Thank You!!!!!!!!

Thank You to all the readers of this blog.  I've had a lot of fun writing this blog and I'd like to thank everyone who read it, followed it or shared it.

As the show has come to an end, I will no longer be continuing with writing this blog.  I've decided to take some time off from watching Indian serials as a lot of the shows that I've watched have been pulled off the air (recently) and some are about to go through weird changes.  Instead, I'm going to take the time to catch up on a lot of my English shows that I've missed over the last month.

If IPKKND comes back in the future as a season 2, I will definitely be up to reviving this blog.  Until then, thank you to everyone who has read this blog and remember to cherish the memories and the good times you've had with this show.  In time, everyone will be back on the screen.


Arshi fan....Forever and Always

FINAL EPISODE: November 30th, 2012

Tonight's episode is the last episode for Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon and it is with a heavy heart that I write this.  Overall, the show has been amazing, telling a beautiful love story in a unique and interesting way, providing great comedy and intense romance along the way.  There were several missed opportunities where the writers could have taken the show further by developing all the characters but unfortunately that didn't happen.  Something has happened (most likely behind the scenes) that has caused for the show to come to an abrupt ending.  There was still so much more they could have done with the show and the story and it's unfortunate that we won't be able to see all that.  Let's all cherish the good memories we've had of this show and together say good-bye to a show that brought us so much life, love, laughter, happiness (and to a point pain) into our lives.  Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, you will be truly missed.

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Khushi begins to answer the questions about Aarav and Anjali and they too answer questions about Khushi.  During Aarav's question, he admits that he never called her mom before until now and says "I Love You Mom" and Khushi feels very happy, giving Aarav a hug.  At the ends of the round, the judges states that one of the contestants is the winner and that person is Khushi.  She is ecstatic but Amrita is not.  Backstage, Khushi looks to be on the phone or fixing her hair.  Arnav comes by and apologizes for irritating and bothering her.  He makes up for it by kissing her on the cheek.  Khushi tells Arnav to watch what he's doing, as someone may see but he doesn't care who sees them and the two just stare at each other.  Amrita comes by and sees both Arnav and Khushi staring at each other and thinks that Khushi is flirting with Arnav in order to win the contest.  As they gather for the next round, the lights suddenly go out.  Then, Amrita goes on stage and shows pictures of Arnav and Khushi backstage earlier that day, including him giving her a kiss.  She apologizes for bringing a fake husband but demands Khushi be removed from the competition by trying to seduce and flirt with one of the judges.  Arnav tells everyone that Khushi is allowed to do all of this because she is Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada; his wife.  Everyone is shocked at his statement.

He states that he didn't tell anyone about this to allow Khushi the opportunity to do something on her own.  Khushi states that she only wants his support and tells the judges that if she has made any mistake, she should be disqualified.  Riya tells Khushi that since she's come this far, she can't be kicked out and allows her to continue to compete.  Arnav however states that he won't be there for the final round as he wants her to do this on her own.  The next morning at home, Khushi is looking for Arnav and doesn't like the fact that she won't see him all day, not even at the competition.  Suddenly, he comes by, placing his hand over her eyes.  He tells her that she may not see him but she can sense him.  As long as she senses him, she will know that he is there.  During the last round, Amrita gets disqualified for cheating and Natasha admits that she wants to be a simple person like Khushi.  During Khushi's turn, she remembers the first time she met Arnav, on the ramp and wishes that he was there for her.  Arnav appears at the corner and says to Khushi that he is here for her.  The judges begin to ask her questions and she answers all of them.  When they ask what she would do if she only had 24 hours to live, she states that she would spend it with her family and her husband.  After a discussion, the judges declare Khushi the winner and she is crowned Mrs. India with everyone very happy for her.

