Prakash Dhakal

Should we describe the trend as portrayed in Indian soaps as an inspiration, an imitation or a craze? Confused! It could as well be an inspirational fallout of watching the archetypal Nepali actresses.I think I should be more precise. Simple. I am talking about the widely (dis)liked Komolika, an antagonist, yet an influential character in the popular TV serial Kasauti Zindagiki, which has carved a niche in the hearts of majority of the urban women viewers of this serial. This should not be viewed as an attempt to belittle their preference.But what has the write up got to do with Komolika? Bewildered? Nothing of that sort. Because going the Komolika way has now become an identity, a pride, an honour…blah…blah. Shouldn’t we as Nepalis be proud to watch our own homemade Komolika?

Well, I cannot scan your mind. Neither can I dissect anybody’s heart. I can only assume to what length people go to express their pomposity. I can cite an example of this element at work. I recently stumbled unto one of the Nepali soap actresses, who pompously insisted me to watch out for Komolika in her role in a forthcoming TV serial.

Why not? Sure, I thought. But I could read her expression miles away from the TV screen — a face full of pride and self-respect. For this lady, her stars were propitious these days because her side of Komolika was to be screened very soon. She unleashed a statement urging me to watch the serial where she plays the Nepali Komolika. I too was impressed for the moment before taking her leave with certain glee.

But long before reaching home, I was queasy about questions on this subject. Was she right? Should I be impressed with what she said? Should I be impressed with her character? Sure, I should not disregard her hard efforts because she has challenged to impersonate the character portrayed in this Hindi soap. Besides, the serial is popular! If of the viewers are taking a pleasure from Komolika the character or the Ni…kaaaa character, who am I to have second thoughts on the subject? Perhaps she was right.

But there was a twist in the tale. I took to repenting myself for not hailing her for taking such a challenge. Poor she. How difficult a time she had facing the camera in this role. A character, far from her identity — a role where her individuality is made to hibernate.

How contented and thrilled she would feel when congratulations start pouring from her friends and well-wishers for being a Komolika in the forthcoming Nepali serial.