Swayamvar!

Rakhi's groomhunt is the most watched among TV shows today. Most of us love to loathe the scripted facade. We love to watch it nevertheless.

Loads have been written since it started airing. It lacks the originality of dating shows of US and UK. It gives too much importance to the `goody' bride that Rakhi wants to be. It mocks at relationships in the sense that Rakhi would not think twice about blaming her mother publicly for her break-up with a boyfriend.

Too much colour, hype and pancake make-up.

Come to think of it though, who has the courage that this loud-mouthed item girl displayed by daring to call a Swayamvar? What's the possible difference between her and a first family film couple selling the rights of publishing pictures from their so-called private marriage to a magazine?

In all that she has displayed in her misuse of media, Rakhi is that vulnerable girl screaming from rooftops for love and respect. In her loud voice lies the deep insecurity that she will not speak about. Unfortunately, our judgemental society guided by the male psyche and diktats of chastity would not like it when a girl talks too loud.

My husband hates the show. I have no love for Rakhi either. But I love her courage, and her efforts through the process, irrespective of whether she marries one of those guys or not.

Guess what? I googled Swayamvar, and the only mention of it is from mythology in wikipedia, besides matrimonial websites.

Back in my newspaper daily days, swayamvar meant matrimonial meets that ended up being classist and casteist advertisements more than the girl's choice.