Channels continue to draw from newspaper headlines. The latest is Rishton Se Badi Pratha on Colors, which is based on the burning issue of honour killing. Set in Noida, it is the story of Abhay and Surbhi who are passionately in love but their love story is swept away by brute customs. “The series tries to show that despite all the talk of development we are still living in a feudal society where family honour is associated with the women of the house,” says Shanti Bhushan, the scriptwriter of the series.
Bhushan, who made a mark by writing Pratigya, a serial on Star Plus, says social customs should not be allowed to govern our lives. “Once sati was an established practice but today it is a crime. It is the country which worships Radha, who never got married to Krishna. Today, we allow our daughters to choose their profession but when it comes to marriage it becomes the issue of family honour.”
Shalini Chandran, who is playing Surbhi, asks, “What's the value of education when you can't engage with the new generation? I agree girls can make mistakes and we have seen it in some cases which hitnewspaper headlines, but killing can never be an option.” Shalini goes on to add that a lot depends on one'supbringing. “It is those girls who are not allowed to mingle with the boys during the growing up years who make wrong choices. Children always try to attempt what is forbidden. A lot of handholding is required in such cases.”
Actor Vishal Karwal says he can relate with Abhay because he also comes from a small town. “The series highlights the double standards of our society and it's good because for long we are sidestepping these issues in the name of words like honour and customs. How can there be any honour in shedding blood of innocent youngsters? I am excited to be part of a socially relevant series after Bhagyavidhata . The series provides a lot of scope to express yourself as an actor.”
As for the series highlighting the negatives for a long time before coming to the core issue, Bhushan has the expected answer. “You have to create the fear of the villain. For every Ram to sound convincing, you got to have a persuasive Ravan. In Pratigya , the girl goes on to marry Ravan. “This is the reality of our small towns. There are many cases when the girl has to marry the boy, who has assaulted her because of social pressure but in Pratigya , the girl doesn't give in even after marriage. She holds on to her values and attempts to reform the evil.”
“Also the reality is so grim that we have to bring in some entertaining elements in the storyline. After all, the primary motive of television is entertainment. However, one thing is that those who have a feudal mindset will get a clear message,” says Bhushan.
