11/6 - 13/6 - Epi 46 - 48 ... Vivah Sampann Hua

Tuesday 11th June 2013 - Epi 46

Mahila Mandal aunties, who are supposedly into social work, can't enjoy a wedding if they have to do self-service and eat all their food ... while I did not really like the kids telling them to eat up, have to say they were pretty obnoxious guests, of the type that most families have a few.

And Khimji bhai lived up to my expectations, by enjoying this food, eating everything in his plate, and finishing his last gulab jamun quietly ... then praising the arrangements and the lack of ostentatious lavish overspending that is so common these days ... and compounded Umaben's annoyance by praising her samdhis and the sanskaar they had given their daughter.So the unusual wedding got a thumbs up finally ... Still felt it could have been done better ... the aunties got too much time to dwell on the negatives, and there was too little time spent on the positives.

Loved Chhanchhan's expressions during the wedding pheras ... starting off all smiles, then serious suddenly as the kanyadaan happens, and no smiles thereafter ... I so clearly remember that the kanyadaan was when the finality of marriage hit me too ... so could empathise completely. And her repeated looks at Manav, as though to reassure herself that he was there with her. And loved Manav's looks back at Chhanchhan, admiring and loving at the same time ...

Of course, Umaben disappears during the pheras ... why did she choose the middle of the ceremony to get money from Thakkarbhai? And give him a list of dowry demands?
So Kartikbhai did not hear what Umaben was saying ... otherwise that marriage would have been even shorter than Umaben planned. Or maybe not ... Manav would have walked out with Chhanchhan ... the only reason Umaben is going through all this with a smile is for fear of exactly that happening.

Bidaai was short and very sweet ... Daadi-Chhanchhan made me all teary, I love that old lady. So did CC with her mom and dad.

And I guess Manav is going to tell Chhanchhan she can bring Puch Puch as her dowry



Wed 12th June ... Epi 47 - An Unusual Grihapravesh 

When I watched the episode, I remembered my Mom-in-law's words about my husband ... jab se yeh ladka paida hua hai, ghar mein kutte aa gaye hain

So not Manav, but Dadi, who asked Umaben if Puch Puch could accompany Chhanchhan just for one night ... seriously, Dadi, what were you thinking? Puch Puch at night in Chhanchhan's room on their Suhag Raat? Expected better from you ... really! What were you thinking?!  
Umaben was all ready to say no ... Babuji said yes ... and Umaben cannot go against her husband in public. 
Loved the way CC's mom was leaning against Dadi after CC left ... such a lovely MIL-DIL bond they have shown there.

LOL ... Chhanchhan forgot her tears very quickly in the excitement of entering her new home ... I remember my chachi telling us of a conversation between her and her mom after she got married ... her mom asked her, how long did you cry after the bidaai, and chachi said she stopped in about five minutes after she got in the car. And her mom went, most indignantly ... le! I cried for two hours for nothing then? You stopped in five minutes?!

Umaben starts breaking rules for her new laadli bahu ... allowing a dog ... doing the grihapravesh aarti herself for her new bahu ... if I was Chhanchhan, I would be getting a little suspicious at this overflowing love after the overflowing hate ...
Loved the play of emotions on Chhanchhan's face during the grihapravesh ceremonies ... excitement, happiness at entering her new life with the man she loves ... mixed with nervousness, looking around at the house inside with some trepidation ... her new home, this is where she has to live from now on ...
Why did Manav not continue holding PuchPuch during the rest of the grihapravesh? Would have made more sense, as CC was the one doing all the ceremonial stuff. Guess they had to get rid of PP double quick from the BS residence ... poor doggie! He looked adorable!
So PuchPuch does the grihapravesh even before Chhanchhan can do so ... red pawprints and all ... which means dogs are now going to be a permanent part of Manav's life! And poor Chhanchhan has to do a most undignified run around the room to catch him ... after she does, everyone belatedly realises that the grihapravesh ceremony just got knocked for a toss. Accompanied by nasty remarks from the MM ladies and Ranjana, of course. MM ladies are very happy that CC will take UB for a ride.
Point one against Chhanchhan. Umaben very happy ... CC is making UB's task easier.
And poor Chhanchhan apologises ... PP doesn't bite, but she will send him away immediately anyway.
UB passes nasty remark about cleaning the house before the next set of ceremonies ... poor CC ... Manav reassures her with a small nod .... ahhhhhhhhhhhh, what a difference a good actor makes! Or rather, what a difference an ACTOR makes ...

