Ancient epics, new avatars

The story so far: an extremely wealthy individual, first among equals, holds an engagement party for his three beautiful...

The story so far: an extremely wealthy individual, first among equals, holds an engagement party for his three beautiful daughters. The richest and most eligible young men in town are invited, save for one a certain Mr B Mihir in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thhi, and Mr Bajaj of Kasauti. The latter is understandably outraged and enraged by this discourtesy and vows revenge. Meanwhile, Amba, the eldest girl Tanya in Kyunki, is heartbroken at the prospect of her forthcoming engagement. She8217;s already in love with Salva. So while her younger sisters simper and giggle and generally behave like silly young girls will at the thought of meeting so many men, Amba and Salva plot their future course.

At the engagement, loud music accompanies Amba on her way to Salva with a garland when, achanak, lightning, thunder and the powers of uninvited guest 8212; Mr B8212; come between her and her beloved. He challenges those present to stop him leaving with the three girls. Music, camera, fearful faces. Then, Salva stabs Mr B in the back literally but ends up on the floor, at death8217;s door in the ensuing clash 8212; saved by Amba8217;s entreaties.

Next scene: preparations are on for the wedding of Amba 8212; at Mr B8217;s behest 8212; to young Vichitra. The house is filled with joy and laughter but Amba is distraught. She sits by the matrimonial fire, thinking of her paramour. As her intended husband reaches to fill her parting with sindhoor, the music reaches a crescendo and she screams, 8220;Nahin8221; and slaps away his hand.

Yes, yet another family kissa, a new one as old as the epics. As always, the setting is opulent, the abodes spectacular, the women bedecked with jewels, the men in their fancy ethnic costumes 8212; beautifully shot, with special effects par excellence. It8217;s got all the makings of another successful K serial; and it ought to, since Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms have produced it. Even its name begins with the lucky mascot K. It8217;s called Kahani Hamaray Mahabharat Ki KHMK.

The magnificent epic becomes just another soap in Balaji8217;s hands. For continuity with her other soaps, Kapoor employs actors from her other productions. But there is no way Mihir, Mr Bajaj can be anyone else to us, least of all Ganga Putra, despite his handsome physique. In fact, the array of well-developed chests male and female! on display is one of the KHMK8217;s more attractive features. Otherwise, by shooting the Mahabharata as a Kyunkiis to err, badly. Epics, great literature can be modernised and reinvented 8212; Shakespeare8217;s Othello became Omkara 8212; but here, Kyunki has been dressed up and sent back in time, to Mahabharata. It doesn8217;t work that way.

Nowadays there is a parade of mythologicals. The new channel, Colors, promises us Jai Shri Krishna, NDTV Imagine has Ramayana shot as a pastoral idyll, and a new show, Mahima Shani Dev Ki. And Sai Baba is everywhere8212;as a serial and as a docu-drama on India TV and Aaj Tak. Why the sudden resurgence of the mytho-spritual? In the US, the sudden appearance of many superheroes 8212; Batman, Hancock, Spider Man 8212; has been attributed to the loss of faith in the existing leadership and a downswing in the public mood. Could the return of the gods to TV be our deliverance?

Watching the politics of no trust played out in every news studio over the last 10 days 8212; and Parliament yesterday 8212; you do feel the need for some divine intervention.

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For all those who simply watch television to have a fun time, watch Zaara Nach Ke Dikha Star Plus. It is the happiest show on air 8212; the the best 8216;relax time; on air, with TV actors pitted against each on the dance floor in a war of the sexes, led by the engaging Asghar Ali and Delnaaz. Judges Malaika Khan and Chunky Pande are another attraction. There8217;s good music, gorgeous costumes, quicksilver repartee and lots of laughs. And yes, a bit of dancing.

shailaja.bajpaiexpressindia.com