For me, it really depends on the looks and the scene. For example, when they did the whole baby voice scenes I wasn’t a fan but the date was really cute and I thought they looked great together. Another scene was their first meet at the festival, I think the age difference was obviously there but it incorporated in their banter so it only enhanced their chemistry.
I rarely have a problem with an age difference on screen, especially if it’s addressed and incorporated into the storyline. For example, Jeff and Annie in community had an age gap that was a reoccurring point of contention which made them a will they won’t they couple, but I shipped them because of how they played it out. Age gaps, when the relationship is between two consenting adults, can be a beautiful thing but like any relationship aspect, it needs to be considered.
I just wish it was more addressed in this show. For example, Abhi is atleast 8 years older than her. In most shows, that’s something to be discussed like why didn’t you marry for all these years, how are you guys going to handle the age gap, etc. those are questions I expected the Goenkas to ask before saying yes in the original tilak. Most girls as young as Akshara would have apprehensions about marrying someone older, especially in India when marrying an older man is associated with a divorcee or single father (nothing wrong with either)
Someone pointed out Ranlia and even though it’s not explicitly addressed in the media, Alia has mentioned meeting him as a kid and having the biggest crush on him. But they got together when they were at a similar point in their lives and careers (peak of it, established actors) so despite the age gap, their goals were akin. On top of that, they have chemistry that obviously makes them smile like crazy. For Abhira, we can see the latter (that effect on each other) but are they really on the same wavelength when it comes to life and goals. I don’t know cause they haven’t discussed it.
10