Loved the Sarabhai house as always ... the family down in the dumps after Chhanchhan's departure, including the dogs ...
Whenever I go away for a few days, my dog spends her time in front of my bathroom door, or firmly sitting in my room ... this struck such a chord!
And loved CC's mom when she said, with that choking voice ... it feels like CC will just walk in the door with her chhanchhan ... 

Awww ... that whole 'finding the ring in the milk' scene was so cute and adorable ... loved Kaumudi bhabhi for siding firmly with CC, Mansi ditto ... the brothers on Manav's side ... loved the eye-talk between CC and Manav, the mischievous looks, the teasing glances,  Manav using the opportunity to play unfair, much to CC's shock, CC telling him 'No!' with gestures and looks ... Kaumudi's knowing smile ... the whole scene was just too cute!!!!

Umaben breaks up the party ... CC is getting too comfortable too quickly ... especially with Kaumudi, who is UB's shadow and favorite ... time for CC to change and rest ...

Next ploy of UB ... gold Ganeshji for Chhanchhan ... as she is her laadli bahu ... unlike the others who got silver ones ... this one was for Mansi, but now it's for Chhanchhan. Ranjana is not happy at all. Divide and Rule on full swing.
And Chhanchhan gets the first taste of pallu rule in the BS house ... wonder how long this one will last.

Thurs 13th June ... Epi 48 - Suhaag Raat Turned Jaagran

This episode was ultra-cute ... finally felt that Chhanchhan and Manav were a couple in love! Again, how much difference an ACTOR makes!

Umaben annoyed that she couldn't stall the wedding ... simplest way would have been to find a good mahurat only after two years or so ... guess she didn't think of that one! But then ... story kaise badhti ... no logicwa in this boatwa
Cannot understand Umaben ... is she not worried about Manav's happiness AT ALL? Is she only worried about the dowry she will get from Thakkarbhai? Or does she really believe that CC will never make Manav happy? Or does she feel so strongly that individual happiness of her sons is less important than keeping the family traditions and customs intact?

Manav-CC and Umaben ... very sweet scene ... Chhanchhan clueless about her MIL's nefarious intentions, thanks her for accepting her so wholeheartedly ... Umaben's 'you gotta be kidding me, you have such a shock coming if you think that' look at that was classic!

I'm also wondering at this Thakkarbhai angle that keeps surfacing ... is there something wrong with the guy's daughter that he is prepared to pay so much to get her married to Manav, knowing what Umaben is like? Is she another Sanjana or something?

Manav is back to being a bit of a dikra ... completely fooled by Momma dearest and her sweet smiles, he thanks her for accepting Chhanchhan. So Umaben is happy, she has won his trust back .... now for the next step. Again felt it a little odd ... she doesn't think even once about his happiness ... she is so convinced that Chhanchhan is wrong for Manav, hence their marriage has to be broken.

Chhanchhan as bride ... she's trying to be the traditional bride, she really is .... but it's too hot, she feels stifled under the ghunghat, she can't see anything, why the heck is Manav taking so long I was wondering how they would show this scene ... it was damn cute, and really funny! Including the way Chhanchhan jumps off the bed, Manav enters the room in a hurry to get to his beloved bride ... and gets a scolding for taking so long, she's not in the correct pose now!  

And they remember their love story ... I LOVE the cv's ... for giving all the important flashbacks with the new improved Manav, and wiping out all trace of the loser!!!! In one scene of two minutes, they showed exactly why that guy had to be replaced!!!

The first ChhanMan romantic scene which I absolutely LOVED ... the change of equation between the 'we're in love' couple to the stirrings of awareness between husband and wife ... loved the song too ... and the missed kiss ...

Of course, it had to be missed ... when has a SR taken place at the right time in a TV show? Even if the couple are madly in love?

