DC: A dull fairytale that needs rescue

Dekha Ek Khwab derives its inspiration from a hackneyed plot.

This is a Princess Diary meets Cinderella mishmash with a silver pair of heels (to replace the glass slipper) thrown in. The princess or rather yuvrani Manyata has been kidnapped by the family retainer, Murari Lal, when she was three years old. Now why did Murari turn namak haram is yet to be revealed. So Manyaata (Priyal Gor) is brought up as Muniya, the daughter of a watchman!

While her sister, the haughty Jaynandini is not a cutie but rather a foul-tempered diva who throws tantrums as if they were towels! She is the princess of Devgarh with a natural pout, is heavily made up and dressed in tacky outfits. For her, marriage is a business deal between families, which is why she agrees to marry a rich commoner despite not being in love with him. It doesn't really matter who this character is for he will probably make his disappearance soon enough as a new plot emerges.

Manyata was betrothed to Yuvraj Udayveer (Ashish Kapoor) during their childhood but since there is no sign of her returning to their lives, Uday's father wishes that he marry Jay. The maharani, Rajmata Mrinalini Devi (Aroona Irani) is somewhat unconvinced but gives into the family's wishes.

Mrinalini Devi's character appears to be inspired by Rajmata Gayatri Devi and Aroona Irani fits into the role competently.

But it looks like the producers want to dispense with the suspense factor as Muniya will be reunited with her royal family soon. How does that happen? In the most ridiculously contrived manner, where the princess-turned-pauper lands up at a disco with her neighbour-cum-love interest Akash (Abhishek Ravat).

She bumps into Uday, who is fascinated by this feisty creature and accidently tears her kurta as he accosts her to know who she is. In true filmi style, there is a scar on her upper back — Uday had accidently hurt Manyata during a sword fight in his childhood! This happens in Hindi movies and soaps only.

So, now it appears like Jaynandini's wedding with Uday might be called off as he will probably be the hero who rescues his childhood sweetheart and rides away with her into the sunset.

Like we said, the plot is unexciting and as old as the hills where the maharajas of yesteryears resided. The star cast is far from sparkling and the pace is rather dull.

No wonder, in its opening week, this show got a poor TRP of 1.5. The audiences have already given their verdict so unless there is a drastic improvement, this soap will simply fade away from our lives.

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