Netflix recently launched a ‘docuseries’ (which seems so scripted) called The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives. It is basically Karan Johar’s attempt to make a desi version of Keeping Up with Kardashians. The show revolves around the lives of four Bollywood wives- Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey, Neelam Kothari Soni, and Seema Khan.
The issue with the show is that it is clearly visible that they have tried to fictionalize it. Because in everyday life, no one would plan a holiday within two days and just take off. The whole vacation part of the show is a sad attempt to copy Sex and the City.
The show definitely gives you an insight into the lives of these four women but in an attempt to show how glad they’re, they end up looking pretentious. Making it The Pretentious Lives of Bollywood Wives. If they plan to make a season two, they should consider showing other Bollywood wives as well.
Maheep Kapoor, who is Sanjay Kapoor’s wife, is portrayed to be so bossy. If she is really is that bossy, then God save the Kapoor khaandaan. Apparently, she is an Australian national but her accent looks so made up. If you watch the show, just listen to her saying these three words: ‘magical’, ‘mad’ and ‘condom’.
Bhavana Pandey, who is Chunky Pandey’s wife, and Ananya Pandey’s mother, is more superstitious than your mother. She apparently has an astrologer who recommends which astrologer she should go to. But, to be very honest, she seems the sanest of them all. I am glad that we got to see Bhavana Pandey’s lifestyle.
Neelam Kothari Soni, who is Sameer Soni’s wife, cries more often than a toddler. Also, how difficult it is to understand that your partner is asocial. If he is not willing to attend a party, then respect that. Being an asocial person myself, I had such sympathy for Sameer as these brats were busy judging him.
Seema Khan, who is Sohail Khan’s wife, is the one who brings the fun element. I adored Seema Khan. For me, the only entertaining thing about the series was Seema Khan’s reaction. But her side of the story confuses the viewers as Sohail Khan lives in a separate home. Are they separated?
The best part about the show is Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s cameo. In that particular episode, Gauri Khan clarifies why she wouldn’t agree to do such a show and we empathize with her. No sane person would like to do a show which shouts privilege deafeningly loud and shows their ‘struggle’ even after having such established businesses.
The show would have been a hit if they would have kept it real. In a sad attempt of Karan to add extra glam, he made it look as pretentious as his romantic comedies.
If you’re planning to make a season two, here are some suggestions for Bollywood wives that can be cast on the show:
Kiran Rao
Kiran Rao is Aamir Khan’s wife and we would really love to see an inside view of her life. Not only she is a film producer, but she recently founded a non-profit organization called Paani Foundation which aids farmers of Maharashtra. I feel one episode of Maheep Kapoor being bossy can be edited and instead an episode on Kiran Rao could be made.
Genelia D’Souza
Genelia D’Souza is Riteish Deshmukh’s wife. A former actress who left acting to devote her time to her kids, an episode showing an inside view of Genelia’s life could be included. A conversation between Genelia and Neelam would look good because both of them left acting at some point in time. Also, Genelia could teach Neelam some tips on how not to be too hard on your partner.
Twinkle Khanna
Twinkle Khanna is Akshay Kumar’s wife. Actress-turned-author Twinkle Khanna is a columnist for the Times of India. She also owns a digital media company called Tweak India. Renowned as “Mrs. Funnybones”, Twinkle would definitely bring a fun element. She can be paired with Seema Khan and I guarantee that they will make you laugh out loud.
Mana Shetty
Mana Shetty is Sunil Shetty’s wife. Her original name is Monisha Kadri. We definitely want an inside view of her life.
We hope that Karan Johar finally takes note of the fact that when you plan to make a docuseries on Bollywood wives, you should not try to fictionalize it. Otherwise, all you’ll get is a bunch of memes.
