My original topic was to write about the similarities in an arranged marriage versus a remarriage. But the Punar Vivaah episode dated April 16, 2012, blew my plan out the window. My mind started racing and heart was restless, and I had to pen my thoughts before it ate me alive.
Let me post a disclaimer that I am no professional and any thoughts put forth are purely based on my very own personal experiences, and in my opinion are more worthy than any professional dish out.
The Monday episode left a bad taste in my mouth and was left wondering, the kids in India do not have any importance? Isn't this show all about giving a second chance to life and become parents to the children involved in their new journey with each other? When did this show become all about rituals and customs? How did the main purpose of the show loose its direction in the mundane traditions of a community? When did ego, arrogance and the acceptance of society gain more importance, than the feelings of the members of a household and the facts of a re marriage? Questions, questions and more questions!!!
My biggest gripe in this serial is the lack of communication between the main characters. Yash and Aarti decide to get married for the sake of their kids. KIDS!!!! Remember kids!!! Then where does it even show, the couple interacting with the kids, getting to know them, spending time with them. To me it is plain common sense that there should be talks with their respective kids, explaining the situation, making them understand the importance of acceptance and why the parents are deciding to go for a re marriage.
Saying the kids are too young to understand is the utmost ridiculous thing anyone can say and bet you, I will be backed by a professional two hundred percent on this! If the whole purpose of punar vivaah is for the kids, then is it not reasonable to spend time with the kids and make sure they understand the consequences of the new bond? Children can be very tuned into the feelings and actions of the elders around them. Please do not insult the intelligence of our kids, by not giving them importance in major decisions taken by a family. Just doing the needful and assuming the kids to follow is one of the worst disasters that can happen – a sure path towards insecurity and destruction.
Punar Vivaah is a great social concept and my sincere appreciation to the production house for taking up such a noble cause. I also understand that there will be certain cinematic liberties and histrionics attached to the serials. But please understand that, a lot of viewers are fanatics of these shows, and whether we like it or not, ape the shows in real life. The characters have been well etched and chosen. Now it is the Creative's responsibility to maintain those characters. The serial also needs to be as realistic as possible, so the viewers can connect with the characters. Scenes and incidents cannot be forced just to make a certain character look bad, which in real life would never happen.
If the goal behind punar vivaah is to give hope and opportunity for a second chance at making a new and better life, then make sure the story flows along in those lines. Once the opportunity is created, that opportunity cannot be ridden with unrealistic and unreasonable hurdles. Then the whole positive notion of punar vivaah is entirely lost in the histrionics for the sake of garnering trps for the show. Give more importance to the facts and go easy on the emotions, especially where kids are concerned.
My concluding shot to whoever is concerned, this is a great show, running currently. Do not let the lack of depth and sympathy ruin a good show. Reiterate to those hundreds out there, that punar vivaah is a good institution that can lead to healthy kids and a healthy family.
Alima Livsletlivs
Rangmunch.tv
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