Hi Samridhi!
We meet again. :) I'm so glad to find this forum open. I had been dying to discuss this show at length. I didn't realise how deeply YRF shows had ruined me until this show came along and got me hooked from the first episode.
On to the characters then. Can I just say how much I love the distinct character traits everyone has?
I absolutely love the fact that Ishaan, the resident psychiatrist has various fears. He's rational and level-headed and yet he's human. There are no high-airs about him. In his interactions with his patients, he comes across as a friend, a well-wisher, an adviser. Weirdly the things lacking in his own life. Yet like all other characters, whatever he may be devoid of doesn't overpower his work - that of a doctor to help.
Aliya is exactly how I imagine an intern to be. Wanting to make a name and mark for herself. Her hunger to succeed and her ambition to prove her worth. To hunt down opportunities. Her optimism and quirkiness is apt for her age and inexperience. Whereas her maturity and emotional connect with her patients shows her as a well-evolved, happy person.
Malvika as the seemingly cold and aloof character with a heart of gold who is mostly misunderstood is apt. People who follow rules and are disciplinarians are often mistaken to be insensitive. I am absolutely loving her character. Love the way Ishaan keeps reminding Aliya that there's more to her than meets the eye. I have a feeling her approach has a lot of to do with her father. She might have intentionally chosen to be fiercely professional to carve a path for herself. She is a smart woman, she knows her strengths. What she lacks in people skills, she makes up for in her practice and experience.
Rahul, Dr. Sinha, Mariam and KD are all interesting characters too. I am waiting in particular for more on Rahul. As for KD, I see a potential for a Malvika-KD angle. That would make for some interesting watching.
As for the Ishaan-Aliya-Malvika angle, I am so pleased to see normal relationships between co-workers, friends and couples. Aliya's equation with Mac, with her roommate, with Ishaan, and his relationship in turn with Malvika and Aliya. They are all a delight to watch. No more silly relationship interpretations that Indian dailies dish out to us in bulks.
I particularly love the way Malvika switches between Ishaan, Dr. Ishaan and Dr. Shrinivas. It shows her various personal and professional parameters.
I love the way Ishaan opened up about his fears to Aliya in the first episode, but it was so in sync. Then there was the whole bit about Mac asking Ishaan what he thought of Aliya. The fact that Ishaan is still in love with Malvika but there's a budding, refreshing friendship with Aliya. The fact that none of them want a relationship with each other. The fact that Aliya sincerely wants to patch up Malvika and Ishaan. All of it is done oh so well!
The sensitivity, insight and care with which the characters are etched and portrayed are a delight to watch. Add of that the age old adage 'never judge a book by it's cover' and you get a strong message here about all the three leads. No one is as they first appear.
Sorry for the long rant. Can't wait to see more!