India is a multicultural country with an array of traditions and customs and what not. Being a travel freak and having covered more than 8 states of this huge and dynamic country, which doesn't cease to dazzle our eyes and imaginations, one of the most vital elements of our country are our "Daily Soaps". You love it or hate it but you cannot run away from it, agree?
The dawn of the new millennium witnessed the rise of long-running daily soaps which glued the Indian housewives to the screen, entertaining them post a busy day. Believe it or not, almost all of us Indians have watched a couple of episodes of these daily soaps at least once in our lives and they are sure to keep one hooked with the twists and turns.
One such favourite TV Serial of my mom and that of my mom-in-law as well is "Kumkum Bhagya" which is another hit show by Ekta Kapoor and is said to be loosely based on Jane Austen's classic "Sense and Sensibility". When it aired, it had replaced the much-acclaimed TV serial "Pavitra Rishta" which lasted for 4 long years. The serial showcases the life of a mother who runs a marriage hall and lives with the hope of seeing her two daughters - pole apart in bearing, outlook and disposition, are happily married someday! Pragya, the elder daughter is practical, hardworking and teaches at a college. Bulbul (Mrunal Thakur), the younger daughter is outgoing and has her head in the clouds.
The show follows the lives of the two sisters and their hopes, dreams and aspirations. Now it is spectacular to know that this show is running on Zee TV for four years and is still going strong. We all agree that every story has its sets of ups and downs, but Kumkum Bhagya is far from being a typical saas-bahu saga and a breath of fresh air, indeed. Here is why I think people still love 'Kumkum Bhagya'.
1. Women PowerEkta Kapoor's "Kumkum Bhagya" is a women-centric story where the pivotal characters are a bunch of strong, feisty women, living together in an all-female, matriarchal family. In the show, the mother of the protagonist is an entrepreneur. Also, the protagonist and her sister are themselves independent and thus, it gives a sense of newness from the passé thoughts of a patriarchal setup.
This show definitely is among the ones which emote liberation, which is a great factor.
2. The Lovely JodiBoth the leads, Sriti Jha and Shabir Ahluwalia look great together, have a lovely chemistry and are loved enormously by the viewers. Hence, the number of awards they have received in their kitty from 'the best Jodi' to 'best family' to 'best TV actor/actress' is no surprise.
3. Love it is!In her interviews, Ekta Kapoor speaks on how she focused on exploring the idea of pure love with this show and it is quite evident in the show. The way how Abhi and Pragya somehow end up together despite all the hardships and separations is simply touching to watch.
4. Shaadi Waadi te double dhamaal!The Pre-wedding and Wedding season in Kumkum Bhagya was indeed one to watch out! I was glued throughout the 4 weeks' time at 9 PM, on Zee TV to watch that part of the show. It was amongst my best highlights of the show. From the songs to the dresses to the jewellery, to the choreography, to the emotion of celebration, everything was spot on! In fact, according to reports, the TRPs of Kumkum Bhagya rose enough to top the chart nationwide during that phase.
What more? Both my mom and mom-in-law are fond of this serial to the extent, that they miss out on family functions for it. Though, I had a better idea for them in that regard. They watch the missed episodes on ZEE5 App. Simple!
Go watch out this lovely saga of love, romance and twists and turns, now on the ZEE5 App.
