A difference between Saras and Kumud

Let me start off by saying I have immense love for both characters. Saras is probably my favorite male protagonist on Indian television ever and I think Kumud is just fantastic! The thought that has gone into developing these characters is amazing. Kumud is shown as a simple yet headstrong girl and I really appreciate that. Often, especially in desi society, being a headstrong or independent woman is equated with a having a certain form of dress (mini skirt vs salwar kameez) or living in a particular society (urban vs rural); the fact that Kumud's character breaks these stereotypes is fantastic. I won't go into the reasons I love Saras's character because that could end up being a separate post on its own, so just trust me on that one. I love him.

However, as the show is progressing, I've notice a distinct difference between our "dheeraj" and "himmat" and find it very interesting, so I figured I'd share my thoughts here.

There are various ways of dealing with right and wrong and people who are right and wrong. Kumud's character is shown as the person who doesn't back down from defending what she believes in and supporting what is right. Moreover, she doesn't shy away from calling out people for being wrong or supporting something that is wrong. She blatantly opposed Moti Bhabi/Yash's mom not out of any malice towards her, but because she knew that Moti Bhabi was wrong. Kumud even opposes Dugba, someone she loves and respects dearly, when she is mistaken as well.

In contrast, Saras is the "silent supporter" and a "working behind the scenes" type of person. Over the past few episodes, we see Saras notice and acknowledge some of the wrongs going on in the Desai household (mainly Guman's evil "kartoots"). But Saras is not the type of person to confront people. I have no doubt that he will be a strong support to Kumud and the rest of the Desai family in this show.

But this key a difference: Kumud's offense vs Saras's defense... Kumud's himmat vs Saras's dheeraj (VC is a brilliant man, really). I feel like this difference in personality will open up a lot of opportunities for people like Guman to create problems in the first place. Or if not that, then definitely direct how Guman decides to create problems/what problems she creates. Guman knows Saras rather well. She knows he won't confront her and part of the reason for that is how Guman went about raising Saras in the first place (insert Guman monologue on Saras being a sanyaasi, her pain/labor into forming him and what not). [Note: before Dugba freaks out, let me just clarify that I'm not saying Saras is entirely a product of Guman and her upbringing, God no. I just mean that part of his personality/development is shaped by having that woman as his father's wife for the majority of his life] Knowing that Saras won't retaliate, at least not outwardly, Guman has the confidence to continue doing almost whatever she wants to hurt the Desais. She knows Saras won't seek the help of his father by telling him anything (and I wouldn't either if I was Saras; LN has helped enough by marrying that woman) and she knows that he is distant enough from her that he won't bother to confront her about anything. In fact, Guman's biggest fear is that Kumud will bring about this sort of change in Saras. But it makes me wonder, is Saras's "behind-the-scenes fighter" personality a flaw?

Personally, I am much more like Saras in this respect: I am less confrontational and much more behind-the-scenes. But my mom (yes, my mom) and I have discussed this and she really dislikes this trait of Saras. She feels that it will be the root of many future problems and misunderstandings. I'm not too sure about labeling it as a flaw though, so I thought I would open this up for discussion to you guys. To me, it makes Saras who he is and I don't know whether I would like Saras as much if he was so confrontational as well. At the same time, it's really annoying when bad people are left to do as they please without any repercussion. Basically, I'm super intrigued to see how the show progresses.

Now, if any of you have bothered to read this absurdly long post (mainly of me just rambling for my own sanity; I think better when I write stuff out) let me know what your thoughts/comments/POV are! I would love to read them :)

EDIT: After today's episode (4/16) Saras showed once again the many levels he has to his character! I almost wished I had waited before posting this earlier. I definitely didn't expect him to talk to Guman in such a tongue-in-cheek way but he did and it was amazing! I still stand by what I said earlier about his defensive-ness, but today's episode just goes to show how complex he is as a character; even his defensive personality isn't as black and white as it seemed. Yet another example of why I'm so immersed in this show 😛

you know what, I think you've pretty much helped me compartmentalize all my thoughts on the differences between Saras and Kumud neatly in my brain. This whole defence/offense difference Saras and Kumud have definitely would make them stronger as a pair, as the only misunderstandings they have in regards to another are created by them and them only. Nobody else is really able to create a misunderstanding between them. And I think your point on how distinct their supporting systems are really accentuates that fact.