So Umaben's next plan ... a jaagran on the wedding night ... and no one is the least bit suspicious? No wonder Umaben doesn't want a bright bahu ... how will she run her fiefdom then?
Manav and CC are nonplussed - jaagran? tonight? Sanjana just a wee bit puzzled ... 
Ranjana is confused whether to be happy for breaking up the much in love couple ... or upset that she didn't merit a jaagran ... Manav is not happy at all.

Jaagran scene ... cute ... the constant communication between Chhanchhan and Manav - eyes, phone, sms ... kuch nahin choda! And the various reactions of all the family members - eldest brother is not very happy, Manthan is busy doing what he does best - keeping an eye on everyone, watching reactions and adding sparks where he can, Ranjana is frankly upset at the preferential treatment ... so in each couple there is one annoyed partner.

Precap - UB's next plan ... Manav to go to village?

10/6 - Epi 45 ... Eco-friendly Wedding

Monday 10th June 2013

Eco-friendly wedding ... hmm. Mixed feelings actually ... while it's good to stick to one's ideals, is it good to do so when it also concerns the reputation of your family and that of your in-laws? Tough call ... on the other hand, having just attended a wedding which was lavish in the extreme, to the point that even the family remonstrated with the parents of the bride for over-spending, I can see that one has to make a start somewhere. But I don't think I would have the courage to do this ... it does take a special type of courage to stick so closely to one's ideals. Most of us tend to give in and make compromises ... Chhanchhan did not make any.

Or maybe we Indians have got so used to so much pomp and ceremony and ostentatious weddings, that we have lost the beauty in simplicity. Western weddings are nowhere as grand and lavish as Indian ones ... two of my cousins got married outdoors in national parks, with minimal decorations and simple menus, and we enjoyed every minute of the celebrations. I got married in a temple, at a time when 5 star hotels were the order of the day ... my wedding was far simpler than many of my friends' weddings.

The mahila mandal ladies were happy to find fault ... the decorations were bad, the complaint about queuing up for food ... hello, ladies, everyone queues up for food at all weddings ... no one is served! But then, the mahila mandal ladies were out to criticise everything anyway. One always has people like that at every wedding.

Found the paper decorations by the orphans a bit overboard, one could avoid real flower decorations as being non-eco-friendly, and use only cloth and satin ribbons. Paper decorations are more wasteful ... they waste paper, which is also not being eco-friendly. I would think using real flowers would be more eco-friendly than using paper.
So was the insistence that the guests have to finish everything on their plates. While that can be a rule in families at home (it was in mine), hosts can't insist on it with guests.

Wonder whether Khimji bhai will stomp out in a huff, or will appreciate the thought behind the wedding. Doesn't seem so, from his expressions. The Mahila Mandal made their feelings very clear, of course ... fairly typical reactions .. in every wedding, one has a few of those type. And of course, Ranjana was very willing to add fuel to the fire ... though, to be fair, she wasn't really out to make trouble, she was only willing to add to it ... as she's already envious of Chhanchhan's beauty outstripping her own.

Liked the little interactions between CC's mom and Manav when he entered ... and then between Chhanchhan and Manav at the jaymala. They look good together ... am so glad the new Manav is here! And they managed to convey that they were totally lost in each other, even in the few scenes they had together ... though it will take a little while to get used to the new Manav.
Though I have to say, I have already forgotten FK's face, so I don't think it will take too long!

6/6 - Epi 44 ... Laughter and Tears

Thursday 6th June '13

Tears in first scene in Chhanchhan's haldi, along with Chhanchhan's Daadi and Mom ...

Laughed aloud with delight in next scene ... new Manav is here!!! And not a day too soon ... he had a million dialogues today, thank God it was Anuj saying them. Already like the guy!
Liked Manav's dad ... yes, he is going to be Chanchhan's support all right. Eco-friendly wedding is a good idea as far as he's concerned.
And Manav is already a biwi ka bhakt ... CC  wants this, CC says that, this is what CC thinks ...
What a refreshing change from Maa ka laadla and Di ka bhakt ...

Tears again with Chhanchhan, with her mom and Dadi and friends  at the impending separation ...

