Actors Varun Badola and Shweta Tiwari say that their latest TV series Mere Dad ki Dulhan lets go of the age-old formulaic narratives and welcomes an unconventional storyline. By Ayushi Sharma
Recently, a girl’s post on Twitter went viral as she was trying to find a groom for her mother. She posted a picture of herself with her and captioned it, “Looking for a handsome 50-year-old man for my mother! Vegetarian, Non-Drinker, Well Established. #Groomhunting.” It’s not often that we see children looking for life partners for their parents since it is always the other way round. However, Sony Entertainment Television’s latest offering Mere Dad ki Dulhan, which stars actors Varun Badola and Shweta Tiwari together for the very first time, builds on the idea of a daughter looking for a bride for her father.
Shweta believes that as a parent, if you choose your partner, it’s tough to make your children understand the reason for the choice. “If you have accepted that person, it doesn’t mean that they will do so too. If the children like someone, they expect their parents to accept that person. So why can’t it be the same in case of us (parents)? Shouldn’t it be the other way round too?” she asks.
The show also portrays how a father-daughter duo navigates through life and the dynamics of their relationship which focusses on their dependence on each other. Not many shows have touched upon the fact that even single parents need and long for companionship after a certain stage. This important message is the essence of the entire show.
So does the concept of the show fit into the real life scenario? Are children open to finding and welcoming a step parent? Varun feels that probably children from the metro towns are addressing this issue a lot faster but that is happening because of the exposure they get. “It will still take time to reach the B and C towns. There are certain things you just enjoy because of the presentation in the story. And here, a lot of girls are able to relate to the show because they see their own father in my character. I feel that there should be some kind of connect, irrespective of what that is. It is not necessar that every daughter should go out and look for a partner for her father. People could relate to it in any manner that they want to. Why should we discard the fact that a good story will always remain a good story?” says he.
Varun was fascinated with the show because of its interesting and unique characterisation. He says, “More than that I feel proud to be part of this transition phase that Indian television is in. It is great to see how we are slowly letting go of the age-old formulaic narratives and finally welcoming fresh and unconventional storylines which are relatable to the new generation.”
His character, Amber Sharma, is a stubborn straight-forward person, who doesn’t believe in change and lives his life in a set pattern. He prefers being anti-social. “This character allows me to step out of my comfort zone, which is essential for every actor and performer. The show addresses an issue which still remains a taboo in society. Sooner or later, we will have to confront it. Viewers will definitely get a new flavour with this show,” Varun adds.
The mere reason why Shweta agreed to do the show was because of its title. She says, “Nowadays, who gives such title? It is so self explanatory that it gives a complete insight into the concept of the show.” She plays the character of Guneet Sikka, a 40-year-old single woman, who lives with her mother. She has tried searching love online but failed. Despite being shamed several times by her mother for being single, she is happy to have a roof over her head and food to eat.
The Kasautii Zindagi Kay (2001) actor has had a tough life and she never denies the fact. So how has it influenced her perception of the world and the world’s perception of her? Well, she is one of those who doesn’t like to make perceptions for anyone and she expects the same from people. “If they want to get inspired or hate me, it’s completely upto them. Nothing really bothers me. I did some kissing scenes and I was told that I am not a good wife. People can keep such mindsets with themselves. I have a question for those people who said how can her marriage go wrong a second time. Why can’t things go wrong? At least, I have the courage to face them and come out in the open. This is what matters the most,” says she.