Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain / Of simplicity and solitude

Borrowing from the solemn genius of Leonardo Da Vinci, ‘simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication’, the Pakistani show, Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain justifies that quote perfectly. The Indian audience is exposed, after a long while, to a television show that boasts of simplicity and yet, has a gripping poetic elegance. The relatablity factor is taken care of, as every scene is crafted in a very realistic manner. There are no extravagant sets, over-the-top make-up, or intimidating costumes. The subtle acting and the tone is very refreshing, for an Indian audience that is used to loud dialogues and over-expressive actors.
To dwell on the format, the show revolves around the emotional, physical and mental struggle that women face in nations like India and Pakistan. It’s an anthology series of 90 minutes episodes, and the first episode talks about the loneliness of an old mother, whose son has grown up and is now living away from her. She finds solace in a pet parrot, but he too doesn’t respond to her soliloquies. Her thoughts flit about in a random manner, as she has nobody to share them with, and her speech has become incoherent as there’s nobody to talk to. By a quirk of fate, she once dials a number and ends up talking to a boy, who is her son’s age. He thinks that she is a mature college girl, with whom he can share his problems. Both of them relate to each other’s words, in spite of the string of contrasts hovering over them constantly. At one time, he also gifts her a bracelet. As their conversations get deeper and more meaningful, she hides her age and behaves like a young girl. Finally, one day he arrives at her house to meet her. Caught by surprise, she doesn’t know how to respond and tries to send him away. But, he spots the bracelet he had gifted her on her wrist. The brimming emotions are poignantly brought out through the background score, accentuated further through the silence.
The story ends on an ambigous note, that may disappoint some viewers, but I think that it is this open ending, that makes the story very endearing. Another important aspect in the Indian version of the show is the sutradhaar, Kirron Kher, who adds elegance to the show. The title, borrowed from Gulzar’s poem, Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain literally means, how many more knots that are left to untie, very gently and eloquently unfolds the many chapters in the lives of women living in such cultures.
Verdict: A simple, well told tale, that will strum a rusted poetic chord in you.