Screenindia- The debate goes on!

Sony Entertainment Television has gone on the matrimony route, with their brand new offering, Love Marriage Ya Arrange Marriage. The show explores the pros and cons of getting hitched, the traditional way or the modern way of falling in love!

Although their earlier serials Shubh Vivah and Byah Hamari Bahu Ka, with marriage as a backdrop did not do well, the channel is risking it all with its latest venture. "I don't think it is a risk that we are taking. There are other shows on Sony with the theme of marriage which are doing well. Shows come and go. It is our job to experiment with new concepts. Also, you will see more than just the regular band, baja, barat, rather it will set a debate as to which type of marriage is better, the love or the arranged one. I admit that the concept of 'shaadi' is a very common thing that we see in daily soaps, but what we are going to show on Love Marriage Ya Arrange Marriage, is a debate and not just the regular wedding chaos," says Sneha Rajani, Senior EVP and Business Head Sony Entertainment Television.

Commenting on our traditional beliefs, Sneha feels that the concept of live-in relationships is still alien to our culture. Such concepts can only be sold in films that cater to multiplex audiences. She also feels that topics like 'friends with benefits' would not be suitable for the Indian television viewers for now.

Bollywood screenwriter, Kamlesh Pandey who's also doing Kuch Toh Log Kahange with Sony, has no apprehensions with the project as he feels that in India the concept of marriages sell like hot cakes and on this show they are featuring not one but two of its kind. He says, "Indians love to talk about marriage. For example, even while discussing politics, suddenly someone will ask, who will Rahul Gandhi marry? Will he choose a girl for himself or will Soniaji find a girl for him?! Also, the films and media have glorified the concept of love marriages, whereas in India, the maximum number of weddings happen are arranged by the parents. The show explores this aspect."

Set in Udaipur, Love Marriage Ya Arrange Marriage revolves around two best friends Mansi (Samaira Rao) and Shivani (Rishika Mihani), who share similar views except when it comes to the question of marriage. While Mansi believes in arranged marriages, the latter believes in love. The show thus highlights the pros and cons of both schools of thought through the lives of these two young women. The show's cast boasts of Ashish Kapoor of Dekha Ek Khwab and Raju Kher, amongst others. Produced by Sphere Origins Multivision Pvt Ltd, the show is set to go on air from August 6, every Monday to Thursday at 8.30 pm.

onkar.kulkarni@expressindia.com