Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

If cult movies like "Gunda", "Jimmy", "Loha", "Shapath", etc. and legendary shows like "Rakhi Ka Swayamwar", "Sach Ka Saamna", "Kamzor Kadi Kaun" mean anything to you... then you are in luck. "Rahul Dulhaniya le Jayenge" will sweep you off your feet.

I have been following the show for some time now. I will now put forth some interesting facts about the show and the people who are a part of it. But, first the concept:

The concept:

The show has a relatively simple concept. As a participant one has to impress the groom. How simple is that? Well, you are mistaken!! It aint so easy when the groom is judging you on intelligence, attitude, personality, smartness, cooking skills, dancing skills, judo skills, temperament, etc etc… That is the reason only the best looking four contestants have made it to the final level. You know what I mean? ;)

The Groom:

Rahul as the groom comes across as Tushar Kapoor as a gangster (in Shootout at Lokhandwala…). Yeah.. a total misfit!! He is presented as the most eligible bachelor in the country… which is hilarious… in its own wayJ. Right from his laughter to his childish gimmicks (when a participant gives him a rose, his response is…”wah…gulaab..he..haha…hehahah..” and his is excitedly clapping his hands.) to his innocent warm hugs (always followed by the more innocent rubbing of the back) that he offers to the gullible participants..he comes across as a bollywood villain pretending to be a good guy (like Mohnish Behl in Ankhiyon se Goli Maare)..Infact in some scenes he even comes across as mentally challenged.

The prospective brides:

It gets better… dumb, unfit, loud, unfashionable, publicity starved females have been carefully selected keeping in mind Mr.Rahul’s tastes. As quoted by one participant “Rahul, I am in love with you since 10 yrs…and even if you don’t select me, I am sure that ten years down the line I will still be in love with you”..bollywoodish? Yes… except that the acting capabilities of this particular participant wasn’t too good and the dialogue didnt sound too convincing.. result..she was kicked out in the next episode itself. “Rahul you are looking dashing” says another one…as our hero claps his hands and utters his gutteral ha..ha…!! “Rahul, I think I am falling in love with you.. you are one of the best persons that I have met in my life”, “Rahul, you are so down to earth and I love you for that”, “Rahul, I want you to be my partner, not only in this life, but for the next seven lives too”….so on and so forth… which proves that the better you lie, the more your chances of winning the show. It doesn’t end at that. You have to eliminate competition too..”She doesn’t deserve Rahul, she has a past life” “She is too young for Rahul” “She cannot dance, Rahul will definitely not select her” “There is no chemistry between Rahul and her”.. get my point? J

The Show:

Apart from the cuddling, kissing, rubbing, hugging which make up most of the show, the remaining few minutes are spent in delivering scripted dialogues of mutual praise. Our hero not being very good at dialogue delivery, most of his sentences are muted with romantic bollywood music playing in the background, with our hero doing what he does best..using his hands!! A lot of thought has also gone into the tasks that the contestants need to perform. The winner of every task is the object of envy of every other participant. She gets to do, what everyone in the show longs for. She gets to go on a date with Rahul. How cool is that? “You get a chance to date Rahul and spend some quality time with him” says Ram (the host) to the winner, who cannot suppress her happiness and smiling from ear to ear. The others are just standing there giving cold stares to each other.

The dates are usually awesome. The girl gets to select the location and get creative J on the date…”Rahul, I have got a surprise for you.. this book full of our photos that will remind you of me ” while our Hero is staring hungrily at her, looking for an opening to use his hands. Meanwhile “Mehendi Laga ke rakhna” is playing in the background.

There are some guest appearances on the show too. In one particular show, a panditji (with lot of make up and a laptop) made an appearance and tried to match Rahul’s kundali to each of the contestant. Excerpts from the conversation between Rahul and Panditji:

Rahul: Panditji, bacche?

Panditji: Inke saath aapke 2 ladke aur ek ladki ka yog hai

R: he..ha..ha.. Panditji, paisa?

P: Inke saath appke zindagi me bahut paisa ayega..magar kharch bhi jyada hoga..

R: he..ha..he..Panditji, saath nibhayegi?

P: Appke saath yeh har sukh dukh me saath nibhayegi.

R..he..ha…he..ha..

The same questions were asked by Rahul of every participant to which the Pandit replied instantaneously with a click on his keyboard.

Usually, on a normal day, one contestant is eliminated from the show. The punch line used is “Aap Rahul ki Dulhaniya ………… NAHI ban sakti.” or “Aapka safar yahin pe khatam…… Hota hai.” With the typical long-pause effect to create the much needed suspense. The good part comes after the target has been chosen; Mr.Rahul gives an explanation as to why he chose to eliminate a particular contestant. With his bad dialogue delivery and Steven Seagal dead look, he stammers away to glory. The more sensible they try to make it sound the more hilarious it turns out to be.

The Verdict:

The show is in its final stages. Four contestants remain. Rahul will meet every contestant’s family before reaching his decision. THE DECISION, which will crown India’s most unlucky bride!!

Don’t miss the action!!

Every evening at 8, only on NDTV Imagine.