Relationship Status: Falling for Rishta.com (Indian T.V is RED!)

It’s a scientifically established fact that T.V is awesome.

But to be very honest, except for the spate of reality shows that I only watch because metaphorical train wrecks are  more watchable than actual train wrecks (A not-so-subtle nod to you Ms. Sawant!) there’s nothing that can keep me watching T.V for more than a 20 minute span without wanting to turn to the loving cyber-arms of reddit.com.

Yash Raj Films managed to single-handedly redefine Hindi films in India and the international markets for the past few decades, so when the ads for “Television turning red” from Jan 1st made the rounds in the newspapers I was excited. From the run-away hit Kabhi-Kabhi in 1976 to 2009’s smart and very likable Rocket Singh-Salesman of the year, they have done very little to disappoint (Let’s just pretend that Tashan and Bachna Ae Haseeno never happened).  As I mentioned, Indian T.V has long since hit a wall as far as being decently watchable is concerned. I mean, Bairi Piya, really? The lead actress, Supriya Kumari has this amazing range of expressions that span from this:

to this:

So if YRF is doing T.V, I want to see. And as usual, YRF is going all out. The line-up includes:

1. Lift Kara De: A reality show that has some of India’s biggest film stars making dreams come true. Three episodes into watching it, I’m still unsure how that’s happening. The last episode I saw had three people making and selling juice? Their dream is to become juice sellers? I’m not so sure how this works, but I’m not giving up yet. I will provide an update as soon as I make some sense of it. (I also forgot that I’m hopelessly and madly in love with Sharukh Khan, he’s probably one of the smartest businessmen in our country right now and on-screen, even if he’s playing himself in every movie, I freaking love him. Starring: Sharukh Khan as Shah Rukh Khan. I’ll be there. He’s so Goddamn charming!)

2. Mahi-Way: I have not seen the show yet, but the promos are fantastic. Pustiie S, has paid her dues in bit parts in television for years now. Also,I’m a sucker for any “Ugly Betty” type show. Big girls need love too you know? I will be watching!

3. Powder: I have to admit, it’s not my type of show, but the promos are slick and from what I’ve heard, people are loving it.

4. Seven: Again, just not my type of show, seems a little bit like a “Heros” rip-off. But since I was quiet into “Heros” before shit just got out of control and my brain got fried every time I watched it, I’ll be on the look out.

This one, the one I just watched that has prompted me to write this post is

5. Rishta.com: I LOVE it. I’ve not felt this way about any Indian T.V show in a while. And even though I hate using cliches like “fresh, young and contemporary” I think I’m just going to have to. Starring Shruthi Seth (Isha) and Kavi Shastri (Rohan), the show is in true YRF style, smart, funny and well-written. It’s for the first time, I think, in Indian television that promotions have extended to the new media realm with characters facebook and twitter pages. (Rohan and Isha on FB and Rohan and Isha on Twitter) In the case of Kavi Shastri, it’s also fantastically acted. A London import, Kavi Shastri has just the timing and physicality for a show like Rishta.com. I’m going to refrain from mentioning his  very sexy skinny ties and those shirts that seem to be in love with the broad chest they’re around, that make him look delectable, but oh look! I just did. Shruthi Seth, was unfortunately disappointing. I loved her in Shararat as a kid, but she left me feeling thanda-er than I’d like to have felt with Rishta.com. Her scenes with Kavi Shastri are so much fun to watch but her personal track is kind of a downer with a colorless supporting cast.  I’m wary of the fact that this could quickly turn into an irritating Isha-Rohan love story that will deter from the interesting episodic storyline. Till then I promise, I’ll be watching.

Here’s hoping that T.V remains red for a long time to come.