With marriage, it’s not just the union of two individuals but rather two families. Marriage entails acquiring a new family and new sets of rights and duties. More often than not, this transitional phase of moving into a new house with new family members can get overwhelming. If not handled delicately, it can create a lot of confusion and mess resulting in frictions and fight.
Sony Entertainment Television’s period drama Punyashlok Ahilya is currently delving into this very post marital territory. Ahilya has married KhandeRao, the son of noble subhedar of Maratha Empire ‘Malhar Rao Holkar, in a grand ritualistic ceremony and will now be seen adjusting to her new life in the Holkar Haveli. As known to history, it was Malhar Rao who recognised the true potential of Ahilya and believed in merit of a person more than gender or status by birth. Malhar Rao went beyond his duties of a father-in-law and became Ahilya’s biggest champion and strongest pillar. He even went against his own family and the stereotypical norms of the society and encouraged Ahilya to overcame all barriers.
Actor Rajesh Shringarpure who essays the character of Malhar Rao in the show believes that the current track of the show is prevalent even now and will be related and resonated by the viewers. All the newlywed brides are vulnerable and overwhelmed when they enter a new house, a new family and need all the love, care and kindness to make them feel at home.
Sharing more on the same, Rajesh Shringarpure, said, “ I truly believe that that the father-in-laws of today can learn so much from Malhar Rao. He was thoughtful and kind and understood Ahilya’s state of mind as a new bride. Infact, he was the only one who understood that. He ensured that Ahilya felt comfortable and at ease adjusting to her new life that was so starkly different from her previous life. Which is why, I really feel that the world today could use more people like Malhar Rao Holkar. Father-in-laws who go an extra mile in making their daughter-in-laws feel like they belong. To help them find their place in the family.”
Watch Punyashlok Ahilybai every Monday to Friday, at 7:30 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.