Friday, April 27, 2012

Going High On A Swing

An 11-year old girl getting married to a 31-year old widower. Her parents agreeing to the alliance under some pressure because "she is past her marriageable age and too old to get a first-time groom". This is not the stuff of some tribal legend from a remote area. It was happening in an educated Chitpavan Brahmin family of repute in Pune in as late as 1873. This story showing the social fabric that was prevalent merely 139 years ago, is being brought alive on television screens in an ongoing Marathi series "Uncha Maza Zoka" (roughly translates as "My swing goes high") on Zee Marathi. The protagonists are Ramabai Ranade and Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade.


The society was wracked by many ills such as child marriage, female illiteracy, untouchability and banning widows from remarrying, while it was perfectly alright for a widower to do so. Widows--even as young as in their teens, or younger-- were not only not allowed to remarry, they were banished from leading a civil life, restricted to the confines of their parents' or in-laws' home, treated as outcasts on all auspicious occasions. If this was not enough, they were defaced by shaving off their heads, and forced to spend the rest of their lives in a dreadful, red, 9-yard saree. Devoid of any adornment, their appearance was a constant reminder of the tragedy that had befallen them.

Set in this milieu, this is a tale of the mis-matched union of Rama and Mahadev--fondly addressed as Madhav at home--and his relentless efforts to educate his young wife and liberate her from the shackles of some of the oppressive practices of that era, passed off in the name of "tradition". Madhav is progressive in his outlook, committed to encourage and support his comrades in particular and the society in general; in doing away with some of these age-old customs. Caught between his loyalty to his father at home and his commitments towards social reforms outside, he marries Rama against his wishes, his conservative father forcing the wedlock barely a month after the passing away of Madhav's first wife. This is the father's way of nipping the possibility of Madhav marrying a widow --if he were permitted to follow his convictions--in the bud. Madhav has to face the ire of fellow reformists for not practising what he had been preaching, but he deals with it stoically; the pain making his resolve to educate his wife firmer.

This is an excellent story being adapted for the small screen beautifully. The little girl playing young Rama is doing a fabulous job. Not only does she have to carry herself in a 9-yard saree, she has to show a range of emotions mouthing lengthy lines in a somewhat archaic Marathi. A carefree girl one moment and a married woman the next moment...she alternates between these two identities effortlessly. Each and every actor in the large cast is giving a brilliant performance. The youth playing Madhav is very impressive in his hugely understated portrayal of the young scholar. He has fire within him, but he is restrained by his circumstances. Surely a superlative effort by this actor.

The makers of this series have taken some liberty with the script, obviously to make it more interesting and dramatic. But they know their limits and are careful enough not to make it melodramatic. Their imagination has added a lot of value to the screenplay. All the characters and all the inter-personal relationships--Rama's relationship and rapport with her mother deserves a special mention--have substance and look very real. Four widows are part of this story. We get to see them as women, as human beings. They too have a heart buried within the folds of their red saree, resigned though they are to lead a life full of denials.

The sets and the props present a picture of middle/upper middle class Brahmin households of that era. Especially of interest to me are the kitchens where most of the chores were performed sitting on the floor. Large, empty rooms with minimum furniture look good too. The floors are bare, sometimes covered with a dhurrie. Perhaps the floors should have been earthen, instead of being tiled with rectangular stones? Perhaps the costumes and the jewellery should have been more commonplace, instead of the impeccable wardrobe being sported by the cast? Well, television, as a medium has some limitations and some compulsions. So, these small things can be ignored in the interest of the larger picture. And what a promising picture that is!

22 comments:

  1. I watch this serial regularly, and when travelling, I come back to watch the recorded episodes. The story and its presentation is captivating. I Recommend this to everyone who understands Marathi.

    I also started reading abotu Ramabai Ranade and Mahadev Ranade after watching some episodes of the serial. It seems Mahadev Ranade was mentor to Gopalkrishna Gokhle who in turn was a mentor to M K Gandhi.

