Pilot review; Too contrived to be believable. - Page 2

Originally posted by: aekiel

Didn't watch the episode, but just a couple of lines on this part.

Given the atmosphere that prevails in some parts of the country, I'd say her playing a Muslim character is important.

The more inter-faith marriages, the less the cause for distinction between "us" and "them" so as to speak, and that promotes more unity.

The traditionalists would say it perhaps destroys individual identities- I'd obviously be against any marriage that requires someone to give up their religion, but if the two co-exist (SRK-Gauri an example), it ought to be fine.

Yes, everyone has a right to a set of beliefs, but perhaps in the larger sense of societal progression as a whole, it would require those beliefs to be toned down to a level where assimilation is possible. Change is inevitable in a progressive society, and those who don't adapt essentially get left behind.

Of course, her playing a Muslim character will also attract audiences in Pakistan, MENA and even places as far as Indonesia and maybe even Turkey.

I think the reason Zoya's character is Muslim is to delineate that Zoya's father is not accepting of Yash and its not because of religion. There is something going on so strong here for his dislike and its not religion which is where one's mind would go atleast initially. I have friends who have married out of faith and who have had disapproving fathers based on religion and money but after a couple of years of marriage, they grudgingly accept to love their sons-in-laws and daughters-in-law. Zoya's father is vehemently opposed to Yash after so many years of marriage, so it makes you curious what is the cause of this vehemence, if its not religion, which for most people to be honest would be the primary factor. I think its done to prick the viewers' curiosity.

hi

Excellent review of the episode by you, Husna! 👍🏼

Originally posted by: .annihilation.

[Well, I'd beg to differ on that. Cultural assimilation through interfaith marriages isn't the only way we have to cause the least minimum distinction between different existing communities. We can very well practice and believe in what we do and still co-exist peacefully. That said so because a practice such as that might not be an ideal candidate to become the new 'norm' otherwise it'd bring upon imaginably grave issues and ultimately all faiths would cease to exist. It is and of course can remain what is essentially is, just a person choice or a decision. In the best interest of a progressive society, what we need is acceptance, equality wherein it can achieved, dignity and respect shown to all and humanity and peace.

Bollywood is like a world within the world itself. I'd personally not count in or cite examples from there because as much as they're humans too, their general functioning of life is far, far different from the aam janta log. What rules apply to us doesn't quite apply to them and vice versa. Also, SRK-Gauri are sure a successful example of an interfaith marriage in the eyes of the world but do we really know what their own world is like? Point being, all that glitters is not gold. At least not necessarily or always.

@Bold, it isn't the only way, but it does speed up the process. Again I'm thinking of it from the society as a whole, not just for a certain section of it.

The more you have in common, the less you'd think of the other faith as "different", especially when there might be a history of past clashes. When communities grow large enough in numbers that they may feel start to feel antagonistic to each other over differences, the "common" items keep it going. Faith and assimilation is mostly a two way street.

A potential example could be the Salwar Kameez as a dress. It originally was something restricted to Punjab, but is today worn in every part of the country, and has become so common and "assimilated" that when you see a woman of a different faith wearing it, no one wouldn't feel she's different- she's just someone like us.

@Bold2, they wouldn't, so long as both parties have the freedom to practice their respective religions.

I quoted SRK-Gauri because I remember reading somewhere that she has full freedom to practice at home (temple et al) with no restrictions whatsoever. An example whether neither party had to convert, and both remained as they were before marriage, and even celebrated the cultural aspects of the other's religion after it- that's as good an example as there can be, the way it should be.

Originally posted by: aekiel

@Bold, it isn't the only way, but it does speed up the process. Again I'm thinking of it from the society as a whole, not just for a certain section of it.

The more you have in common, the less you'd think of the other faith as "different", especially when there might be a history of past clashes. When communities grow large enough in numbers that they may feel start to feel antagonistic to each other over differences, the "common" items keep it going. Faith and assimilation is mostly a two way street.

A potential example could be the Salwar Kameez as a dress. It originally was something restricted to Punjab, but is today worn in every part of the country, and has become so common and "assimilated" that when you see a woman of a different faith wearing it, no one wouldn't feel she's different- she's just someone like us.

@Bold2, they wouldn't, so long as both parties have the freedom to practice their respective religions.

I quoted SRK-Gauri because I remember reading somewhere that she has full freedom to practice at home (temple et al) with no restrictions whatsoever. An example whether neither party had to convert, and both remained as they were before marriage, and even celebrated the cultural aspects of the other's religion after it- that's as good an example as there can be, the way it should be.

Husna

Okay! I am going to address the interfaith relationship first!

Originally posted by: V4o9

Okay! I am going to address the interfaith relationship first!

Religion really does not matter but for the show sake, I have points -

1st point - It could be very much possible that Yash cheated because he is under too much pressure due to negativity from mom/sister as they seem to mislike Zoya just for her religion! She seems too sweet for them to have an issue with any other way! It is easy to elope and get married as it is thrilling and fun! But when the dust settles that's when reality checks in. For all you know, he could be feeling the estrangement from his own family as a burden. Add to that, her father is not very welcoming. And even though this seems petty and small, such things add to psychological issues and you end up accusing your partner for a miserable life even though it was your choice in the first place! Hence, the religious angle to show they mnight have fought against odds to get married!

2nd point - Aditya is also of a different faith. That means we would really know if Zoya's father was lying when he said he had no issues with religion. Or maybe he was telling the truth. He really does not like Yash as he thinks Yash is unworthy and has no issues with his faith. This time he could prove that religion is not the problem, but the guy she chooses is, as Aditya will be worthy of her. What say?

But honestly, I do not think that is what the show is aiming for inter-religion/faith wedding issues and neither are we!

As a side note, shame on his mom/sis for having such thoughts in this age. Their boy's happiness is not what is important to them. It is not about just religion. Some parents have a problem if their child makes a choice of his own and hence the whole acceptance thing. Somehow, they feel they would have done a better job picking their child's partner! So yes, that is chotti soch!! I do not know how else to see that?

Addressing other parts:

- The lead pair is spot on! I am glad experienced actors have been roped in for such intense roles. Newcomers would have have been an embarrassment to watch like that fake plane.

- If my pilot spoke to me that happily/over coolly and casually like Aditya did, I would be praying for the flight to be over!

- Supporting cast namely Pooja and Yash do not have much to do in terms of acting. They just seemed...meh. But when they are portraying roles next to powerhouses that Jen and HC are, I hope they do not have any strong performances coming up as that would not be a nice scene to watch. I don't have faith in their abilities to carry something intense!

Edited- GEEZ! I am tired of correcting my spelling mistakes! Please bear with it. I cant correct no more!