Some other aspects of TV serials

Another aspect is the storyline of the serial – it has become predictable. The saas-bahu genre is old-fashioned and, it has made way for the sisterly jealousy. There are two sisters – one is a duffer and simpleton, the other is super smart.
The ‘saas-bahu’ portion has undergone immense changes in keeping with the change in social perception – today’s bahu are more vocal, they do not take things lying down and keep asserting themselves.

The families are all well-to-do and carry on business with turnover in crores, but there are no servants in the house. In rare cases, there is only one. Probably the producer does not want to pay for servants.
Then there is the main door which is always open and anyone can enter, unannounced. Most confidential matters are discussed in ‘loud whispers’ and, the ‘enemy’ is invariably behind the curtain or the door to eavesdrop.
Another interesting part of TV serials is disguising – just attach a ‘mooch’, add a large black mole on the cheek, introduce a bit of variety while speaking and, lo and behold, a new identity is born. No one, not even the near and dear ones can see through the disguise.
And – talking about divorce is common. Those who want divorce carry the papers with them wherever they go! Other common features of serials are availability of only one hospital in the neighborhood just like one single temple. And, the supersonic speed at which the actors get transported from one location to another would put Star Wars to shame. Remember the famous words - ‘Scotty, beam me up.’


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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Lord Shiva’s views on Kalighat and marriages (satire)

Lord Shiva was taking his early morning walk among the hillocks of Mount Kailash. It was a daily routine meant to keep his body fit. His eyes suddenly fell on Kalighat – it was home to a fiery lady who loved to live simple so that her devoted followers could roll in money.
Lord Siva beckoned to Durga who was tinkering in the kitchen – she had learnt a couple of new recipes and wanted to try them out. Shiva would have to be her guinea pig.
‘What is bothering you now?’ she sounded annoyed.
‘Things are happening in Kalighat,’ Shiva said.
‘Things always happens in Kalighat,’ Durga replied in a matter-of-fact voice. ‘You know why it is famous, don’t you?'

‘You don’t understand,’ Shiva sighed. ‘The lady appears to be moving out from the place.’
‘Nonsense,’ Durga came and stood beside her Lord. ‘She is attached to it and will not leaving right now.’
‘You mean she will leave but is waiting for an auspicious time?’
‘Sort of,’ Durga replied. ‘She has set her eyes on bigger stuff. She is bubbling with energy and this place is choking her.’
‘Tell me one thing – how will she adjust herself to a life away from her home? A life minus jhal muri, telebhaja, langcha?’
Durga smiled.
‘Women can adjust to any change – it is a gift that they possess. After marriage, the girls adapt to their new homes in no time.’
It was now Shiva’s turn to smile.
‘From what I see and hear, today’s marriages do not last a lifetime,’ he said.
‘You are mistaken,’ Durga objected. ‘There are so many TV reality shows where women participants talk about their married lives, how they met, how they tied the knot, how they are living happily ever after.’
‘Fine. But – I would like to know how many of the knots are still intact? How long did the bond last? From what I know, filmdom is chock-full of actors and actresses who have married more than once. It seems to be a trend, a sort of fashion. Tell me - to succeed, do you need to change partners.’ (to be continued …)


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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