I have been watching this awesome soap opera for about 6 months now & it is surely growing on me. Astitva is a show on the trials & heartbreak of a woman doctor named Simran Saxena. Here is her story:
The stunningly beautiful Dr. Simran (Nikki Aneja) is a 34 year old woman who is married to fashion photographer Abhimanyu Saxena (Varun Badola) who at 24, is ten years her junior. Being much in love as they are, it is almost impossible for them to exist in a world that opposes their age difference. While Abhi’s father wholly accepts his daughter in law, his mother totally hates Simran despite Simran’s warmth, patience, and generosity towards her. In one particular episode, Simran faints (Simran has high blood pressure & is pregnant) & her mother in law accuses her of being drunk. In another episode, Abhi’s father suffers a heart attack and Simran saves his life but the mother in law is disgusted & blames Simran forgodknowswhat. I hate this woman. She is the most vile depiction of a mother in law I have ever seen on Hindi TV. She’s probably the reason why I fear Indian mother in laws so much. lolz!
On to Simran’s family. Her dad is played by Alok Nath & he does a wonderful job being the doting father of three adult daughters. When his wife was alive, he had an affair with a dance teacher & so he is riddled with guilt, as well. Kavita, Simran’s 2nd to the youngest sister harbors some deep seated jealousy towards Simran & always gives her an earful every chance she gets. Rashmi, the youngest sister is a young widow that is probably the most emotionally balanced character on the show.
Simran’s best friend is Manas (Harsh Chayya looking extremely cute!). They are both doctors in a clinic founded by Simran’s father. In all aspects, it is Manas that should really be with Simran. Honestly, they were meant to be together but...Dr. Manas is married to Urmila. I’m not quite sure if they are really in love with each other but Urmi has been cheating behind Manas’ back with Dr. Ashwin.
Now let’s get to the juicy details of the more recent episodes - Abhi has turned into a major jerk. He is having an affair with his ’’assistant’’. She’s a young girl named Kiran & I hate her with a passion. Actually, I hate them both. I think Simran’s maid should poison them so Simran can lead a happier life. Anyway, Simran is pregnant & Abhi, not wanting to have a family in the first place, just ignores her. This to me is torturous. I will tolerate anything in a man - bad breath, no money, smelly feet (well, maybe not the bad breath & smelly feet part), you name it but one thing that is absolutely inexcusable is CHEATING. I will not tolerate cheating in a marriage or relationship EVER! It’s especially hard because for a wonderful woman like Simran, surely she doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment. She stays up late at night while her hubby is making whoopie with Kiran. THIS IS WRONG. And he LIES! What a loser. Incidentally, Kiran and Abhi’s mother are best friends. It figures.
I’m getting an ulcer just talking about it so I think I just better calm down. My only complaint about the show is despite Simran’s intelligence & intuitiveness, she still has no clue that her husband is two-timing her. What’s worse is this Kiran pretends to be Simran’s friend but on the next breath she puts her down in Abhi’s face behind Simran’s back. Can you say BITCH? Move over Sheetal Singhania, Kiran is now my new hate doll. In an ideal world, both Simran & Manas would leave their spouses & run off to America & open up a botox & cellulite clinic & live happily ever after. That is my sincere hope for this show.
If the producers of the show are reading this review then I hope they take notes. If not, then I’ll just keep watching & hope that Dr. Simran will finally find the happiness that she truly deserves.
For further Astitva Ek Prem Kahani discussions go to https://groups.yahoo.com/group/astitva_ek_prem_kahani/