Bahus who rule 2011

There are as many bahus on TV as there are saas-bahu shows. But their popularity is synonymous with the ratings of their respective shows. Sadhna and Ragini of Bidaai, Akshara of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Anandi of Bidaai, Pratigya of Pratigya, Suhana of Sasural Genda Phool and Archana of Pavitra Rishta were most popular bahus last year.

But the competition for the title of TV's most popular bahu was too close and none was a clear winner. But this year Gopi, an absolute underdog of an equally underdog daily Saath Nibhana Saathiya ruled over everyone else. Even if the show is said to be a freak success, the credit goes to Gopi who is like a scared rabbit running for cover in the Modi household. The sympathy factor that rules in her favour has worked so well for the show that her recent fatal accident in the show helped Saathiya scale new highs on rating charts.

Debutant Jia Manek who plays Gopi is a big star today and her popularity scores over every other bahu. Says Jia, "I am the complete opposite of Gopi. I am a very talkative and outgoing person. But I have worked very hard on the character and the outcome is quite heartening." Another bahu who may not be as popular as Gopi but is not far behind either is Priya of Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, a 30-plus singleton who ties the knot to a 40-plus bachelor in a marriage of compromise. Others who endeared viewers include Toasty of Saas Bina Sasural and Mona of Ram Milayi Jodi, while the regulars of last year plodded along.