I have been watching Astitva for about 4 weeks now and so far the soap has really succeeded in getting my thought process working. It is a soap that differs from the norm. A soap that dares to explore the relationship between an older woman and a guy 10 years younger to her. The first 4 weeks have been pretty filmi and the romance angle has been loaded with good doses of mush. The guy(Abhi) relentlessly pursuing the girl( DR Simran), the girl being practical and aware of her responsibilities towards her family who have high expectations about her marriage, resenting. But what was sweet how she finally gives in , realises that there is so much outside the walls of her hospital that she has missed. Simran finally listens to her heart and realises her feelings for the much younger Abhi. Abhi succeeds in bringing the feminine side out of Simran. Her coy nod to when Abhi asks her ’’Do you love me?’’ was too cute.
The soap is full of drama and emotions as society does not accept a relationship between an older woman and a younger man. To me it makes me think about the double standards our society has. If a 34 year old man is marrying a 24 year old girl it is considered no big deal but if the other way round is happening everyone protests to it. In Astitva neither Simran or Abhi’s family are willing to accept the relationship. In my opinion age difference should not matter either way as long as the man and woman can connect on one level. However Astitva is not setting out to explain that such marriages can work. Infact as weeks roll by it is gonna be setting out to explore the problems(mainly generation gap) encountered in such marriages and how they can be overcome.
The makers of this serial Ajai Sinha and Sangeeta Sinha are experts in handling mature subjects like this with utmost sensitivity. Their past serials namely hasratein and justujoo both of them which dealt with extra marital affairs are perfect example. I would not be surprised that Astitva will incorporate an extra marital angle as part of the problems faced by Simran and Abhi. Moving on to the cast, Nikki Aneja looks mature and beautiful and has performed the role of Dr Simran with utmost conviction. She is a natural actress. Varun Badola as Abhi could do with some acting lessons esp in his dialogue delivery. Harsh Chhaya is admirable as DR Manas who stands by Simran through good and bad. Other actors like Alok Nath and Anju Mahendroo lend good support.
I would like to commend Zee Tv on attempting to give us something different, something that a lot of us can possibly relate to and something that really manages to stir our emotions. Looking forward to the future episodes!