Pati, Patni aur Woh

There are only a few reality shows on Indian television that I watch currently. One that had me hooked from Day 1 was Pati, Patni aur Woh. Now that the show has drawn to a close, here's my take on the five participating couples:



Juhi and Sachin: By far, Juhi was my favourite in the show. She did no work around the house, slept all day, cribbed and nagged her husband, who listened dutifully and never answered back. Whether it was the toddler or the senior citizen that came to their house, it was Sachin’s show all the way. Even when Juhi had to go out and work at a departmental store, she did a pathetic job. The best part of the show was when she bulldozed her husband into walking out of the show because they had been given twins and she wanted Sachin at her service all day—which the channel was not allowing. Poor Sachin! What a woman he has married. He was calm, patient, balanced and mature and kept a cool head against Juhi’s incessant nagging.

Thumbs Up: One thing that works in Sachin’s favour is that he genuinely loves his wife. He sure is the “ideal” husband.



Mouni and Gaurav: The fake and cold couple. Mouni and Gaurav from Day 1 seemed to be in the show only for money—and it showed. No initiative, no interest was shown by either of them to bond with any of the kids. They just wanted the show to finish and walk away with their pay packets. Mouni only showed a little interest in the toddler Shaurya—and the credit for that too goes to the baby. He was so charming that no one could resist falling in love with him. The rest of the kids just came and went, and Mouni kept doing her own stuff. As far as Gaurav is concerned, he only seems to have a gift of the gab, nothing else. There was hardly any interaction between the couple and the kids. Pathetic! Me thinks maybe, if Gaurav had participated with his ex-flame Narayani Shastri, they would have fared much better and made a fiery couple. Gaurav and Mouni won't last long.

Thumbs Up: All said and sone, they do make a very good-looking couple.



Shilpa and Apoorva: The ideal couple. Sure, they provided no masala, no spice to the show, but they sure came across as one level-headed, in sync and mature jodi. Their understanding and dedication shone through. They were the only jodi which never fought or abused each other. A complete made-for each-other pair. Where Apoorva seemed a tad underconfident, Shilpa went all out to encourage. Needless to say, the star in this jodi was Shipa, who handled husband, kids, home single-handedly and excelled. Apoorva also proved to be one hell of a partner. Not to forget, the two never raised their hands in defeat during the time they had to handle twin babies—unlike Juhi.

Thumbs Up: Way to go! Now this is what I call A Perfect Couple.



Gurmeet and Debina: The “Ram and Sita of Indian television” was how they were introduced in the show. Admittedly, I had never seen them before. Both make a street-smart couple. Where Gurmeet was shown haggling with every shopkeeper (he even bargained with a gajra-walla), Debina refused to buy the teenager any clothes (the poor girl lost all her luggage in transit). So, while the poor kid kept shedding tears, Debina insisted she dress up in Guru's oversized T-shirts. And when the same kid complained about their dirty house, they handed her the vacuum cleaner! Preposterous. Overall though, methinks they did an OK job with the kids.

Thumbs Up: Gurmeet proposed Debina on the show and they are all set to get married.



Rakhi and Elesh: The surprise package. Rakhi and Elesh from Day 1 surprised everyone with their dedication and love for the kids. The so-called “item girl” proved to be an awesome home-maker and mother. The way she took care of the cranky toddler, Jai, was phenomenal. She looked after the kids extremely well, managed her home splendidly and even went out to work! And giving her full support was Elesh, who never left her side even when she got cranky, and proved to be great partner. They pulled off the pyjama party for the kids with great élan. The only other couple who would have managed the feat were Shilpa and Apoorva. Juhi, for sure, would have again walked out of the show. Unfortutanely, Rakhi seems to expect a lot from a life partner and understandably so, Elesh couldn’t measure up. Methinks, Elesh would make a great partner and Rakhi would be foolish to let him go.

Thumbs Up: Here’s to Superwoman Rakhi and her accomplice Elesh.