Nasty kitchen politics and mean mothers-in-law have long been the core of woman-centric shows on telly. But Smita Bansal, Apara Mehta, Supriya Pilongakar and Indrani Haldar have changed the scenario by backing their on-screen daughters-in-law.
On the occasion of Mother's Day May 13, these ideal screen moms-in-law say as society has become modern, the connection has also matured both in fiction and in reality.
Actress Smita Bansal aka Sumitra of "Balika Vadhu", who's a pillar of strength for her on-screen daughter-in-law Anandi, says the older generation has become more supportive.
"The relationship of a mother-in-law along with her daughter-in-law has changed through the years. Since most younger ladies favor to work after marriage, the older generation understands the pressure and supports them," Smita told.
"I live in a joint family and my bonding with my mother-in-law could be very strong. She knows I NEED TO exit for work and she or he understands my hectic schedule. The connection has now become more mature unlike earlier," she said.
Daily soaps have a large audience and positive and loving characters inspire people to be like them, says Supriya who as Shailja in "Sasuraal Genda Phool" showed that being a mother-in-law is not only about bossing around, she will be able to nurture the family bond and bind everyone along with her love and care.
"Mothers-in-law has been an essential component of daily soaps. But there were shows up to now where they were portrayed in a negative light, such a lot in order that it looked unrealistic. Now with the fashion of supporting mothers-in-law, viewers can take inspiration from them," Supriya told.
Indrani set a brand new example at the small screen by playing Devyani in "Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak". Her character fights along with her evil husband to offer protection to her daughter-in-law.
"Now mothers-in-law aren't ones who will boss around with their daughters-in-law and tell them to do all of the household chores. They themselves exit and chill with their family. It's modernity that modified the relationship," Indrani told.
But she says this modification is more visible in metros than small towns.
"People in cities have gotten modern, but this isn't the case in small towns. In villages and small towns, the location continues to be the similar. That's when a television show relies in a village, the portrayal of the characters isn't that modern," she said.
The support of a mother-in-law is essential for a daughter-in-law, says actress Apara Mehta who's backing her onscreen daughter-in-law - played by actress Mona Singh -in "Kya Hua Tera Vaada".
"Earlier mothers-in-law were projected like Lalita Pawar (who frequently played negative roles in Bollywood films of yore) but that doesn't happen any further. Even the older generation is becoming considerate of the truth that one must change with time. And support from a mother-in-law is very important because it helps a lady adjust within the family," she said.
Her character within the show "is supporting her daughter-in-law. Had I been in that situation in real life, I'D always be on my bahu's side," she said.