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  2. Hello ma’am,

    My name is Dilip and I am from Bangalore. A Marathi friend of mine hooked me up to this serial and I am now a regular viewer. I watch it online. My mother tongue is kannada and I can follow Marathi to a slight extent owing to some of the common words in both languages, and of course the usage of Sanskrit words. I more or less get the gist of the conversations, but not the finer nuances. I should also say that my comprehension of Marathi is improving by the day. Thanks to Unch maza zoka!
    I have been watching the serial from the point when Yamuna is married and is rechristened as Ramaa. But I am unaware of the background and hence missing some links in the serial. I would be grateful if you could answer some of my questions regarding the same.

    1. I noticed only Yamuna’s father attending his daughter’s wedding! Why doesn’t the rest of her family, including her own mother, attend the wedding? Isn’t she required for the kanyadaan?
    2. There is a rift between Ramaa’s father and his brother. What is the background of this?
    3. You have mentioned in your blog “Her parents agreeing to the alliance under some pressure because "she is past her marriageable age and too old to get a first-time groom". Why was she not married off at the age of 8 or 9 which was ideally the marriageable age then? Any reason for the delay?

    I would be thankful if you could take some time off to answer these queries.

    Thanks,
    Dilip

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    Replies
    1. Watch all old episodes at
      http://www.umovietv.com/ShowDetails.aspx?MovieId=936

      they also have 5 minute abridged versions.

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  3. Hello Mr. Dilip,

    Chennagi iddira?

    It is nice to know that you are taking an interest in a Marathi serial despite being a Kannada-speaking person. To answer your questions:

    1. Yamuna's father brings her to Pune to fix an alliance. Mahadev's father insists on a very early wedding date (muhurta). They do send a telegram to the rest of the family, but there is not enough time for the family to make it to Pune before the wedding. There is a reference to the possibility of the kanyadaan being performed by other relatives or her father alone (carrying a supari, as a substitute for her mother!).

    2. Not enough has been shown as a background to this. We are just shown that their relations are not cordial. Rama's uncle feels that he is being neglected and not given enough respect in spite of the fact that he is the elder brother.

    3. Rama has two elder sisters who were married off very early (before they were 9). Rama's paternal grandmother was alive then and she made sure that the girls are married off at the right time. But by the time Rama grew up, the grandma had passed away. So her parents took it a little easy, indulged her and found that the time had passed by and Rama had turned 11!

    I hope I have answered your questions to your satisfaction. Thanks for writing and happy viewing!

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  4. dhanyavaad Ma'am for your prompt reply. Now I get the background.

    I really enjoy watching the serial and can relate to a lot of stuff my granny says (both my grandmothers are deshasthas with maharashtrian gackground, but settled in Karnataka since several generations).

    Thanks again for answering my queries.

    Regards,
    Dilip

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  5. Dear All,
    I am a tamil speaking mumbaikar. I chanced upon this seriel accidentally when I changed the channels on the remote. Believe me from that day I watch this seriel spell bound. I had always been facinated by the marathi theatre and this seriel is gripping. I don't speak marathi but understand the language. Please let us know the name of the child artiste who plays the role of the young Ramabhai Ranade. She portrays the character so authentically. This is a wonderful seriel. Hats off to the producers

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  6. The name of the child artiste who plays Ramabai is Tejashree Walawalkar. Glad to see your interest in a Marathi serial. Thanks for writing!

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  7. Hi
    I love your post and am a great fan of the mentioned serial, I even managed to get the book written by Ramabai .. and am reading it right now..
    You have put my thoughts in words , I love the serial for it takes us into an era which we have never experienced never seen, love to see the furniture, the household vessels and the homes even the mats on which they sit seem so cozy and homely. Regarding the costumes it have to make them good or the whole picture would have looked a bit drab..THANKS FOR YOUR POST

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  8. Thank you Mahek for writing. I love the look of the serial too. There's something about it that makes you want to go and visit these families, even if it is possible only on the television screen!

