Call it a 90s kid thing, a fondness for comedy, or just plain old nostalgia, but I am one of those adults who is still in love with the ultimate, magical fantasy show to exist on Indian TV, Shararat – Thoda Jaadu, Thodi Nazaakat.
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After all, it gave me a character whose mention alone leaves me giddy with happiness, brings a smile on my face, and has me believing in all things magical. I am talking about nani played by the incomparable queen of comic-timing, Farida Jalal.
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Farida Jalal is one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars. A veteran actor who has been a part of TV, mainstream, and independent cinema, Farida Jalal has some truly iconic roles to her name.
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And yet, the character I have the fondest memories of is Sushma “Nani” Mehra from Shararat (Dekh Bhai Dekh’s Suhasini comes at a close second).
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As Jia’s nani, she was her confidante, her biggest cheerleader, and essentially, the epitome of love that is unique to grandparents.
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But, she was also a bundle of joy and mischief, the kind you often associate with an impish, precocious child.
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Usually, in Hindi cinema, grandparents get away with most things through emotional blackmail.
But nani got away with interfering in her granddaughter’s love life, troubling her son-in-law, and often jinxing her meddling neighbors, because of her clever quips, and playfulness.
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Also, every other character still stuck to a mould. Jia was the typical, moody, college teenager (we’ve all been there) coming to terms with her magical inheritance.
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Radha was the dutiful wife and mother, maintaining peace in the house, and Suraj was the typical father, protective of his family.
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But nani? Nani did not fit into a mould. And that’s why she has continued to be my favourite.
I loved seeing that while age may rob us of many things, it couldn’t rob us of streaks of rebellion, pranking abilities, and a positive attitude towards life.
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Of course, it goes without saying that Farida Jalal’s impeccable performance added an endearing, believable quality to the character that so many people loved and related with.
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In a way, Shararat’s nani reminds me of Indravardhan Sarabhai – they are not perfect characters, and they are unmatched in their ability to prank people. But, their intentions are always pure.
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I don’t know if it was because she played a grandmother (and we all have a special corner in our heart for grandparents), or because she is that brilliant an actor, but Farida Jalal, as nani from Shararat, is my constant reminder to take life with a pinch of humor.
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Here’s to always looking for magic and fun in the universe. Or, as nani said, shring bhring sarvaling, bhoot, bhavishya, vartmaan badling.
All images from Hotstar, unless specified otherwise.