I'm not sure if this has been posted countless times before by more senior members and I'm just opening a can of worms by stating my opinion but I cannot help myself any more...
Why does this forum erupt into a war zone so easily over Gia vs Devoleena topics?
Isn't this a "Saath Nibhana Saathiya" forum and not "Gia Manek fan club" or "Devoleena Bhattacharjee fan club"?
I know every single member on this forum (me included) was pissed off with Gia's overnight replacement. It was cold and mean with a total disregard for fans' views. The strong reactions were completely justified. But that's show business for you. Tough luck. I'll be perfectly honest now... my mum works for UTV-Walt Disney and she's pretty high up the ranks. When she heard the news, she just shrugged and said, "Too bad, but I've seen worse". Sounds cold again, but it's not unheard of in this industry - be it tellywood or Bollywood. I'm an engineer so luckily I've escaped this but people who have chosen this industry know what they're getting themselves into and us bickering over it, being so divided isn't going to resolve anything. The unfortunate fact is that Gia isn't coming back. Call it Star Plus' massive ego or Rashmi Sharma's colossal mistake or Gia Manek's irrational statements in the media - it's a matter of opinion - but the fact still remains that she's not coming back. And I say this with conviction because Devoleena may have been an eye sore at first but the supporting characters were able to keep the show afloat and Devoleena has improved A LOT since her first shot. The TRPs did dip and were at an all-time low for this show, but they were still not too bad by Star Plus standards. And they are on the rise now, which in its own way, goes to show that Devoleena has been accepted by the general public. Bringing Gia Manek back isn't really going to cross the PH or channel's mind any more.
A lot of people have also said that it was easy for Devoleena because she became a lead actress overnight and that she must be so smug. However, it's easy to forget that replacing a lead overnight isn't an easy job at all. The prime example of that is people's reaction on this forum itself! People still criticise her - sometimes even go to the extent of criticising her looks and her ability to speak English. I'm not targeting anyone over here because frankly I don't know anybody personally. I understand everyone's loyalty to their favourite actress and it's commendable but it's not Devo's fault that she looks a certain way or that she wasn't privileged enough to study in a good English speaking school - heck, that doesn't classify as a "fault" at all! I'm just appalled at the intensity of hatred directed at a person who is just doing her job. Devoleena didn't snatch this job from Gia. She was offered a role by Star Plus and she took it - I don't see anything wrong in that. Star Plus is a reputed channel in India and no struggling actor in their right mind would turn down that offer.
In fact, what surprises me most is that this fandom division still hasn't died down after Vishal's birthday pictures surfaced. It is obvious that Gia and Devoleena don't harbour any ill feelings towards each other - then why do we? Whether Gia was the magnanimous one here to "forgive" Devoleena or Devoleena was the first to extend an olive branch is irrelevant and unknown. The fact is, if they don't hate each other's guts then why do we? It doesn't matter who started which war on the forum. In the grand scheme of things, these petty issues shouldn't even hold much importance. In the end, this still remains a Saath Nibhana Saathiya forum and whoever is left here is just supporting the show, regardless of the cast. I come here every day and read new/old threads because it makes me smile. Everyone over here is genuinely nice.. in fact, this is one of the only few forums on IF where I feel comfortable enough to be honest and open, despite not knowing anyone personally. My only request to people is to respect each other's opinions, no matter how different they are. Arguing, fighting and bickering over trivial things only riles everyone up and upsets the forum's atmosphere. We have enough craziness in our lives without getting worked up over fiction too.
I do not mean to target anyone in particular over here because, like I said, I'm friendly with everyone. Gia fans, this isn't in any way targeted at you guys specifically either. Your opinions are valid, just not at the cost of someone's personal insult (here, Devoleena's). And Devo fans, this isn't in any way my undying support for you either. Just a neutral post.
Thanks for reading this very...er.. lengthy preaching 😛 and I sincerely hope this doesn't start another uprising! 😆