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    1. I am huge fan of Character who is playing role of mahadev govind ranade in serial "Uncha Maza jhoka" can any provide me his details like his real life's name etc

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    2. His real name is Vikram Gaikwad, you could connect him through his facebook profile http://www.facebook.com/vikramgaikwad46

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  9. trupti G chandekar25 May, 2012 17:41

    I watch this TV serial regularly, and great fan of Rama. The way she acts in the serial is awesome. Also i would like to mention the very heart touching episode when Ayurvedachary comes to see Madhav. It was really very nice to see how a samll girl answers the questions being asked by vaidya. In spite of having so much of knowlege she is down to earth. It was really nice to see her in this mood.

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  10. I JUST DON'T MISS THIS SERIAL.CASTING IS REALLY GOOD,SPECIALLY THE COUPLE ''RAMA AND MADHAV''.WITH REFERENCE TO THE POST BY MADAM LATA I AGREE THAT DETAILING OF CONTEMPORARY COSTUMES, FURNITURE,CHOOL,GHUSALAN,MUSAL IS PERFECT EXCEPT VEGETABLES SHOWN IN THE BASKET ARE CAPSICUM,TOMATOES ETC WHICH ARE MISMATCHING WITH THAT ERA.AS PER MY KNOWLEDGE EVEN IN THE 20 TH CENTURY TOMATOES WERE CONSIDERED AS MEAT BECAUSE OF IT'S RED COLOR.THESE ARE VERY MINOR THINGS BUT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF.HOPE TO SEE MORE SERIALS LIKE THIS IN FUTURE.ALL THE BEST TO THE WHOLE TEAM.

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  11. No doubt the serial is praise worthy and most welcome change from the soaps on small screen. All the characters are giving there best. Who is playing Pandu? My curiosity is if the serial wold remain so absorbing as Rama grows and gets to the real work. Best wishes.

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  12. Hallo,
    Me too watch this serial regullarly and have become a fan of ramabai by now. I want to know if this book-amchya ayushyatil kahi athawani is available online anywhere? As I stay in texas & not sure of getting hardcopy, can anybody suggest some authentic site to buy this ebook?

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    Replies
    1. dear Aparna
      One publisher in Pune H A Bhave ; Varada Prakashan on senapati bapat road Pune -4 is bring out new edition on amachaya ayushatil kahi athawani in hard copy upto dipavali this year kindly get in touch with him to ship the book to you alternatively some body who is coming to usa can carry and ship when he/she reaches there

      Vijay D Phadke Pune 411038

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  13. I am a tamilian married to a maharastrian and am fairly fluent in marathi, i am the most hooked on to this serial in my family, and i appreciate the artists, the setting and the direction wish there were more such serials.
    Could you please recommend a book in english about the life and work of Ramabai Ranade.

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  14. I love this serial UNCHA MAZA JHOKA..
    Its great..!
    i was it daily..
    in deapearte 2 know who is new rama....!
    and suspence will end 2moro
    sunday 9 sept...
    wow i m excited..

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  15. Vishwas Sahasrabhojanee, Nagpur.
    What are the real names of various characters in this wonderful serial? All have done a wonderful job. Never saw the names in title credits. The title song is melodious and meaningful. Hats off to the singer and composer!!..

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  16. Vishwas Sahasrabhojanee, Nagpur.
    Wonderful and meaningful serial. Great dialogues, acting, sets and ambiance. very meaningful.By the way, what are the real names of various characters in the serial? Never saw them in credits. Title song is melodious...hummable with excellent lyrics.

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  17. This is a wonderful adaptation of the book- Amchya Aayushyatil kahi aathvan by Ramabai Ranade.
    Everyone in the cast has given a spectacular performance. I am a non-marathi but I watch it regularly with the help of my maharashtrian husband.

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  18. I from Bangalore can relate to this as one of my ancestor was Chitpawan [ all others Deshstha Madhvas . orthodox but public spirited]; it is so well directed but there are a few blunders ,,,
    eg ; Madhva eating with left hand touching his moth .. never done . any giving with left hand is just not done even now .
    and women those days did not touch one another so much or talk like that.. lived in separate quarters !!
    I started a novel based on ancestral "stories" ; during time of Peshvas . how intense the orthodoxy was you would not believe!!
    even the names are similar !!.. men did not enter the kitchen at all

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