TOI:The divine connect of prime time soaps

Television shows of Hindi GECs have delved into divinity as long as one can remember and have mirrored the nation's strong religious and spiritual connect. And it is not just mythological shows that have overdosed on all things celestial. Even regular saas bahu soaps too have God as one of the central characters being evoked at all good and bad moments. From 'Saath Nibhaana Saathiya's' Kaanha ji to 'Sasural Simar Ka's' Mata Raani, the Gods have been woven as an integral part of the shows' storyline.

Pune Times explores what is it about divinity that's so appealing to show makers and has audiences hooked.

India, The land of Mythology "Indians by and large are believers in God and rituals and pray on all important events. Our festivals too are a celebration of religion, be it the birth of Gods or Goddesses or something equally significant. Our lives are steeped in divinity, religion and mythology and we never tire of such stories," says Gracy Singh, who plays the Goddess in 'Santoshi Maa'.

On a similar note, Ashish Sharma, the Ram of 'Siya Ke Ram', says, "As our culture and thought process is driven entirely by our mythology, there's a psychological connect that works well."

Speaking about how God is an integral part of regular daily shows too, Kanhaji's devout bhakt, Gopi from 'Saath Nibhana Saathiya', Devoleena Bhattacharjee, says, "Gods are an important part of television shows because just like in real life, at times when you can't trust anyone else, God is always there to help and audiences connect with this."

Echoing the same, Gracy says, "Art imitates reality and daily soaps are a reflection of our daily lives " even if we take liberties in weaving stories. We turn to God in times of trouble and to thank Him and that's what serials show."

TNN