Back at home, Arnav show Khushi a surprise; the whole family has gathered together to congratulate her on her accomplishment.  She cuts and cakes and feeds everyone.  Khushi tells Arnav that it was because of him that she knew what love was and both are very happy. The episode ends with Khushi and Arnav staring at each other while flashbacks of their various encounters, romantic moments and journey to their love are played.  The episode ends with the final scene being Arshi's wedding, where he carries her into the house.

A beautiful ending to a beautiful show.

A Final Good-Bye

Today, the last episode of Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon has graced our screens and the curtains have finally fallen.  It is definitely a sad day for fans around the world to see the show they loved so much come to an end.  15 months ago, I first laid eyes on this show and was instantly drawn to it.  I loved the spunk in Khushi, was irritated by the arrogance and Arnav and loved how they bickered.  As the curtains close on one of the best shows to grace the screens, I want to say thank you to Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon for restoring my faith in Indian television dramas.

Years ago, I started watching a few Indian dramas as I found them quite interesting.  Unfortunately, they had one thing in common: a lot of unnecessary twists and turns that made me want to stop watching.  I remember watching Kkusum for 4 years and thought that I would never watch another Indian serial again.  Then, two years back, I stumbled on Choti Bahu and decided to give them another shot but I still felt the same way.  That is until IPKKND came along.  I still remember the first day I saw it on television.  I was supposed to be doing my homework but was more intrigued with the show.  I started watching it online for a few weeks before being committed to watching it every night on TV.  I later got my entire family hooked on the show.  IPKKND was different from the other shows.  Khushi was not the typical protagonist: she had a voice, she had spunk and had the guts to put Arnav in his place.  Arnav too was unlike other male characters: he had a large ego and was ruthless to the core but somewhere in there, lay a heart.  From the moment I saw this show, I was drawn to it, soon becoming fully committed to it.

It was only three days ago that I found out the show would be coming to an end and it broke my heart.  However, given some time to digest it, I have accepted the ending of the show and have understood why it has come to an end.  Like they say, "All good things must come to an end".  As much as I didn't want to see the show go, I would rather have it pulled off the air instead of having it crash and burn like other shows.  So, to honour and give back to the show that has given me a lot, I want to say thank you.

Sanaya Irani:

Thank you so much for playing Khushi Kumari Gupta (Singh Raizada).  You are an example to all girls around the world that it's okay to be different, it's okay to be weird and to not confide to society's norms, it's okay to be yourself.  I've been able to relate a lot with Khushi and have always loved the fact that she never backed down in putting Arnav in his place.  She's the first character I've seen that had the guts to stand up to a guy and let him hear things he doesn't want to.  You showed your strength by carrying the show for two months, which is hard to do in any show. You are such a talented and beautiful actress with by far the best comic timing.  Your work and effort has been recognized by all and I wish you the absolute best in the world. 

Barun Sobti:

You took playing an angry young man to another level and I thank you for that.  You portrayed Arnav brilliantly, showing how broken he really was and that all he was looking for in life was a little happiness.  Even though he was a ruthless and arrogant character, you showed how he does have a heart, through his relationships with his family.  I've enjoyed watching Arnav's character evolve and change on the screen, especially in his challenges with Khushi.  As a person who's achieved immense success through this character, you've continued to remain humble, grounded and very down to earth.  Your expressions throughout the show were absolutely amazing, proving that you are talented.  I wish you the absolute best of luck in the future.

Daljeet Kaur Bhanot:

You made everyone want to have a sister like Anjali.  Someone who cared for the littlest things, someone who would share in your happiness and pain and someone who always wanted to keep people happy.  Your portrayal of Anjali was excellent and the relationship you shared with Arnav truly was special.  Even through the hate you received when the story shifted to Anjali to depict her loss and betrayal, you still kept going and I am very proud of you.  You've got a great heart and a great personality.  Wishing you the best for the future.

Akshay Dogra:

Akash was different from Arnav and you played that very well.  Your chemistry with the cast was amazing and I loved your bromance with Barun.  Akash was Arnav's support and at times, advice giver.

