Sarabhai Vs. Sarabhai: A Feminist 2000s Classic That Still Charms Us

As Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai celebrates 19 glorious years, it's time to dive into the iconic show that has kept us laughing for nearly two decades. Let's take a trip down memory lane, join the cast for a jamming session on the title track, and explore why this classic is not just a comedy but a feminist gem.

Back in 2004, when saas-bahu sagas dominated Indian television, Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai was a breath of fresh air. This sitcom, created by Hats Off Productions, introduced us to the upper-middle-class Sarabhai family of South Bombay, whose daughter-in-law hails from a middle-class Delhi background.

Real-Life Camaraderie: More Than Just a Cast

What sets Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai apart is the genuine camaraderie among the cast. Recently, Rupali Ganguly shared a heartwarming video on her Instagram, revealing the gang coming together for a jamming session on the show's theme song. It's not just a cast; it's a family that has stayed connected since the show's inception.

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Maya Sarabhai: A Feminist Icon

If patriarchy took funny human form,  it would probably be Indravadan (Satish Shah), lazing on the couch, munching on chips, and passing judgment on women's choices. However, Maya Sarabhai, the undisputed head of the Sarabhai family, doesn't tolerate his misogynistic humour. She fires back with her own brand of sarcasm, leaving him speechless and highlighting the absurdity of such jokes.

In one memorable scene, she asks him to get her a glass of water. Indu reacts with, "Main mard hoon! (I am a man)," to which Maya coolly responds, "Pataa hai, par ab uska kuch nahin ho sakta. Yeh problem ab tumhein accept karni hi hogi" (I know, but that can't be changed, and you have to accept this problem).  This exchange is a shining example of deflating male ego with sass.

In another scene where Monisha and Indravadan get excited about the prospect of watching a match at Wankhede Stadium, they request that Maya arrange tickets with her influence. Seeing their childlike antics, Maya bluntly refuses them. Indravadan, in a quest to prove to Monisha that he is the head of the family, storms up to Maya and firmly asks her to arrange the tickets. To this, Maya, with cucumber slices on her eyes, coolly responds with a resounding "no," and he accepts the reality and leaves. This scene itself is a classic example of male ego rebelling against women and how women with calm sense can put them in their place. 

Maya and Indravadan's 'happy' marriage is like a comedy show in itself, filled with friendly bickering, taunts, and teasing. The catch? Maya always has the upper hand. This show paints a picture of a husband and wife who can playfully tease each other without losing their essence.

Beyond the Saas-Bahu Drama: A Pleasant Twist

The show does have its share of saas-bahu drama, but it comes with a delightful twist. Maya and Monisha, her daughter-in-law, may not be the best of friends, but they don't engage in elaborate plots to throw each other out of the house, as seen in many Hindi TV serials.

Maya, the matriarch, disapproves of her free-spirited and less class-conscious daughter-in-law, Monisha, for Sahil's (Sumeet Raghavan) affections. However, what sets this show apart is the humour that infuses their interactions. Maya often teases her daughter-in-law with hilariously sarcastic comments, but ending with ‘Don’t mind beta’  shows how she never crosses into malicious territory.

Monisha, while striving to make her mother-in-law happy, remains unapologetically herself. She can often be seen laughing at Indravadan's jokes about Maya rather than scheming against her mother-in-law. The men of the house, especially Sahil, often find themselves mediating between the two strong-willed women. Indravadan, the mischievous prankster, adds fuel to the fire, but it's all in good fun, without any intention of causing harm.

Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai brilliantly portrays conflicts with a humorous twist while ensuring that the essence of its female characters remains intact. Yes, they have their differences, but they accept each other for who they are. They don't engage in endless bickering; instead, they share light-hearted banter. They don't gossip behind each other's backs; they're upfront and honest.

Roshesh: Embracing Uniqueness

Lastly, Roshesh, the youngest son of the Sarabhai household, is a unique and cheeky character. He defies traditional norms of masculinity and embraces his individuality, which is soft and emotional. His poems, voice, and personality make him stand out from others, and the show teaches us that it's perfectly fine to be different. We laugh with him, not at him. Despite being at odds with his father due to his gentle nature and his love for poetry (which is often questioned), his mother, Maya, always appreciates and celebrates his uniqueness and his soft nature.

Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai isn't just a comedy sitcom; it's a feminist classic that has aged gracefully. It smashes stereotypes, showcases strong female characters, and does it all with a playful sense of humour. As we raise a toast to 19 years of laughter, we eagerly anticipate more delightful reunions, both on and off the screen.

Views expressed by the author are their own

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