandini is saved. However, Chandra informs everyone that Nandini is dead only to apprehend Apama which works fine, but because of the political agreement between Magadh and the Greeks, Chandra is unable to mete out a more befitting punishment for Apama. With Dhurdhara's killer exposed, Nandini is acquitted on all counts. Chandra decides to crown Nandini the Mukhiya Maharani of Magadh only this time Nandini is not ready to do as he pleases. Nandini walks away for the sake of her Self-respect' leaving a shattered Chandra in her wake.

As you can see last week was one of the most eventful week in Chandra Nandini and the rundown above does not do any justice to it because you don't get to experience the emotions associated with said events and the sheer brilliance of Rajat and Shweta's performance. Shweta's portrayal of Nandini who was breathing her last would tie you into knots. Yes, you know she is going to survive but that does nothing to quench the anxiety. From spitting blood to asking for help (that koi meri sahayata karo was heart wrenching) to struggling for life, to choking on her own blood and slipping into the realms of death; Shweta makes you feel for Nandini very deeply. You want to save Nandini and protect her from everyone including Chandra and the rest of the royalties who are directly and indirectly responsible for Nandini's condition. Having said that the reason you feel so much for Nandini aside from the obvious factors is Rajat's portrayal of Chandra. Sure he was a jerk, but the pain that was written all over his face at the thought of losing Nandini and his helplessness simply amplifies the emotions you feel while watching the scene. Though Chandra did wrong by Nandini, there is no ignoring the pain he experienced at her loss. Well, yes she wasn't technically dead but she almost did, and I believe that it was that recollection that helped him put such a convincing performance for Apama.

If Rajat's performance as Chandra who lost his best friend and the mother of his child made you tear up, then his performance as the man who lost the love of his life would make your heart bleed. That deadpan look on his face when he comes to tell every the news about Nandini's death, that cry of agony and that promise of vengeance would give any Rajat fans goosebumps. While this was all an act for Apama, the FB sequence shows us exactly what happened and how Chandra almost lost Nandini before she was revived by the poison that was fed to her by the Vishkanya. There is no doubt that Chandra is ardently in love with Nandini, and has been for sometime now.The desperation to save her, the fear of not only losing her, but having to live with the guilt that she was paying the price for a sin committed by somebody else in which he too was an unwitting participant, and the shock that registers when Nandini breaths her last is one of those rare moments when you are holding your breath and it's all because of one man Rajat Tokas. Rajat was living Chandra every second of the moment and it was emotionally beautiful. But that was not all that was emotionally beautiful. The scene that was the icing on the cake was Nandini's breakdown scene and Shweta and Rajat's heart-wrenching performance in the same.

Shweta was exceptional in the array of emotions she displayed which Nandini had suppressed for a long long time which came out gushing when she saw that still there was no sign of her husband, the man she was looking for in Chandra who just once would apologize for his disbelief in her. The dialogues were an added bonus because it covered every aspect of her feelings and Shweta delivered them flawlessly. Being royalty herself and loyal to her kingdom and the throne, she could see the justice in Samrat Chandra's decision especially because of the overwhelming evidences against her (even though they were planted). What broke her was that Chandra the man and the husband didn't believe her...didn't even spare a knowing glance her way, and instead condemned her for a heinous crime. Even after knowing the truth Chandra didn't say a word to Nandini, instead he keeps it between himself and Chaya so that he can catch Apama red-handed. An apology, may be a few good words from Chandra may have done the trick; may have soothed Nandini's aching heart, but instead he measured her self-respect in terms of the Mukhiya Maharani' title. From reminiscing the events of the past during the coronation ceremony to crying her heart out after leaving said ceremony to finding solace in Chandra's arms, only to respectfully push him away because she didn't want his support anymore; Shweta nailed Nandini's display of hurt, of being tired of the constant fights and arguments and the need to prove herself. There maybe women who would succumb to such acts but for Nandini all she wanted was respect, trust and faith none of which was shown to her. Throughout the sequence Rajat does nothing much than express his shock and pain over Nandini's decision of going their separate ways but even then he conveyed his feelings and emotions to the T. Nandini is not Bindusara's birth mother but the bond she shares with the young prince is adorable, and Shweta was able to skillfully convey the storm that was raging within between the fight for her self-respect as a woman and her responsibilities as a mother. But if she stood back to essay the roles of a mother,wife, daughter-in-law, and queen; it would be the defeat of the woman she is and that is not something Nandini can ever accept and live with. The resolve in her eyes though her heart and mind was engaged in a constant battle Shweta nailed it!!!

Ekta almost always (usually the latter) gets her casting right and last week was testimony to the fact that there could not be anyone more suitable to play Chandra and Nandini but these two amazing actors.

Kudos to the duo !!!!!

Author: Vijitha Rajan
Telly Tadka

I think thiese kind of articles must be more encouraged and appreciated because it gives a boosting confidence to the actors who are working day and night for the entertainment of the audience and if they get such praising and appreciation from their fans and viewers then its really worth it.