And smiles and tears both with Chhanchhan and her father as they go through memories of childhood ... where have all the years gone?

Umaben tries to stop her guests from attending the wedding ... she feels it will not be up to their standards ... unfortunately all her guests wouldn't miss it for the world.

Chhanchhan all dressed up as a bride ... Dadi in tears again ... who will put her gajra now? CC's mom says, I will. Another sweet scene ... and Sanaya looked GORGEOUS as a bride

In the Borisagar house, Manav is also ready as dulha ... the guy looks good!
Another little battle as Ranjana wants to put the haar, Kaumudi agrees, she's had her turn ... but Umaben is inflexible ...
And Umaben is plotting and planning to break the wedding ASAP.

Precap - did Kartik S overhear Umaben?

PS ... Uma, more pastries headed your way ... today, on the 2nd anniversary of IPKKND, Anuj made his entry Now may the rest of your prediction come true, and may this be the turnaround for Chhanchhan! *Please Godjee*


*Edited*
Editing after ages, the episode was really well done. Enjoyed it even more on re-watch.

Chhanchhan's haldi ...  I really like the costumes in this show. Loved the jhumkas both CC and Rushali were wearing, as well as their mom's jewelry. CC's mom has always worn chunky jewelry, here the earrings were chunky and matched by a simple double stone string, very elegant. Liked her saree too.
Chhanchhan looked like a beam of liquid sunshine in that sunshine yellow
Again loved the Dadi-Chhanchhan's mom interactions ... they have such a sweet MIL-DIL bond. Liked the way they went back to the first dadi scene where she was so concerned about CC's rishta ... to now, where she says, can't the rishta be delayed a little while longer? And CC hugs Dadi ... I'll come back from my sasuraal if needed ... I'll never let you cry.
While CC's dad stands above, watching the entire scene, hiding his own sadness at the upcoming separation ... so like a father!
Love the Sarabhai family again ...

Borisagar family ... introduction of new Manav ... as he gives a long spiel about the upcoming eco-friendly wedding... much to the dismay of the assembled family. No waiters, no gifts ... recycled plates and glasses ... donations to orphanage instead.
Mukut wonders - is everything going to be only 'what Chhanchhan says?' Sure seems like it!
But Babuji to the rescue ... ah, Babuji's colors are emerging slowly, he is supportive ... this is a good idea ... much to Umaben's disgust and shock.She has to hide her reactions. Wonder why she finds it necessary to hide them even from her own husband?
Some snide remark from Manthan, as always ... is this a wedding or a satsang?  Again put down by Babuji, so again Umaben cannot say anything. But she does manage to raise enough doubt in Babuji's head, that he agrees to cut down the guest list ... just in case their family and business associates don't quite appreciate so much simplicity.

I like the way Manav is openly supportive of Chhanchhan ... bodes well for the future. No silent support here, but loud, vocal open support. Let's see how this goes in future. Dad is also more or less on CC's side ... or at least, open minded.

Back at the Sarabhais' ... Chhanchhan is packing her clothes ... and much to Simple's disgust, she's taking as many old clothes as new ones (what memories this brought back!). Glad they remembered Purvi here ... now I want to see a scene with the dogs too.
CC's shaadi ka joda arrives ... and it's Chanchan's mother's turn to go all teary-eyed, the sadness of the impending separation in Chanchan's eyes, without her saying a word ...

Umaben tries to discourage guests from attending ... with very little success.

Sarabhais ... one last family moment together with CC's dad, his turn to get all teary-eyed ... where have all the years gone? I think all parents without exception feel that way at a daughter's wedding ... Another lovely scene.
CC's mom says, daughter is not paraya, we are ... she leaves us and goes away ...
CC's dad is worried ... Chhanchhan is so different in her thoughts, her ideals ... will her in-laws accept her, understand her?
Yes, she is different ... it's the different people who make a difference to the world.
Loved the last father-daughter hug, and then CC's mom holding up the Smile face ... these little touches make the show so sweet.