It was sad that not much character development was done with Akash post the marriage but you have really shown your talent in this show.  Wishing you the absolute best in life.

Deepali Pansare:

You played the sweet and quite sister of Khushi very well and I loved your chemistry with Sanaya.  Payal was a great support for Khushi and I loved the bonding the two sisters had.  It was unfortunate that not much was done with your character post the marriage but you are definitely talented indeed and that was shown when Payal stood up for her sister and family.  Wishing you the absolute best.

Abhaas Metha:

You took being a villain to a whole new level and I thank you for that.  I loved to hate Shyam and enjoyed watching his plans fail while being frustrated when he succeed.  With Shyam's departure, I couldn't have been happier but his absence meant that I no longer had a villain to hate.  With you gone, the show felt incomplete and I kind of hoped you'd return again.  He was a very interesting character and you brought him to life brilliantly.  He definitely was a driving force in this show, helping to bring Arnav and Khushi together.  Your fans around the world love you and I wish you the best of luck in the future.

Utkarsha Naik:

Thank you for playing Mami and giving us the slogan "hello hi bye bye".  Mami was a very colourful character and could sometimes be rude but you showed that it wasn't that she didn't like people but because she was a bit insecure with herself at times.  I loved the story where she and Khushi worked together to try to save Arnav and wished I could've see more of them together.  Wish you the best of luck for the future.

Jayshree T:

I thank you for playing the best Nani on television.  When the show started off, I thought that Nani was a more strict character but afterwards, she was shown as a more understanding and light hearted person.  Thank you for portraying a Nani that is not only traditional, but is open-minded, very supportive and provides for her children/grand children the freedom to pursue their dreams (within limits).  Wishing you all the best.

Karan Goddwani:

NK was by far one of my favourite characters on the show (and on TV) and you played him brilliantly.  From the day he arrived to the very last episode, you played NK perfectly.  From the bad hindi, to being a good friend and support to Khushi to showing your smarts in helping to rescue Arnav, you did an amazing job.  When NK was abruptly written out, I was a bit upset but was really glad when he was brought back.  I would have loved to see him get a real love interest and see him get married; it would have be fun to watch.  You are truly very talented and your work has been recognized on this show.  Wishing you the best of luck in the future.

The Crew:

Thank you to the directors, writers, producers and everyone else behind IPKKND for bring this story to the screen.  Even though the show has had its ups and downs, it is by far one of the most well written shows in a long while.  Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this beautiful love story to life and giving us so many warm and heartfelt memories.

A big thank you goes out to the cast and crew for putting in the countless days and hours to make the show what it was.  The passion, the intensity and the drama were all perfect.  Thank you for giving us countless Arshi memories and giving us one of the best love stories to grace the screen.  Even though the show has ended, I will continue to cherish and relish in the memories I have with it.  I wish the cast and crew the absolute best in life.  Wishing them the best of luck in the future and I look forward to watching them all in their future endeavors.  Hopefully, one day we get to see them all together again.

Thank you, from me to you

Episode Review: November 28th, 2012

Khushi is sitting by the poolside when Nani comes by.  She tells Khushi that she understands her dillemma and won't make matters worse.  Unfortunately, she starts telling Khushi about a dream she had last night about her winning Mrs. India and that she should go with her.  Khushi thinks its a great idea until she sees Arnav and remembers what he said.  She then tells Nani that she can't take her and leaves.  Soon after, each family member takes their turn trying to convince Khushi that they are the person she should take with her tomorrow: from Anjali to Mami to NK to even Aarav, who tells her he loves her.  However, Khushi says no to everyone and realizes that Arnav must be enjoying all this.  She yells at Arnav for putting her in this situation and walks off.

The next day at the pageant, everyone has brought their husbands along and Khushi feels unhappy that she couldn't bring Arnav along.  Amrite introduces her husband to Khushi.  We later find out that her husband is a fake, paid to be there and act like her husband.  Unfortunately, she sees Jay standing behind and wonders if he overheard her.  Khushi then gets a call from Arnav who tells her that he may not be with her, holding her hand and walking side by side with her but that doesn't mean he's not with her.  He states that no matter what, he will always be there with her.

