It’s five to nine on a Monday evening when my mobile that has spent most of the day as a high tech digital clock comes to life; no it’s not a phone call - but a reminder. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai is to start in five.
I know what you are thinking: What? Has Atul completely lost it, flipped even, or has marriage changed him that drastically! The Atul I remember avoided Hindi programs like the plague.
Well, I’m still me - it’s just that the quality of Hindi programming has gone up a few notches since the introduction of Star One. Gone are the days when Indian comedies based their gags on politics, corruption, and problems faced by the common man. Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai is a refreshing sitcom featuring two very non clichéd upmarket families who are trying to live a life of urban pseudo-sophistication.
The story revolves around Sahil, a naïve cosmetic surgeon - who is caught up between his urbane mum, Maaya and a rather ’’middle class’’ wife, Monisha. While Maaya enjoys wining and dining at elite restaurants, and rubbing shoulders with social bigwigs; Monisha is a penny conscious, soap watching housewife, who continuously tries in vain to impress her mum-in-law.
Making his life between the rock and a hard place even harder is Sahil’s shrewd dad, Indravadhan. Roshesh, Sahil’s younger brother is a momma’s boy and a wannabe poet. This rather kooky family is right now the funniest ensemble on the telly.
Comedy is not a laughing matter; fantastic script delivered with perfect timing, crisp wit, and quality of material are all essential ingredients to make a good comedy. Add to that a little silliness, a lot of style, and a dash of shrewdness and there you have it - the Saraibhais are served. Hilariously funny regardless of whether served hot or cold.