Posted:
Toffee se meethi hai,
churan se kati hai,
kati meethi hai teri kahani,
Anjali di hai sabse sayani.
Papad ka tukda hai,
Jab dekho ukkda hai.
Detha hai apne Di ko aasu mote mote,
woh hai gusse wala,
humara chotte.
If we can get past the Arnav/Khushi daze, we would notice that the most beautiful relationship on this show is the affectionate and unwavering brother-sister bond between Anjali and Arnav.
They are each others' most important person. They have a rock solid support system in each other. The purpose in their life is ensure their sibling is happy, and they cannot tolerate it if the other is even remotely hurt.
Of course, this is all connected to their tragic childhood. Losing parents at such young age-especially after such drama- deeply affected Anjali and Arnav. Being orphaned all of the sudden, left them turning to each other for everything. Arnav became a cold and aloof person under the guise of pragmatism, defying religion and social norms such as marriage. Whereas, Anjali became extremely religious, superstitious, and delusional about life. They dealt with the scars and trauma of their childhood in their own way.
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ANJALI
Anjali is the quintessential older sister-- she is loving, doting, overprotective, and overbearing. True, she is the definition of dense when it comes to her observation skills*, but she always has her brother's best interest at heart. How many times has she gone up to Arnav and told him, 'Chotte, hume tumhari bohot chinta hothi hai?' From day one, she did innumerable pujas for her brother's peace of mind and well-being, defended him against nani, fought against his pig-headed resolutions, tolerated his rash decisions, and even went against her Shyamji to do what she believed was best for Arnav. Plus, unlike other TV dramas, she wasn't an insecure, vindictive sister-in-law out to ruin her bhabhi's life. She was overjoyed, and extremely happy with Arnav and Khushi's relationship (yea, there were minor glitches but they can be ignored). Overall, though not as blantantly obvious as Arnav, Anjali's life revolved around her brother as well.
*how else can you explain the amount of times she failed to notice her brother staring at Khushi or saying her name. I'm not even going to touch the Shyam issue.
ARNAV
His di is his world. He outright said it. Everything he did, he did with her in his mind. In the beginning of the series, the only times ASR showed his vulnerable or humorous side was when he was with his sister. She was the only one he opened to, and she was the only one that could get him to do anything. He would turn the world upside down to protect his sister. And he did. Khushi's world. Although, later on, Khushi was able to cross all his barriers, and become as important as his sister-- if Arnav were to choose one or the other, he would choose his sister (because he knows Khushi understands how important his sister is to him, and will sympathize with his decision).
If Arnav is fire, Di is the wood that lighted his flame and nurtured him, and Khushi is the oxygen that allowed him to burn brighter. He can't survive without either.
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Rationality doesn't exist when it comes to their fierce protectiveness of each other. They don't care if they are being selfish, or hurting others, as long as it is for the good of their sibling (usually Khushi is the sacrificial lamb). It is because they believe they have already suffered enough because of their parents, and don't deserve any more pain. The world can go to hell, for all they care. And to a certain degree, you can't fault them for feeling that way, despite how aggravating it is to watch.
Nevertheless that doesn't mean their relationship is just 'rona-dhona'. They are absolutely adorable when they joke around with each other. I love the way Arnav teased his sister during the early days of IPKKND. And, you don't need glasses to see how much Anjali dotes on her Chotte. How many times has she fed him, and held his face lovingly in her hands?
If you really think about it, the entire plot evolved because of Arnav and Anjali's bond. Arnav would never have gone to Lucknow if he hadn't promised his sister that he'd buy the Sheesh Mahal in her name. Khushi would never have come back to the Raizada house if Anjali hadn't blackmailed her to train Lavanya. Arnav and Khushi would never have married the first time if Arnav wasn't determined to protect his sister and her happiness (no matter how off he was in his thinking).
There was a reason this show was going to be called 'Didi Ki Sauten'.
Anyways, I digress. The point of this is to share some of the best Anjali-Arnav moments. As always, this was VERY VERY DIFFICULT. So, I cheated and actually included seven scenes. Generally, I tried to get a blend of the best of happy and sad scenes. So here we go:
(5) Typical Sibling Conversation [TIE]
[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-T3CA41wck[/YOUTUBE]
This clip highlights the contrast between Anjali and Arnav. One is pleasant, hopeful, and idealistic. The other is rude, cynical, and pragmatic. And their conversation is so sibling-like. She tries to act as the wise older sister giving her little brother sageful advise about love, whereas he laughs at her silly imagination and pokes fun at it (despite already falling for it). And, she can't do anything except pretend strangle her exasperating brother.
[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqG9va2Bj3Q[/YOUTUBE]
This scene also highlights the lighter side of their relationship. She yells at him like an older sister, and then coddles him. And he is confused like a little brother who is not used to his doting sister yell at him, and pokes fun at her rituals. I like the way she gently hits him as a way of reprimand. That followed by the beautiful rasam, just makes this scene a top fiver.