The round then starts with Amrita and Jay asking her a lot of tough questions.  He then reveals that her husband is a fake and that she's disqualified from the round but not the competition.  Natasha goes next and she answers all the questions correctly.  Unfortunately, her husband can't answer a single question correctly.  Its now Khushi's turn and she goes on stage alone, with Arnav wondering if she really told everyone at the house not to come with her.  Just Riya begins to make fun of her for no one showing up with her, Nani makes her appearance.  She is soon followed by Mami, Anjali, NK and Aarav.  Khushi states that she can't choose just one person of her family so she brought them all.  Arnav isn't surprised at her action, calling his family crazy.  The judges ask the family several questions and they answer them correctly, with the help of each other.  For one of NK's answer, he states that the one thing Khushi can't live without is her lovely husband, making a reference to Arnav.  Khushi and Arnav then stare at each other.

Episode Review: November 27th, 2012

After the round ends, both Jay and Sam praise Khushi for her act, stating that it was really different from the others.  Riya comes by and taunts her, saying that next time she should chose another target.  As Jay and Sam continue to praise her, Amrita watches over and is very jealous.  Arnav too witnesses this and feels a bit out of place.  However, when he receives a phone call, he retreats to the cabin.  Khushi comes into his cabin and begins talking about how Jay and Sam were praising her for her performance.  As she talks, Arnav doesn't seem to be listening but is instead busy with his work.  He then states that he has work to do, leaving the cabin.  The next morning, Mami is pretending to give a thank you speech, in case Khushi won.  Nani, NK and Aarav see this and question her on it.  Mami says that Khushi will thank her when she wins because she taught her how to do makeup and dress.  Nani however says that Khushi will thank her because she took care of her health.  However, NK states that Khushi will only thank him because he taught her how to walk on the catwalk.  Frustrated with the fighting, Aarav begins going upstairs when he is stopped by the family.  He tells them that they can continue to argue but states that every mother thanks their children first, and he retreats upstairs.

At the pageant place, Khushi is late for workout practice and tries to sneak in but get caught by Sam.  He tells her to do squats for being late and for always calling him bhaiya.  Soon, Jay comes by and gives the girls good news: they get to go home early today to prep for tomorrows round.  He states that tomorrow will be a husband-wife round where the judges will ask the husband-wife pair to do something to see how much co-ordination they have.  Khushi is excited about this but then realizes that she can't bring Arnav on stage as doing that will ruin everything.  She tells Jay that her husband is unable to come because of work and asks if she can bring a relative from home.  Jay agrees and announces to the ladies that if their husbands can't come, they may bring a relative from home but will automatically be deducted marks.  Amrita and a few other girls begin to ask Khushi questions on her and her husband and she states that the two of them have awesome chemistry.  She begins to tell the girls the different things they do together and Amrita (in her head) thanks Khushi for giving her ideas.  Arnav oversees this and calls her crazy.

As she walks through the building, he pulls her aside and begins to ask her a few questions.  He asks her to wear a short dress and go with him somewhere but she says no.  He then asks her for them to move out and live on their own and she says no.  He then asks her to kiss him right now and she says no.  He says that if she can say no right now, why couldn't she say it to the model.  He tells her that the models were not being nice to her but were trying to figure out what she was going to be doing.  Khushi doesn't believe him and states that she can face the world alone.  He says in order for her to do that, she has to learn how to say no.  When she gets home, she informs the family of the next round and states that she can bring a family member.  They all agree to join her but she then remembers what Arnav told her and tells them that they can't come.  Arnav tries to make her feel bad by playing on her emotions the reasons why she should take the family with her.  She states that she can't take all of them because she can only take one of them and retreats upstairs.