The revival serial ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2’ ignited fierce debate after its special Dussehra episode depicted protagonist Mihir Kapoor in a sequence likened to Lord Ram, sparking outrage on social media.
Controversial Festival Sequence
The episode opened with Mihir, portrayed by Amar Upadhyay, entering his family home to the strains of a devotional Ram bhajan. He stands beside Tulsi (Smriti Irani) before the idols of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. The symbolic staging aimed to underscore forgiveness and familial devotion but was met instead with accusations of equating a deeply flawed character with a revered deity.
Audience Reaction: ‘Tone-Deaf’ and ‘Insulting’
Viewers flooded X and Reddit with scathing remarks. Many branded the scene “tone-deaf” and “insulting,” arguing that Mihir’s history of controlling and manipulative behaviour renders any comparison to Lord Ram inappropriate. One user tweeted, “Mihir is nothing like Ram. He’s one of the most toxic male leads ever written, and they still glorify him like he’s divine.”
Social Media Trends and Hashtags
Within hours of airing, hashtags such as #NotMyRam and #MihirNotRam trended nationwide. Fans shared clips of Mihir’s past transgressions—most notably his extramarital affair and secret child to underline the disparity between mythic virtue and scripted drama. Comments criticized the show’s narrative for glorifying patriarchal tropes under the guise of epic symbolism.
Revisiting Mihir’s Controversial Past
Original-series devotees recalled Mihir’s affair with a secondary character and questioned how such a betrayal could be positioned alongside the ideals of Lord Ram, famed for his unwavering integrity and devotion to dharma. “If Mihir is Ram, what message are we sending about accountability?” one Reddit user asked, pointing to unresolved plotlines from both the original and rebooted series.
Role of Tradition in Modern Storytelling
Television analysts note that Indian serials frequently draw upon mythological themes to heighten emotional stakes. However, they warn that modern audiences—more attentive to social and gender issues—may reject uncritical nostalgia. “Invoking Lord Ram in a mainstream soap carries cultural weight. Creators must be mindful of contemporary sensibilities,” said a television critic.
Cast and Crew Respond
The show’s makers have yet to issue an official statement. However, insider sources suggest the sequence was intended to emphasize redemption and reconciliation during Dussehra, the festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Rumoured script revisions for upcoming episodes may address viewer discontent by clarifying thematic intent.
Expert Opinions
Cultural commentator Dr. Nisha Mehta observes, “Mythological parallels can enrich narratives, but only when aligned with characters’ arcs. Here, the analogy breaks because Mihir’s moral journey doesn’t yet reflect Ram’s virtues.” Mehta adds that serial writers should ensure character development justifies such powerful allusions.
Viewer Expectations and Accountability
Many fans argue that equating a flawed modern protagonist with a deity demands careful buildup. “Epic symbolism isn’t a free pass for weak writing,” one social media post read. Critics assert that if Mihir is to be portrayed as virtuous, his past must be addressed meaningfully on-screen, rather than glossed over in a single festival special.
Looking Ahead
As debate rages online, ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2’ faces a critical juncture. Will the revival adapt to audience concerns about accountability and gender portrayal or persist with nostalgic callbacks that clash with evolving viewer values? Upcoming episodes will reveal whether the show can reconcile its mythological aspirations with the demands of a socially aware audience.
By – Sonali