(4) Anjali's Accident
[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cm7G4WyT2w[/YOUTUBE]
If your heart didn't reach out to these two in this scene, you don't have one. Arnav never appeared so scared and vulnerable as this scene. He has never broken down in front of someone to this degree. His biggest nightmare is the idea of losing his sister. And he couldn't handle the fact that he almost lost her. On the other hand, Anjali tries to comfort her brother, and she reassures him that she is there, she loves him more than anything in the world, and encourages him to share his feelings with the people he loves (aka Khushi). This scene exemplifies the love these two have for each other, and their fear of losing each other.
The following three scenes demonstrate an essential aspect of Arnav-Anjali relationship: the importance of raksha bandhan, and what it signifies.
(3) Box of Rakhees and Promises
[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2tbogO6UNQ[/YOUTUBE]
(Start around 3:25)
What an emotionally-intense scene. In my opinion, this is one of Barun's most finest moments in the entire show. He is so deeply hurt to learn about the extent of harm done to his Di, and his inability to protect her from it. Not to mention, gravely concerned about her welfare after they expose the truth about Shyam. So, in one of the most touching gestures ever, he shows her all the past rakhees she has tied (the fact that he saved them is beyond heartwarming), and asks her to tie it to reaffirm his duty as her brother and protector.
I know I keep harping on and on about Barun's eyes, but he seriously has the most beautifully expressive eyes. And in this scene, even the depth, cracks, and earnestness of his voice when he tells her how important she is, how he is sorry for any faults, and how he wants her to trust him continously is so, so, so well done. And Anjali's complete trust in her brother speaks volumes.
This is definitely one of the most gripping scenes in IPKKND that leaves you in a spell. It is only broken once Khushi interferes.
(2) Arnav and Anjali at the temple
[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA_KGFSKo4Y[/YOUTUBE]
(Start at 6:57)
This scene stays with you throughout the series. It is the single most important scene in Anjali and Arnav's relationship. From the way it starts-- with the poem, followed by his heartfelt apology, and her acceptance-- this scene establishes the strength of their bond. It is also the first time Khushi and the audience get a glimpse at Arnav's human side (see my other post about this).
Both Daljeet and Barun acted so well-- his guilt, her hurt, and then the way she lightly teases him saying she should do this more often, and his reactionary pout...simply perfect. And Arnav, who doesn't believe in any rituals, values this one more than anything in the world because of its significance. Afterall, when else has ASR ever fasted?
(1) Meri Aakhon me tu muskuraye- Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan 2011
[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0o0tJnfclU[/YOUTUBE]
Raksha Bandhan 2012
[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgWPwt7HnwY[/YOUTUBE]
Can you believe these two are not real siblings? Look at the adoring way she does his aarthi, and the intensity with which he looks at his sister. BOTH TIMES. I love the way he teases her the first time, and wears a kurta-pajama she bought the second time. Anjali loves everything her baby brother does, but that extra-special gesture just made her ecstatic (way to go Khushi).
I never appreciated this holiday or cared for its importance until I saw these two. They fast for each other, she makes the rakhee herself, and he treasures them. The first time I watched this scene, I was surprised to feel tears rolling my face. And I'm definitely not one to choke up for a TV show or a movie. There is something so natural in the entire ritual that you forget there are cameras, lighting, and people behind the scenes.
To me, this song is synonymous with Anjali and Arnav. The lyrics capture the essence of their relationship, and the singers voice the emotions that the actors express. Hence, it is the #1 best Anjali- Arnav moment.
NOTABLE MENTIONS
Ok, I had three pages worth of scenes, and to shortlist those was just as painful.
- Anjali throws a pillow at Arnav when he says she's becoming more religious by the day. Then she feeds him kheer. Actually, all feeding scenes are cute
- Arnav hugs Anjali and cries the day before their parents' barsi. (VERY POWERFUL SCENE. He looked so vulnerable then, and tries to cover it up, but his di is there to comfort him).
- Arnav frustrated with how easily Anjali is able to apologize, whereas it is so hard for him. I love how he says, 'Haa Di, Nai Di...Di mujhe lagta hai ki main pagal ho raha hoon' (THIS WOULD'VE BEEN MY #5 BUT I COULDN'T FIND A PROPER CLIP FOR IT). I LOVE THIS SCENE!!!
- Anjali pretends to not eat or speak to Arnav until he agrees to Payash's sangeet. Arnav comes to feed his di and eventually agrees. (Arnav was so adorable in this scene with his puppy face. Haha, it broke his sister's heart to do this to thim).
- Anjali makes his smile for the photo on the day of sangeet when says 'papad ka tukda hai, jab dekho ukkda hai'
- Anjali puts haldi on his face when he is doing some chores.
- Post marriage, when Anjali tries to confront him and he avoids her.
- Holi dance- when he hugs his sister and tears up.
-Saanse rukh jayengi- Both conversations- when he jokes with her about it and later on when he admits that Khushi is the one for him and tells Anjali he loves her. He explains that despite Khushi's presence in his life, their dynamics will never change.
- Anjali avoids Arnav after Shyam's truth is revealed the first time. Post attempted abortion.
JUST FOR FUN
Contrast Anjali-Arnav with Barun-Daljeet. They are just a happier version of Anjali and Arnav. They have such an amicable relationship, that's it hard to believe they are not siblings in real life. She is just as doting, if not more, off-screen. But can you blame her? Barun is adorable beyond words.
[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG-dkskZF90[/YOUTUBE]
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