IPKKND Nostalgia: Episode 009
Mami, the Saboteur
(Bear with me, Sisters, as I take you down a long path to make a brief point.)
For three days every autumn, members of JASNA (Jane Austen of North America) gather to speak on a particular Jane-topic. This year, the theme is the novel -Emma-. Appropriately. For Emma recently celebrated her 200th birthday. I've been reading a bit of -Emma- at bedtime, just after I enjoy my day's rationing of Khushi. And I want to share an observation about these two heroines.
Austen's novel begins with this description: "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her." No, that is not exactly Khushi's experience of life. Except for the handsome-clever-happy disposition bit. But as the novel progresses, we notice that though we love Emma, we don't always approve of her. We love Emma because she is bright, witty and charming. But she is also officious and over-zealous. Of course, always with the best of intentions, but nevertheless, intrusive. Sound familiar? History tells us that when Austen began planning this eponymous novel, she wrote, "I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like."
1. My point is this: it takes a very skilled writer to make us sympathetic to a character who is so often the instrument of her own misery. However well-meaning, in this episode we can understand Buaji's anger and Payal's frustration with Khushi. You know I am devoted to Khushi but she does exasperate at times. (One of my favourite themes to explore in IPKKND-inspired fiction is Arnav in the role of Khushi's mentor. Yes, I agree that Khushi brings much to Arnav's quality of life, but I strongly believe that Arnav has more to teach her than she him.)
2. In this episode, Mami sabotaged Khushi's promising sale because she believed that Khushi understood her to be a servant at Shantivan. Well, I'm not sure what Khushi's belief was, but had Khushi not imposed herself on Mami, then there would be no Phatti-Saree nonsense. I watched the scene twice. Mami is at the bottom of the stairs minding her own business. Khushi elated from her success, assumes Mami is searching for Lakshmi and puts herself forward with unwarranted advice. This is dramatic fiction, so Khushi must behave this way for us to have a story to watch, but in reality, this conduct in a home where one is not even a guest---but a vendor---is inappropriate. And inpolitic too. Had she left Mami alone, Mami might have left Khushi alone.
3. Okay. I've been too critical of Khushi today. But I adore her, which is why I must also discuss her faults. Much like Mr Knightley, when he corrects Emma at Box Hill. He says, "I must once more speak to you as I have been used to do: a privilege rather endured than allowed, perhaps, but I must still use it. I cannot see you acting wrong, without a remonstrance."
4. Oh, but didn't we all love Khushi in that moment when she hears Nani and Anjali mention the name Arnav. Gulp. Oh, Chotte. Relief. Chottu. Whew! In fact I found myself smiling throughout most of this episode. Her "Rukh jao, Arnav Singh Raizada!" dream was Hilarious. Her confrontational language. Her raining countless money notes over Arnav's head. Such a gratifying dream. Payal has the best line: "So now he's entered your dreams as well." Indeed.
5. I didn't always appreciate Payal but in these early episodes I enjoy her characterization. She is a perfect foil to Khushi's whackiness. Especially wonderful in the scene after Shyam requests a meeting with Khushi. I love how she baulks at the prospect of meeting a stranger in this large metropolis. Khushi's reply is brilliant.
JalebiJane
Edited by JalebiJane - 9 years ago
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