Chhanchhan as a bride ... BEAUTIFUL
And mom and Dadi both lay claims to her beauty ... she looks like them! Another sweet moment, when Dadi remembers how Dada gave CC the duty of putting her gajra ... CC's mom lightens the situation again, by promising she will always be there to do that duty henceforth ....
Loved Chhanchhan's jewelry again ... very delicate pretty design. I liked Khushi's wedding choker too, this one was different and even prettier. I notice that unlike most TV brides, Sanaya never wears multiple chains around her neck, she sticks to one heavy necklace. Watching the multitude of other brides on TV these days, suddenly made me see the difference.  Also loved her 'haathphool' ... I want one like that!
Also loved CC's mom's jewelry and saree ... again very pretty and elegant.

Manav as dulha gets ready to claim his bride ... He looks good too. Umaben again shows her rigidity in observing traditions ... bhabhi means only elder bhabhi ... even though the younger ones would be happy to get the chance to observe some of the rituals. But traditions are set in stone for Umaben.
And Umaben is already planning to break this wedding even before it is solemnised. 30 days ... that's all. Chhanchhan is only a guest in this house.

Precap - did Kartik hear everything? Or did he only see the money? Whatever it is, seems that one more of Umaben's plans may have just bitten the dust.

5/6 - Epi 43 ... Marriage is On Again

Wednesday 5th June

Marriage is on again ... and already, so are plans to break it.

As expected, Umaben wriggles out of sticky situation ... with a little bit of trouble and some last minute maneuvering ... as expected, she makes prospective not-to-be sasur of Manav, the scapegoat ... as expected, the man keeps his mouth shut because Umaben is vindictive enough to ruin his daughter's life if he doesn't.

And one wish of mine came true ... Umaben had to eat crow and beg CC with folded hands to come back into the engagement fold ...
Apparently Babuji was not very convinced about the fake photographs either ... but had been steamrolled ... now he was happy to re-engage ChanMan and also happy to go to the Sarabhais' house to re-fix the rishta and get the marriage back on track. 

Nice scene at the Sarabhais' home as usual ... so Babuji is already coming over on Chhanchhan's side slowly ... loved the 'yippee' as soon as the father-son duo left, and the family was alone to celebrate ...
All the recycling/ environment talk was nice, but a bit overdone ... although I really liked the touch of getting cards made by handicapped kids ... Daadi as usual the pragmatic one ... idealism is all right in its place, but you do need to be worldly-wise as well ... check with the in-laws if they're okay with all this.

Umaben is furious at the upsetting of her plans ... and already getting ready with the next one. She can't forestall the wedding, it will happen now ... but who said weddings can't break?  30 days ... Chhanchhan out.
This was the blurb at the start of the show ... so they have finally reached that point in the story ...

And it's haldi time already?! So when are we getting the new Manav? Am getting a teensy bit worried now ... will the new Manav emerge only from behind the sehra?

4/6 - Epi 42 ... Plot Unraveled ... Or Almost

Tuesday 4th June

OMG ... hero has brains!!! And they are not in cold storage or in Siberia!!!

Of course, this was all a plan by Chhanchhan and Manav ... and yes, Manav didn't need to be persuaded that Chhanchhan was innocent, he was sure anyway. And he suspects his mom straight away ... a guy who is NOT a blind maa ka bhakt ... wow!!! Heck, this Manav is a really nice guy ... wish Anuj would enter fast, I could actually like the guy! Chhanchhan is more trusting of his mom, he doesn't trust her at all.

Umaben all happy that her plan has worked, and busy planning Manav's wedding to the girl of her dreams ... rest of the family upset, for Manav more than anything else, although Manthan does manage to throw in a snide remark about fixing rishtas in too much of a rush.

Chhanchhan's family all upset, dad angry as heck ... his daughter's name has been dragged through the mud after all ... they go to talk to Chhanchhan and find her surprisingly calm, though pensive ... for once, a heroine has cut through the emotional drama and got to the root of the problem - someone is trying to break the ChanMan wedding ... first thing is to find out who the illwisher is..

Manav glowers at his mom all morning, and leaves in a huff ... meets CC in the park ... and of course, they are in this together ...
and the plot unravels rather quickly .. they find the MIB, Manav chases him and beats him up ... FK must have enjoyed doing that part and MIB cracks and spills the beans ...

