Exhausted with the day`s workout, we just set on our minds in search of entertainment to soothe the drained brain. Hunting for a while, our mind halts at a certain station and we place ourselves in front of the great inventions of all times, the idiot box (which has a strong chance to become intellectual one after some wise reforms). In the wide network of channels, we start surfing. Suddenly, we stop as something catches our eyes and we are left totally awestruck by seeing the lavish, super dramatic avatar. Oblivious to the surroundings, our minds get hooked into them unknowingly. Positioned in midst of a gigantic foyer of a palace, gaudy 
characters blurt out, “ Sasu maa, mai firse ye galti nahi karungi.” “Mujhe kuch nahi sunana bahu, abhi nikal jaao is ghar se ya mai jo saja du wo bhugatne ke lie tayar ho jaao”. Although, these dialogues don`t sound much appealing, then too they have captivated millions of Indian minds today. Who are these magical wizards which have hypnotized tons of viewers and why are they so addictive?
These spellbinding conjurers are none other than the endless Hindi daily soaps that air on GECs and make the spectators fix their eyes on TV at vesper`s nine (custom performed at a fix time daily). Let the series achieve the greatest height of annoyance, but audiences don`t let their eyes blink even for a second. Such super gluey nature of Hindi soaps is really uncanny as well as baffling. These typical serials have truly set their motto- TRP ke liye kuch bhi karega and it seems as if they have pledged to showcase absurd scenes with a vague storyline.
If we are to observe keenly, a steady conclusion can be drawn that each and every serial includes situations and scenes, which are closely akin, only the crux is that they are shot differently with different artists and the storyline is woven little twistedly. That is it! The form of Hindi serials has undergone a revolutionary change in recent years. A decade or two has past when it was the era of intriguing and practical series like Office-Office, Nukkad, Malgudi Days, Hum Paanch, Fauji and many more to name. Episodes were limited and the serial reflected the shadow of simplicity and reality of common man`s life. But the rule of revolution can`t be defied by anyone and so did happen! The soberness of episodic series was replaced by more complex, tragic and brain hammering daily soaps.
Talking about the serials of present age (though, sometimes they confuse us if we are actually living in a 21st century), one among the most stereotyped factors is the omnipresence of female protagonist who is ever ready to tolerate the injustice and has sworn to be the victim of domestic violence till the end of her life. One can do anything to her, even point a pistol towards her, but she will never utter a word against and emblematize the ideologies of so called Bhartiya Nari. Forbearance runs in her veins and her 
character is always flawless, she would only be the one in the whole universe having an exceptional behavior , morals, virtues and values; even a smidgen of lousiness would never dare to hack her thoughts. She perfectly epitomizes all godly features staying enough true to the quote- ‘To err is human, to forgive divine’.
Secondly, the serials start at very interesting note, but as it moves on, the string of illogical sequences leaves us completely open-mouthed. Among these, the most implausible one is when dead persons return back and that too not as haunting ghosts, but as fully fledged, alive human beings! This is something not only against the laws of nature but also the human capacity of taking things.
Next to this, what grabs our attention most are the exquisite, larger-than-life sets of bungalows with golden chandeliers and the women clad in heavy costumes, loaded with eye catching jewellery. The most unexplained fact over here is, be it while sleeping, when unwell or even in the kitchen, females masked with extra layers of makeup are fresh as a daisy flaunting off their wardrobe collections. They never ever give you a chance to point out even a strand of hair as messy or unset.
What makes these serials a matter worth discussion is their endless time period. Even if the main plot comes to an end, random characters appear from nowhere and are forcefully dumped into the storyline. Such failed tricks help in stretching of episodes and give you a feeling of eating a broth which has become tasteless due to the addition of liters of inessential water. The family tree continues growing , but the soap makers are not barred by the science of ageing. They, at maximum level, show five generations staying under a roof. What more to our amazement! A slight difference can be spotted between grandma and granddaughter, both almost looking 
pretty younger. If this is not enough, a single band of white dye is streaked over few tresses , making the look funnier. And by chance, if we decided to become practical enough to count on the ages of characters, the highest figure can be 150 years! Please proud us too with the same magical potion daadi maa!!
Uhh…Now comes the chance of evil minded villain, who tries the best to trouble the protagonist as well as people related to her, in every way possible. Usually, the villainous roles are played by vamps having a weird look that consists of sarees reflecting her grey shaded character along with wriggling snake shaped bindis or something more disgusting than that. She is never tired of making uncountable attempts of torturing the female lead, but the heroine rescues from villain`s trap each time and the mundane cycle of chase followed by an escape keeps on revolving like…..FOREVER!
To the larger extent, all serials are female centric and promote the greatness of feminism. Other characters in the serial are given a low value and stand nowhere. Serial keeps on circulating around the life of only one person. Also, the process of love blooming between the lead pairs is the most common thing ever. The hero-heroine have hatred for each other in their minds at initial levels due to some unknown/petty reasons. Later , they keep on coming in contact repeatedly and fall for each other; in some cases, this procedure takes place after marriage. But yes, it is their mantra- Hatred leads to Love! Also the common occurrence of extra marital affairs and illegitimate relationships doesn’t reflects a good set of values on societal life.
The discussion over the topic of these stereotyped Hindi daily soaps is like them – ENDLESS!! It is a debatable matter as millions of Indians can be seen glued to the TV watching Hindi GECs like Star Plus, Zee TV, Colors and many more have risen in past few years. There are end numbers of flaws we 
can squeeze out of them, but then too, they are running with great response due to satisfactory TRPs garnered and profit being made in a good amount.
Women can easily relate to such serials and try to find themselves within the character of female protagonist. They get so much of involved into it, that sometimes the consequences could be devastating. For instance, when Smriti Irani aka Tulsi from the famous KYUNKI SAAS BHI KABHI BAHU THI was replaced by another actress, many women were disappointed and some even survived a severe attack. Surveys state that the greatest percentage of viewers is that of women, most of them from rural areas living in joint family, receiving a certain kind of feminist approach from their family members as that of serial`s lead.
What youngsters have to say on it? Do they agree with what is shown? Here are some excerpts of answers which I received from them,
‘Today’s daughter-in-laws are really modern and free thinking…there is a vast difference between the conservative mother-in-laws and their sons with limited ideas and today’s wives and her husband and in laws…and the question of being domestic violence no more exists because girls are more literate and have a realization of self respect. So ladies won`t tolerate such nonsense anymore!! And even the mother-in-laws are really supportive with respect to career and jobs. so rather telecasting some depressing stories filled with tragedies and pain, people should telecast something more sensible!!.’
‘Mothers are today very forward thinking. I think rather than this emphasis should be given to more serious issues like rapes and corruption..!’
‘ I think the saas-bahu soaps are very predictable, melodramatic and seldom related to reality…..’
‘WASTE OF TIME’
These are some statements which echo the voice of today`s generation and their thoughts.
Hindi daily soaps have turned so aggravating, that the youth is forced to move towards English GECs, where series are more sensible and contain an essence of reality. Storylines are unique which grip our minds till the end and the episodes are limited due to different seasons coming with new concept each time. It is really a high time now, when Hindi serials do need to change their face and acquire more realism into the story. At least they should give it a try, not caring about the TRP rates and check out the responses among viewers. It is for sure then that not a targeted one instead each section of society will turn towards the more practical Hindi series; learn and inculcate some better values within them.
Tags: Hindi Soaps Saas-bahu serials
