Like our movies, our small screen soaps too are taking a leaf out of the reality. Quite a breathe of fresh air after Ekta Kapoor’s elastic and everlasting KKahaanis.
The new channel of Viacom 18, Colors, is leading the way with serials that are different from the usual Star Plus, Sony and Zee bheja fry soaps. True to its name, it offers a rainbow of serials with very different concepts. One of the best serials I like in this channel is Balika Vadhu, the saga of a very young bride.
Balika Vadhu is a credible take on the social evil of child marriage which, despite being unlawful, is still practiced in many parts of India.
This serial is sure to go places, firstly because it is a very fresh concept on TV and secondly because it sends out a strong social message against the evil of child marriage without being preachy.
The serial has been shot in very authentic locations in rural Rajasthan. Even though the grandeur is visible, the essence of rural Rajasthan and its feudal sensibilities are retained. Try remembering when you last saw a village belle making and pasting dung cakes on home walls on TV; must be the good old DD days. Alas! Nowadays our eyes are programmed to see designer clothes, plush houses and expensive cars only.
Avika Gor as the young bride has turned in a stunning performance. At such a tender age, she has shown signs of brilliance in her portrayal of an innocent, young, playful and exuberant girl who gets married at a very tender age as per the local customs. The serial is the story of her simple yet vibrant life before her marriage and her tribulations after her marriage. Talanted powerhouse TV actors like Surekha Sikri, who plays the role of a narrow minded old timer, and Sadiya Siddiqui, who plays role of a government school teacher, too have turned in a great performance. Sikri’s strict grandma act could give any TV vamp a run for her money. She does complete justice to her high voltage character, creating ripples by just batting an eyelid or with a mere frown in her voice. The rest of the supporting cast, which boasts of a few good actors, has not been reduced to mere props, one feels that justice is done to each and every character.
It would be of great help to me to hone my writing skills if you could write a line or two about the review you just read. Thanks.