Tujhse Hai Raabta: Kalyani’s Super Supportive Step-Mom Anupriya Is Shattering Stereotypes

Step-mothers on the silver screen weren’t painted out to be the best of people. We have grown up watching females torture their step-children to death, and leave no stone unturned in making their life a living hell. So, it was only natural that when promos of Tujhse Hai Raabta started doing the rounds, we expected it to be on similar lines. But much to our delight and surprise, the bitter-sweet relationship of Anupriya and Kalyani was an exception. Played by Poorva Gokhale and Reem Shaikh, the Zee TV show underlines how a step-parent is not always the villain of one’s story.

After a tragedy strikes in the family, Kalyani is forced to stay with Anupriya. Instead of stepping back from her responsibilities, Anupriya took Kalyani in her stride even though it was for her mother that Anupriya’s husband had left her. The fact that a woman could take such a wise and bold step goes to show how parenting and marriage do not always go hand-in-hand. On Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega, we saw Guddan’s step-daughter try to kill her. But not Kalyani! The image of Cinderella’s stepmom has tainted that of stepmothers. However, let us tell you that stepmoms are everywhere and not going anywhere anytime soon! Divorce rates are high, and thus, which implies that a large chunk would remarry.

Anupriya is nothing like the witchy characters we have been shown who’d deprive their step-child of any family heritage and share in the property. Her only plan and aim are to make sure Kalyani is safe and sound. Moreover, Anupriya has always respected Kalyani’s decision, even when her husband Malhar wouldn’t approve of it. Say all you want but Anupriya is far far away from any step-mother you have seen on the screen so far.

Let us tell you that being a stepmom is no walk in the park. The child would anyway be insecure that his parent’s love and attention will now be shared by someone who is not their mother. Thus, it includes tons to tiptoeing! Even though they deserve a badge of honour for opening their hearts to others, they do have days when they want to throw the towel. We have seen Kalyani and Anupriya have several arguments and disagreements, but even in moments Kalyani didn’t ask for her help, Anupriya has selflessly offered her. That’s what step-parenting is in a nutshell, perhaps lot of hard work for very little credit.

So whether you like it or not, stepmoms are amazing and they are here to stay!

Watch Ayushmann Khurrana play the role of a female call girl in the movie Dream Girl, released on ZEE5.