Posted:
A month ago, while browsing on the net, I came across the TRP figures for Choti Bahu and out of curiosity got onto Youtube to check out past episodes. I got introduced to the dusty environs of Vrindavan, an innocent dewy eyed girl called Radhika and her gorgeous sister Vishaka. Entered our Prince Charming, Dev. I was hooked.
Here was the traditional Cinderella story in a wonderfully idyllic, semi rural setting with an atmosphere of pure love as symbolized by the eternal union of Radha and Krishna. What more could one ask for? The Aarti and bhajan songs were lovely. I thought I was in for a musical treat as well.
Then began the actual unfolding of the story with all its inconsistencies and twists. The wedding day with a concerned Dev asking his bride to step out with him was simply too good to be true (as I later affirmed with the story going down and down). I thought, wow, what an amazing character- such caring.
Then began a dizzy array of lies and concealment of truth. I was amazed by the audacity of the grandmother (Amma) and the scared-of-her-own-shadow, Devaki. Having been surrounded by strong women all my life, be it my great grandma who single handedly raised 7 children with absolutely no skills to speak of or an education for that matter, such characters in the 21st century certainly amaze me.
As far as stories go, this is indeed an interesting twist to an old tale. However, the lack of human values like Satyam Vada and Dharmam Chara (Speak the truth, do your duty- 100%) makes the show lose much of its luster. For a story set in a traditional environ, with traditional values etc., it seemed the mockery of all that is wonderful about traditions.
Living away from India for many years, traditions bind us to the cultural ethos we carry with us wherever we go. It is not something we flaunt, but keep close to ourselves, like the sigri (coal stove) under the feran (long woolen kurta worn in Kashmir) when living in lands that follow different traditions. It is like enjoying rasam on a cold winter day rather than drinking soup.
The music directors continue to belt out some hummable tunes. The choice of some film tracks are most appropriate and beautiful in their haunting quality. The performances by the artists are commendable and indeed believable.
The ever present character of "Kanha" permeates each episode irrespective of the drama played on. The juxtaposition of the physical statue of Radha-Krishna with the "spirit" of Kanha evoked in every other dialogue delivered, make for our daily "holy" fix of divinity.
This serial is my first experience of following an Indian soap after my short visit to India where I was introduced to Bandhini and Kitni Mohabbat Hai. It is intriguing to see the response of viewers following the show and their suggestions.
In recent episodes much has been written about the lying majboori of Radhika. I was unable to resolve in my mind the ability of a story that keeps viewers hooked based on WHEN a lie will be exposed! Indeed an interesting way to retain viewers. I finally understood the truth behind the TRPs!
Here was the traditional Cinderella story in a wonderfully idyllic, semi rural setting with an atmosphere of pure love as symbolized by the eternal union of Radha and Krishna. What more could one ask for? The Aarti and bhajan songs were lovely. I thought I was in for a musical treat as well.
Then began the actual unfolding of the story with all its inconsistencies and twists. The wedding day with a concerned Dev asking his bride to step out with him was simply too good to be true (as I later affirmed with the story going down and down). I thought, wow, what an amazing character- such caring.
Then began a dizzy array of lies and concealment of truth. I was amazed by the audacity of the grandmother (Amma) and the scared-of-her-own-shadow, Devaki. Having been surrounded by strong women all my life, be it my great grandma who single handedly raised 7 children with absolutely no skills to speak of or an education for that matter, such characters in the 21st century certainly amaze me.
As far as stories go, this is indeed an interesting twist to an old tale. However, the lack of human values like Satyam Vada and Dharmam Chara (Speak the truth, do your duty- 100%) makes the show lose much of its luster. For a story set in a traditional environ, with traditional values etc., it seemed the mockery of all that is wonderful about traditions.
Living away from India for many years, traditions bind us to the cultural ethos we carry with us wherever we go. It is not something we flaunt, but keep close to ourselves, like the sigri (coal stove) under the feran (long woolen kurta worn in Kashmir) when living in lands that follow different traditions. It is like enjoying rasam on a cold winter day rather than drinking soup.
The music directors continue to belt out some hummable tunes. The choice of some film tracks are most appropriate and beautiful in their haunting quality. The performances by the artists are commendable and indeed believable.
The ever present character of "Kanha" permeates each episode irrespective of the drama played on. The juxtaposition of the physical statue of Radha-Krishna with the "spirit" of Kanha evoked in every other dialogue delivered, make for our daily "holy" fix of divinity.
This serial is my first experience of following an Indian soap after my short visit to India where I was introduced to Bandhini and Kitni Mohabbat Hai. It is intriguing to see the response of viewers following the show and their suggestions.
In recent episodes much has been written about the lying majboori of Radhika. I was unable to resolve in my mind the ability of a story that keeps viewers hooked based on WHEN a lie will be exposed! Indeed an interesting way to retain viewers. I finally understood the truth behind the TRPs!
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