Satyamev Jayate – A marriage should be like incense

By Fenil Seta -

May 21, 2012 - 9:53 AM IST

Many unmarried youngsters, whether male or female, have grand plans for their weddings. If given an opportunity, they would love to tie the knot amidst five-star arrangements in the best banquet of the city or a palace in Rajasthan. Obviously, many fail to meet these financially unviable goals. But there are some who take the plunge. They beg, borrow and steal and ensure that they get to experience their dream wedding. That they'll have to pay EMIs throughout their life is another story. But having a big fat Indian wedding is what most of the Indians desire. But imagine if the spouse or the in-laws turn out to be the most evil lot you've ever come across in your life? The marriage has to be terminated before they set the bride on fire. And the huge amount of money spent on the 'royal wedding' goes down the drain!

Aamir Khan, in the third episode of Satyamev Jayate, throws light on the evils that have crept into the marriage system, considered as the indispensible part of life when it comes to India. The focus remains on the villainous dowry system though. Dowry-related problems and deaths are extremely common in today's time and age which is evident by the cases that are published in newspapers with alarming regularity. Yet again and as expected, the team of the show highlights the most shocking cases. The episode commenced with Komal Sethi explaining her plight which left me numb! Her weight dropped to 36 kgs at her so-called 'sasural' and she was left with no food and water for 4 days in her US apartment. Terrifying! This was followed by the case of Paramjeet Kaur Moom whose parents financed her hubby's Australia trip, education course and other expenses to the tune of Rs 15 lakh only to realize that hubby dreams of marrying a 'gori'. Not to forget, Paramjeet was ill-treated by her sister-in-law in the most atrocious manner. And how can I forget the case of Nishana - a very well educated (and pretty too, if you ask me) who was forced to go for a nose surgery to 'enhance her beauty' and yet was told that 'ur face is like a bull dog'. Aamir could have invited Nishana on the show if he had his way. But he couldn't. Because Nishana is no more.

Satyamev Jayate – A marriage should be like incense

It's indeed sickening to know that even in present day, well-educated and people with 'modern outlook' harass the bride and her in-laws for dowry. The guys often like projecting themselves as a 'macho man'. But what is so macho in getting your furniture, LCD, foreign trip fund etc from the in-laws? And my opinion was echoed in the show by Assam-resident Durlov Baruah, in a rather comical manner though! In fact, it was heartening to know that residents of the north-eastern states don't endorse the dowry system at all! I have a few friends from Assam who have said that it's a progressive place in many ways and women roam around freely till late night without any fear. Perhaps, there's lot to learn from our North-eastern counterparts. Hats off!

The second half of the show, in fact, was quite light and positive. The case of Santosh Kumar who was 'kidnapped' and forced to marry (a move deployed by the bride's parents that could have terribly misfired) was a unique and one of its kind. The efforts done by 'Tanzeem Khuddam E Millat' organization to recommend wedding without any 'shosha' is worth appreciating. And the best bit of the show has to be the case of Rani Tripathy, who didn't take things lying down when her in-laws-to-be made atrocious demands. She performed a sting operation on them which was aired on prominent news channels. Moreover she married Pawan Tripathy who fell in love with her valour (and eyes) when he saw her on TV and is today happy in her space. This case is very motivating for millions of girls in the country who hesitate to expose their in-laws' torture for the fear that they would not get a suitable match later on. The situation is bad but there are eligible bachelors around for whom marriage is akin to what is popularly believed as 'saat janam ka rishta' and not a mere business transaction!

The episode culminated with the song 'Ruapiyya' and this time it was singer Sona Mahapatra who got an opportunity to perform. Soaked with simple and sharp lyrics and composed with elegance, 'Rupaiyya' was a treat for the ears, and eyes as well as Aamir lovingly hooted and even shook his leg with Pavan!

As expected, the third episode too made its impact. The TRPs maybe dwindling but who cares? Our Sundays are getting meaningful. What else do we want?

Patwaar banoongi
Lehron se ladoongi
Arre mujhe kya bechega Rupaiyyaâ€¦!

Watch the video: Big Fat Indian Wedding (Episode 3)