Archive for the ‘Culture’ Category
Pratigya – Will she be able to stand up to Krishna’s bullying ways? – Need to show the girl as being more fearless
On February 21, 2010 in Character, Culture, Drama, Hindi Serial, Pratigya, Society, TV, Values
Pratigya (Star Plus) began with a lot of fanfare and loads of promise. The promos that were telecast on television before the programme began talked of Pratigya as a bold and fearless girl. She was shown standing up to eve teasers, taking to task all those who meant to put her down and being a spirited individual. However the show has yet to live up to that promise as Pratigya is a far cry from what she was portrayed in the promos.
Pratigya is the daughter of an honest college professor who lives by his morals and values. She soon catches the attention of the local ruffian, Krishna, who loses his heart to her. From that day begins her story of grief and humiliation. Krishna is a school drop out who considers himself to be lucky to be born in a family where he has everything and he need not work. His attitude towards women in particular is coarse and he feels that women are merely objects of pleasure and comfort- as long as you give them food; you can treat them the way you want. He treats his mother and all the other women of his family with disdain and nonchalance. He considers himself to be extremely romantic and believes love is just acquiring.
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Naitik and Akshara – Trouble in paradise to be resolved soon?
On February 02, 2010 in Channels, Culture, Drama, Family, Hindi Serial, Marriage, Popular, Romance, Society, Star Plus, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Askhara and Naitik are perhaps one of the most loved on screen pairs of Hindi serials nowadays. Viewers have been glued to their unique love story which blossomed after their marriage was fixed by the respective families. In fact the distinctiveness of the story lay in the fact that it was attempting to capture a very basic reality of Indian marriages and families- the way love blossoms between two completely unknown individuals once they tie the knot. Akshara and Naitik came to symbolise those millions of young people across India who first marry and then fall in love and not the other way round.
After a very elaborate marriage the couple settled down to domestic bliss. There were hiccups along the way but these two very much in love individuals seemed determined to not let anything come in the way of their own private heaven. Even Naitik’s mother who had concerns giving up space in her son’s life to this new person was handled very nicely by the young couple. However these two lovebirds are now facing the toughest challenge to their relationship. Misunderstood by her marital family who thought that she had deliberately mislead her sister-in-law (Nandini), Akshara tries to plead her case before every family member but without much success. She had expected Naitik to support and stand by her. But his inability to do so breaks her heart. She leaves for her father’s place and Naitik does not stop her.
Diverse settings help to bring in spice and character to serials
On January 30, 2010 in Ads, Channels, Culture, Diverse, Hindi Serial
As the popularity and mass appeal of Hindi serials keep growing through the length and breadth of the country, there is a marked attempt by the makers of shows to depict different regions of India and its distinctness via these programmes. Thus we see that not only significant characters but entire settings are now being determined and shaped around regional flavours. Right from the architectural style most common to a particular area, to eating habits, dialect, fashion, sense of style-in short everything that is peculiar to a certain region is being reflected through Hindi serials.
The very first example that comes to mind is Colors’ Bhagyavidhata. Set in semi urban Bihar, the entire look and feel of the serial has been designed keeping in mind the region it is portraying. Thus from the dialogues that the actors are mouthing, to their sense of style, the rituals being observed, in fact right down to the colour of the vermilion being used-everything gives you a feel of the state. The elaborate and in-depth celebration of “Chchat” witnessed in this serial must have been a first for television. Such detailing not only helps to add to the drama behind the story but also helps to build regional awareness and tolerance.
Zee TV’s 12/24 Karol Bagh helps to capture the essence of a very niche area of Delhi-one that is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and its ostentations. The dilemmas and situations faced by the characters of the serial are intrinsic and characteristic of the area it is set in.
Pavitra Rishta talks of a social milieu that is typical of Mumbai-the ‘chawls’. It depicts middle class Maharashtrian families and stays true to the setting of the story. The values and morals eschewed and upheld by the lead characters are those that you normally associate with “Maharashtrians”- polite, hard working, proud of their customs and traditions and passionate. Sabki Laadli Bebo on the other hand depicts life in a Punjabi household. Right from the large hearted characters, to their colourful attire, their irrepressible joie die vivre, and their customs and traditions-all of it is beautifully captured in this serial.
Recently there has also been a trend to set shows in the smaller cities and towns of India. Thus while Bidaai is set in Agra, Laagi Tuhse Lagan is set in Lucknow, Jyoti is set in Udaipur and Do Hanso Ka Joda in Vrindavan. This move away from using Mumbai or Delhi as the given setting of a prime time show is indeed not only reflective of the widening popularity of Hindi serials but also Hindi serials’ way of acknowledging the support of their real fan base; the fan base that is not just restricted to Metropolitan cities only.
Update on Ratan Rajpoot – Laali of Zee TV’s Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo
On May 27, 2009 in Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, Character, Child, Culture, Drama, Hindi Serial, TV, Zee
Laali has firm belief in Buddhism and blindly follows numerology. She practices Buddhism during her breaks on the sets and wishes to soon visit the newly opened Global Pagoda at Gorai near Borivali. Unlike others who start to follow Buddhism to get rid of existing troubles, Ratan started chanting mantras because she liked the sound of it.
Says Ratan, “I had heard a friend chant during my theatre days and I loved the resonance that resounds with it. On further enquiring my friend told me that she follows Buddhism and is very satisfied and happy with herself eversince she started following the religion. She also told me about the positivity it generated within. Those days I was in Delhi and was doing very well in theatre but was very dissatisfied as I had no exact aim in life. I just couldn’t conclude on any decision and was contemplating to go back to my home town. When I heard of Buddhism, I followed my instincts and started practicing it. It’s been two years now and I could actually see the difference that it has made to me. I became extremely positive and today I am playing the leading role on one of the best shows on television. I am extremely happy with the way things are happening around. It’s the internal happiness that matters the most. The best thing about being a Buddhist is that it doesn’t ask for any alteration in your lifestyle. Also even though I am away from my family I have about 20-25 families in Mumbai through the Buddhist communities. Tisca Chopra is one of my closest friend who also follow Buddhism.” Besides, Ratan has changed the way she spells her last name as suggested by her numerologist.
