Ishqbaaaz - A Thoroughly Entertaining Extravaganza

With an aim to surprise the viewers always, Star Plus once again presents a new show with ‘Nayi Soch’.  Ishqbaaaz, set in the backdrop of Mumbai is all about the rich and powerful Oberois, where the grandmother and the grandchildren are the only ones who value family bonds and relationships, which as believed are instrumental in keeping any family united.

Ishqbaaaz begins with a flashback. The Oberoi’s are all set to celebrate their grandfather - Prithviraj Singh Oberoi’s anniversary with a mahapooja. Everyone from the Oberoi Empire is present for the celebration. Priyanka, the only daughter in the house is nervous about facing the media and dadiji tries to console and calm her by sharing her love story. The makers have integrated this segment very well with the introduction of the characters. Dadiji, who had a habit of writing letters to Dadaji, every year on his anniversary, has now adapted the new age technology. She records the video narrating the situation at the mahapooja and introduces the family members to the viewers.

The family comprises of two sons – Tej (Mahesh Thakur) and Shakti (Siraj Mustafa Khan). Although they are brothers, their personality, behaviour, attitude and ambition do not match at all. While Tej is heavy headed and shrewd; Shakti, on the other hand, is calm and spiritual. So is the case with the daughter in laws, Pinky (Nikita Anand) and Jhanvi (Mrinal Deshraj). Pinky comes across as a dramatic person who loves to show off, Jhanvi is seen as someone who is always high on alcohol.  Tej also has a publicized relationship with his consort Svetlana (Reyhna Malhotra), which Jhanvi obviously dislikes. Both the couples do not share a good rapport, but with a mean intention, they do everything possible to make sure their children get an important place in the family hierarchy and business.

All the episodes till now are seen revolving around the three grandchildren of the Oberoi clan – Shakti’s son, Shivaay (Nakuul Mehta), Tej’s children, Omkara (Kunal Jaisingh) and Rudra (Leenesh Mattoo). Shivaay, the oldest of all, is a short tempered and proud tycoon like Tej; Omkara is a calm, composed artist and sculptor who looks down on his father, and Rudra, the youngest is a fitness freak whose interests revolve only around women and parties. These handsome heirs of a colossal business empire have different persona and characteristics, but they have been raised with power, wear taste and attitude with innate flair and walk knowing that they simply own the world. The love, trust and chemistry amongst the siblings and their grandmother is adorable and it is what makes the crux of Ishqbaaaz.

Cut to the mahapooja, Shivaay is running late and on his way to the ceremony he meets Annika (Surbhi Chandna), Priyanka’s friend, a caterer who was adopted by her aunt and is now being used only as the source of the income for the family. She is ill-treated by her aunt, but she stays only for her differently-abled brother who is equally hated by her aunt. History repeats itself several times as Annika and Shivaay meet over and over again. Although her character showcases herself across as a strong, loud girl who loves her brother, work and herself; there comes a point in the story where Shivaay insults Annika’s status, which leaves her shattered. Till now Shivaay is seen in a committed relationship with Tia (Navina Bole), a rich girl with a strong belief in yoga, meditation and Karma. While Shivaay feels that Tia is the one for him, the other brothers and dadi differ to believe with him. In spite of his disbelief in love will Shivaay develop feelings for Annika? That’s something we can’t decide either.

All the characters in the show have distinguished roles. There are couple of stories which run parallel throughout the episodes. The makers from 4 Lions productions have done an excellent job in connecting these stories. The set is larger than life and so are their lives. Although every episode is predictable, the relatable story and entertaining characters make it worth watching. A lot of twists are awaited and we predict the show to go a long way.