Charles Darwin explained the theory of evolution in the 19th century. The theory was going all right until 'Pehredaar Piya Ki' happened. A TV show based on the love story between a woman and a 10-year-old kid.
Any guesses where the story could be based? Say R, Say A, Say J, Say Dowry, Saw Dal Baati, Say Bhujia. . .
RAJASTHAN! Stereotyped for a reason.
The serial's teaser broke the internet when Indian Television saw the concept of Paedophilia wrapped under multiple layers of cringe and normalised entertainment.
coughs "Pahlaj Nihalani"
Here's another fun fact. When the producer of the show was asked about the bizarre plot, this is what he had to say.
First and foremost it is a fiction show. It is a story of a girl, who has been given the job to protect this royal prince from the impending threat. To be with him 24X7, she decides to marry her. She is a Pehredaar and the bond that they share is a very pure one. Love is a dynamic term. We love our parents, our siblings, kids, friends… Isn’t that pure love?
Yes Sir. This is totes normal. NBD.
'Pehredaar Piya Ki' aired its first episode. And it broke the boundaries of culture, sense and hormones. These 20 odd minutes showed everything that could possibly go wrong with mankind. But nonsense breaks into overdrive at 6 minutes 20 seconds into the video.
A dramatic introduction of the female lead, Diya, who, for some reasons, is descending on a swing with a heavy accented Rajasthani voiceover in the background. All this, to prove the age old metaphor 'Aasman se pari aayi' right. As per the law of compulsive Tharak, the DOP doesn't miss out to zoom on every visible part of this woman.
But while this is happening, we have Irrelevant Princely Title Ratan Mansingh hiding in a trunk and creepily staring at Diya.
If you thought that was weird, it gets worse. Li'l Ratan leaves his innocence in the trunk and transforms into stalker Ratan. He takes his Polaroid and starts chasing Diya wherever she goes. While he is at it, he clicks her from every possible angle. Not just that, he ogles at her in a manner which looks pretty similar to this -
No Sarcasm Intended!
Then comes the most awkward scene you'll witness on Indian Television. After the intense stalk-photography session gets over, the director wants to establish that Diya is a typical girl who does typical things like roaming around happily for no apparent reasons. But the most important trait that establishes her as a 'Typical Girl' as per Indian film standards is her fear of Cockroaches.
Fun fact - My girlfriend beats the shit out of cockroaches whenever she sees them.
Anyway, Diya sees a Cockroach and this is followed by a slow-mo overly dramatic fall where Li'l Ratan appears out of nowhere to save her from falling.
Li'l Ratan then officially introduces himself to Diya. Let me introduce some Anarchy here. Diya catches hold of her pictures clicked by Ratan and guess what, she DOESN'T mind at all! Like her reaction is as casual as that of Arjun Rampal in every scene.
To break the awkwardness or to make things more awkward, Diya gives Li'l Ratan a peck on his cheek and leaves by saying this, "You saved my life from a cockroach. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you." Now, a normal response to this would be 'Sure, cool, whatever'. But Li'l Wayne capitalises on the lady's poor choice of words.
And slams a marriage proposal.
Diya rightly asks why should she get married to him. According to Li'l Ratan, Diya should get married to him because he doesn't refuse to eat any vegetable.
Men, start taking notes. The next time a girl questions you, veggies to the rescue.
If you thought now is the time for Diya to make some sense, HELL NO! Instead of correcting the kid, she suggests him to come to her parents with an official 'Arrange Marriage' proposal. This was enough for me for a facepalm. I couldn't watch further. If you wish to, here's the link to the entire episode.