IPKKND Nostalgia: Episode 035
Rani Sahiba
1. As this is a nostalgic thread, my posts will obviously include spoilers. Part of the pleasure of this re-watching exercise is to note the retroactive interferences. Especially in the case of Shyam's affair. One observation in these early episodes is that Shyam does appear disturbed by the situation he has created for himself. He doesn't appear to be enjoying the duplicity. He's not a moustache-twirling villain yet. Perhaps for some adulterers, the triumph of keeping this house-of-cards standing adds to the pleasure, excitement and challenge of the affair. Not so with Shyam. Not yet. And I think that needs to be stated.
2. I'm also looking to see what signals Khushi is sending him. She is so naive---and in this episode so distracted---that I would not not agree if Shyam felt that Khushi was open to his attentions. She gives him smiles. She appears bashful. She teases him. In that scene, where she says, "Oh, Rani Sahiba?---You move in quite the elevated circles, Shyamji." It's cute. It's playful. I'm not sure what I'm saying---except that I don't think Shyam has strong reason at this point to feel that Khushi is not interested. (Buaji doesn't help matters either.)
3. This episode is essentially about Anjali: her life, her character, her needs. We see a woman who is not very ambitious. She has her strong faith. Her doting family. Her devoted husband. This seems to be enough for Anjali. We see that she has strong influence on both Arnav and Nani. And they both agree to postpone their dispute, because they see how deeply upsetting it is for her. I think this speaks highly of what Anjali means to them. I really like that scene where she finds Arnav with his bag leaving the house. She is firm with him . She doesn't ask---she tells him to come with her to Nani's room. As an elder sister, she has natural power and she does use it. It suggests that though mild, in matters important to her she can be assertive.
4. My favourite scene in this episode is her conversation with Arnav at the house-mandir. She speaks about her husband, her happiness---and her fears. And it is an important moment because this is where Arnav makes that significant pledge to do everything in his power to ensure her happiness. This will cost him dearly, as we know. The Writers have shown us how devoted he is to his Di, but I think it is necessary from the storytelling perspective to have this scene, in which he verbalizes that commitment.
5. On a personal note, I am fortunate to receive many positive comments from our Sisters about Anjali's characterization in my fanfic. And in those comments, there is often a line or two about what they disliked about her character on tv-IPKKND. Some feel she is a spoilt-little-rich-girl. Others feel that she exercises too strong an influence on her brother. Some resent her being Chotte's favourite. And very many are impatient with her fragility. There is reason to feel this way. I write her differently because I admire her core character and see her potential for growth. One of the things I admire most about her is that she is not political. She is like Jane Bennet in -P+P-. She doesn't just say good things about people, she has the ability to find the good in people. And in this episode, what I particularly like is the moment where she tells Nani that she trusts Arnav's self-awareness and self-knowledge; she trusts his ability to make good decisions for himself. And she will support him. She is loyal will not compromise on what she believes is right. For me that scene is a great testament to her character, and inspires my writing.
By Jalebi Jane
Seher Hone Ko Hai
Current Affairs
Hindi TV Shows
642