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Whether it's Bade Achhe Lagte Hain? on Sony, Zee TV's Sanskaar Laxmi, Chhoti Bahu and Mrs. Kausik Ki Paanch Bahuein, Color's Sasural Simar Ka, Laagi Tujhse Lagan and Naa Aana Iss Des Laado, or pratigya, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon on Star Plus? all either have had wedding sequences, or are still going on with it or will be showcasing them soon.

So lavish sets, expensive designer wardrobes, elaborate mehndi song and dance sequences, et al, have become a staple diet for TV watchers currently. Never mind what twists and turns are to follow, but show heads are cashing in on the marriage fad and the viewers obsession for big fat Indian weddings, with as many as seven to ten episodes and even more dedicated to highlight the wedding sequences.

Explaining the obsession with weddings, show makers and channel heads vouch for the fact that in most cases marriages boost show's TRPs.

"Besides providing ample opportunity to bring in some interesting twists, the curiosity level is increased manifold and to be honest, everyone loves a good wedding and we have taken the grandeur to another level with our show," says producer Rajan Shahi. He however adds that it's important that the marriage not look forced or tacky. Another insider agrees and says that marriages always get talked about here, so it means more publicity. "The wardrobe especially is one of the most talked about aspects. Everything is planned and exorbitant amount is spent on that," says the insider.

Show producers admit that marriages are the high points for any show, so naturally their budgets are also much higher than regular episodes. "Much larger budgets are allocated to the wedding sequences as they are the highlights, so they also get shown over several episodes. They also help build connect with the audiences that helps in a stronger recall value for the show," explains producer Shashi Ranjan.

A TV industrywallah however points out that it's also often a gap filling exercise considering the number of episodes it gets stretched into. "So naturally, it gets easier to sustain a show," he said.

And while actors do reveal that donning all those heavy costumes as part of the wedding scenes is not easy, but it's worth the effort, especially with the NRI audiences too. "So it's naturally a win-win situation for us and the audiences," they say in unison. So get ready for more band baajaa baarat on the TV now!

http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_wedding-bells-ringing-in-all-indian-serials_1572847