Originally posted by: veera25

you know what, I think you've pretty much helped me compartmentalize all my thoughts on the differences between Saras and Kumud neatly in my brain. This whole defence/offense difference Saras and Kumud have definitely would make them stronger as a pair, as the only misunderstandings they have in regards to another are created by them and them only. Nobody else is really able to create a misunderstanding between them. And I think your point on how distinct their supporting systems are really accentuates that fact.

But when it comes to problems outside of their relationship, I think that's where the downfall of these distinct characteristics come in. No doubt are Saras and Kumud strong as a couple. But separately, I kind of feel that both of them are lacking in a way. One is too fierce, and the other is too calm and in control. And so these individual personality traits (along with their egos as large as the Great Wall of China 😆) of Saras and Kumud are what gift Guman ample opportunity to create havoc around them. So yeah, I think you're completely accurate! 😃

Fabulous description, and what seems to be effortless eloquence. 😊

Hayee, what are we going to do about that ego of theirs, haha. But I completely agree, and you said exactly what I couldn't formulate in a giant essay of a post: they truly are incomplete without each other. The whole "alone we might stumble, but together we are unstoppable" train of thought totally applies to them.

I love how you pointed out the difference between creating problems/misunderstanding between them as opposed to around them. That's something I definitely hadn't thought of before, but your observation is spot on!

So many wonderful posts on the forum today. I am too tired to write anything😳. Just wanted to bump this post up so more people could read and respond.

Enjoyed reading your thoughts Afsara and Veera.

u knw i agree with u and i also think that kumud's character is awesome

Originally posted by: AfsaraZ

Hayee, what are we going to do about that ego of theirs, haha. But I completely agree, and you said exactly what I couldn't formulate in a giant essay of a post: they truly are incomplete without each other. The whole "alone we might stumble, but together we are unstoppable" train of thought totally applies to them.

I love how you pointed out the difference between creating problems/misunderstanding between them as opposed to around them. That's something I definitely hadn't thought of before, but your observation is spot on!

Originally posted by: Infofan

So many wonderful posts on the forum today. I am too tired to write anything😳. Just wanted to bump this post up so more people could read and respond.

Enjoyed reading your thoughts Afsara and Veera.

Originally posted by: veera25

You make me sound much more intelligent than I actually am. But I would probably never be able to express my thoughts without your ever so lovely "giant of a post!" I am flattered, thank you! 😊

Yes! Hazaaron baar yes! I really don't know what we're gonna do with their egos! And it bothers me so much because I always allow my pride to get in the way of what I really want too. Horrible stuff 😭 Yes. SaMud actually do seem incomplete without each other. Each individual scene they have have a very subtle vibe of emptiness to them. Something, no matter how beautiful the scene may be, doesn't feel right about it. And it's weird because just three weeks ago, I didn't feel this vibe before! 😲

"Alone we might stumble, but together we are unstoppable" is probably the simplest, most serene way of describing what I replied to. You've completed my thought so gracefully! Ahh, I'm in awe of you 😳

Thank you! My observations, again, were because of your magnificent post! 😆

Thank you so much for your praises and appreciating the post, you're really sweet 😳 But, like I said, I like how you think as well!
And yup, as much as their egos drive me crazy, I know I can be just like that... terrible!

Originally posted by: Infofan

So many wonderful posts on the forum today. I am too tired to write anything😳. Just wanted to bump this post up so more people could read and respond.

Enjoyed reading your thoughts Afsara and Veera.

Thank you!

nice post