Santo rocks in Kumkum

By: Arya Aiyappan
Thursday, January 25, 2007

"Kumkum", the family saga of love, loyalty and warmth has its TRP rates aiming sky high with novel changes in the storyline. The introduction of Santo, Kumkum in disguise, the messiah to save her family in distress has contributed to its scaling popularity. A digression from the tearjerking family soap has made the ambience light and rather hilarious.

Kumkum, the ideal bahu, patni and maa finds her family completely at the mercy of her conniving daughter-in-law Antara. Antara who had declared open war against Kumkum is hell bent upon grabbing the control of the household as well as the business into her hands. In a spite of fury she strikes a deal with Kumkum and agrees to spare the family provided Kumkum walks out of the household. While the spectators are left dejected, the lady of hope, Santo, Kumkum herself appears in a new guise. Kumkum is the crusader of justice and she is there to fight against all odds.

Taking cue from former episodes, when at a time the story revolved around Renuka and Abhay Chauhan, Chanda, a look alike of Kumkum had entered the plot as a country girl. As a mere pawn in Renuka's hands, she did impart some frivolous moments only to later help Kumkum in her endeavours to save the Wadhwa family from the malicious plans of Renuka and Abhay. If Chanda was a look alike of Kumkum, Santo is Kumkum herself in disguise.

Santo introduces herself as the niece of Methi chacha, the bawarchi of the household. As a village belle, she mouths the rustic dialect and mannerisms. Devoid of any modish attitude she is dressed in colourful garments, with a ghoonghat masking her face. Antara fails to recognize her and employs her at work. If Kumkum is sophisticated, Santo is loud-mouthed and chirpy to the core. In her own little yet freaky ways she indulges in teaching Antara a lesson. Antara has usurped the family property and does not allow anyone to question her authority. Santo who wins her confidence underplays and acts as a foil to her plans of completely destroying the family.

With the arrival of Santo the audience is looking forward to fun-filled episodes wherein ultimately truth will prevail and virtue will win its battle against vice.