Many reviews have been written on this serial, some appreciating it sky high, and some criticizing it like anything. However, in my review, I will try to catch the +ve and ?ve aspects or points of the storyline in detail.
PLOT
The story revolves around Jasmeet Walia, who is remarkably brilliant and has a sharp mind and a heart of gold. Her only drawback is her grey looks, for with her braces, absurd hair-do and imperfect figure, she is a nightmare for beauty. Her brain however fetches her a job as a secretary (much below her qualifications) in Gulmohar fashion house. In the glamorous world of fashion, she is cursed, ditched and plotted against by all and sundry, but she finds solace among her ?Girl gang?, family, and her best friend Nandu. From her mere position, she rises up slowly to make a mark and fetches many followers and fans.
Cupid strikes and she falls in love with her Armaan Sir, (the chairman of the company, whose sole aim is to retain his position using Jassi) knowing that he can never be hers. A broken engagement with her friend Purab (A business tycoon in love with Jassi, backed out for Jassi?s happiness with Armaan) somewhat disheartens her, but the appaling reality, that Armaan had merely used her (As she had become the CEO) in the name of love, breaks her heart.
Now is it that the climax kickstarts. The girl who never cared for her looks curses herself and swears sweet revenge. (A sugary version of ?Khoon Bhari Mang?)
DRAWBACKS
The serial claims to be different where the main story is concerned, but it has been amply shown in many films (Silsila Hai Pyaar Ka, A part of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Main Hoon Na) where the girl undergoes a makeover to impress the boy, or vice versa. The character of Jassi is highly controversial, her appearance indicates that she is deliberately trying to make herself look ugly (proof- braces at adult age and for perfectly straight teeth not convincing, remarkable dresses by Satya Paul having horrible cut and collar, hairstyle absurd not at all nature but hair is straight and flowing, thick glasses even when she can easily have a much simpler frame).
Another controversy is her stupidity and utter foolishness. In some situations, she is strong and dominant, but sometimes she is too weak to understand that people are making good use of her. She can take company decisions effectively but is confused about her own life, which in my opinion, is not a sign of a mature person.
Moreover, such serials and films as mentioned above, claim to show a common person, but end up showing the same ?no looks big books? story. It is well known that a person with looks OR one with brains can succeed anywhere. Then what?s the point of beating the bush? And is beauty nothing to thank God for? Then why criticize God?s creation by hiding it? And why not show a story of a girl with average looks and average brains?
PLUS POINTS
As I see it, there are two main reasons for the success of the serial. The first is the excellent advertising and publicity done by Sony before its launch and even after it. Be it the Lakme India Fashion Week or Femina Miss India, Jassi is forever there. The postcard released in her name, guest appearances by Saif Ali Khan, Sunidhi chauhan, Deepti Naval and many others sustain the interest. By claiming to be the first serial of its type, it generated a good hue and cry in the media. Jassi was also in the air because of her bad looks, or a close resemblance to a common man. And I can vouch for the former!!!
The second reason is the suspense of the serial. From the very day the promos appeared, the main character was hidden. Her identity, her real name, even after she appeared on screen were kept confidential. It took a long time to identify her as the girl in the Asian Paints ad, Mona Singh. Even today she claims herself to be simply Jasmeet Walia. (Three cheers to her for that!!). That requires quite a lot of courage. Plus, there are a lot of unanswered questions- Whom will Jassi marry? Will Purab return? Will she succeed as a CEO? And finally the big question- WILL SHE EVER BE BEAUTIFUL???
The presentation of the serial is the best of what I have ever seen on TV. The sets- be it the exquisite Gulmohar building near Pawai, or Jassi?s middle class normal home with a Punjabi touch- are highly appealing. Add to that the outdoor shoots, like those in Singapore or Alibagh. The wardrobe is of the finest touch, especially those of Pari and Mallika, although Jassi too dons marvelous prints these days.
The acting is convincing and natural. I especially like Raj and Maddy, who?s played the first complete gay character on Indian TV. Jassi however needs to learn how to cry, she looks too hideous.
A special word must go in for Armaan?s girl friends, who are rich, beautiful models, and usually prove to be tale twisters.
CONCLUSION
The portrayal of the story is excellent, although Jassi looks over the top, unbelievably ugly. Sometimes its irritating the way she behaves. But overall she?s a strong character. The serial is the first on Indian TV to have presented it in such a wide light, although it?s a complete makeover of a Columbian serial (even the ugly make-do is the same).
It is different from Saas- Bahu serials and has a fresher appeal. But sometimes it crosses the same monotonous way (Jassi hiding the truth from her father- ?Woh Bardaasht Nahin Kar Payenge?). The glycerine content is sometimes too high (explosive, if I might say). The pace of the story is exceedingly slow. Now it?s even dragging. But it has never wandered far from it?s track. Sometimes when Jassi?s too assertive, demanding and preachy, she even reminds me of Parvati Bhabhi!
The serial is worth watching occasionally, to keep in touch with the main aspects of the story. A perfect dinnertime delicacy! All in all, I can just say, that till January at least, Jassi will remain in the dimlight (that?s when she sheds her looks). Then an explosion, and Jassi, in her new avatar, is ready to fight!