CC goes back home where her dad is almost cracking up with worry ... and reassures them ... mission accomplished, problem solved, culprit found ... and tomorrow the mastermind will be unmasked in front of Manav's family ...

So the scapegoat has also been found ... presumably the father of the girl Umaben was planning to get Manav married to ... tomorrow the beans will be spilled and Umaben will slither out of a sticky situation again ... but she will have to give in for the marriage this time ... 

3/6 - Epi 41 ... O Re Piyaaa ... and Act I

Monday 3rd June

O Re Piyaa ... one of my favorite songs ... and my favorite actress dancing to it ...
(Wish they had got in the new Manav in time for the dream sequence though ...

The whole fake photographs and accusations about gold digging girl thrown at Chhanchhan seemed like out of a BW movie of the 60's ... considering they were planned by Umaben, who belongs to that generation, it seemed quite fitting. Not to mention, most unconvincing.

Was it my imagination ... or my relief at knowing that FK is finally going ... but he actually did a decent job today ... that is, if things are the way I think they are and this is a plan by Manav and Chhanchhan ... that did seem the way he looked, and by the looks he threw his mom.
All the planning we wanted Arnav Khushi to do, they never did ... now Chhanchhan Manav might be doing it ...

Of course, if it turns out that Manav actually meant what he said, I will take back my words ... but I doubt it. A girl like Chhanchhan would not turn around and change her mind about marrying Manav if he had in fact believed Nameless MIB. So I would bet that they both had realised this was all an act, and were determined to get to the bottom of it. I will call off the ChhanMan wedding myself if that is not the case

So Umaben thinks her plan has succeeded ... the only thing left to do is to find another girl for Manav pronto and end the CC chapter. End of Act I.
Little does she know.

TV This Fortnight - 1st - 15th June

1st - 15th June

Veera ... current track very loosely inspired by the movie Dushman ... a man kills another man in a drunken driving accident, and is sentenced to go to his village and support the dead man's widow and family. He is hated by one and all at first, and then slowly redeems himself and undergoes true penitence and reformation as he realises what his one unthinking act did, and how it destroyed so many lives. In the movie, he doesn't fall in love with the widow, he falls in love with another girl in the village ...
Lots of differences, of course, the only similarity being the hero being responsible for the death of the husband, and taking over the family's responsibilities in penitence.

Badalte Rishton ki Dastaan ...
Latest news ... Abhaas Mehta has put in his papers :(
http://www.tellychakkar.com/news/abhaas-mehta-set-quit-zee-tvs-dastaan
Show is going well, but Uma says it is under the scanner. Such a pity that the truly different shows don't get good TRPs ... no wonder makers are scared to experiment.

Qabool Hai

Madhubala ... is anyone still watching? Shaadi track here too ... for TRPs?

Na Bole Tum ... both Megha and Mohan know Addu is not the real Addu ... I didn't watch for a bit, can anyone fill me in how they found out? And is Munna back to being villain?
The scene where Mohan is told about Nanhi being in love with Beera, and he imagines her as the child Nanhi telling him she is in love, was really cute ... I think every dad sees his daughter that way, as a little girl, never really grown up, and to see another man wanting to take her away gets him boiling! Megha's nervousness about telling Mohan the truth about Nanhi's love, Nanhi's own nervousness ... all were hilarious!

Saraswatichandra ... Watched the so-called HOT scene in Saraswatichandra ... making a mountain out of a molehill!!! This seemed like a poor imitation of the Devdas-Paro scene of SLB's Devdas and they didn't even show anything much. I actually thought I had missed something! And Kumud's reactions the next morning were totally out of the 1950's ...
The Arhi farmhouse scene was far, FAR hottter, and way more aesthetically shot ... and the Samrat-Gunjan morning after scene and the Arhi morning after scene were WAY better!!!

EDIT ... Happy Second Anniversary to IPKKND ... wish the show was still on air to celebrate this milestone ...
And lots of love to all the gals here, all of us came together in mutual love and fascination for  this unique show and even more unique couple.  
Arnav Khushi ... Hamesha