Speaker A
"O Ganapati, one with a curved trunk, a large body," "and a brilliance equal to 10 million suns!" "God, please make all my undertakings" "free from obstacles always." "God! Thou art the giver of life. Remover of pain and sorrow."
Archana's family prepares for a marriage proposal visit, highlighting her daily life and societal pressures in Mumbai.
Ask about this video. Answers come from its transcript only — with the timestamp, so you can check them.
Generated from the transcript and can be wrong — check the timestamp.
Key Takeaways
- Archana is a responsible and hardworking young woman managing her household with dedication.
- Marriage proposals and societal expectations play a significant role in her family's life.
- The episode highlights cultural norms around marriage, dowry, and women's roles in Indian society.
- Family dynamics and individual aspirations are central themes in the storyline.
- The narrative emphasizes respect for housewives and the challenges they face.
What the video covers
- The video opens with a prayer to Lord Ganapati, seeking blessings for success and removal of obstacles.
- Archana is portrayed as a disciplined and hardworking girl who wakes up early and manages household chores efficiently.
- Her family members discuss the upcoming visit of a prospective groom's family for Archana's marriage proposal.
- Archana balances household responsibilities with family expectations, showing her dedication and resilience.
- The family debates societal norms and pressures related to marriage, dowry, and women's roles.
- Archana's mother expresses concern about her daughter's future and the importance of marriage at the right age.
- The prospective groom is described as educated and well-employed, raising hopes for a successful alliance.
- Family members prepare for the guests, highlighting the dynamics and challenges within the household.
- The conversation touches on the value of housewives versus working women and societal expectations.
- The episode sets the stage for exploring Archana's life, family, and the cultural context of arranged marriages.
Chapters
- 00:00Prayer and Morning Routine
- 02:19Archana's Early Morning Discipline
- 03:57Family Morning Preparations
- 05:31Household Chores and Responsibilities
- 06:43Marriage Proposal Announcement
- 07:46Family Discussions on Marriage
- 08:46Guests Arrive for Proposal
- 10:02Family Interactions and Expectations
- 12:00Debate on Role of Housewives vs Working Women
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
Speaker A
"The Bestower of happiness. Oh! Creator of the Universe," "May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light," "May thou guide our intellect in the right direction." "Om." "Glory to God Venkatesh." Take this. - Take this.
Speaker A
Go fast. - Dada's bundle. Take Dada's bundle. Wake up! It's 5 o'clock. Ramji, wake up.
Speaker A
Yes. I'm awake. Has she switched on the light? Yes, that is why I'm waking you up.
Speaker A
Savtya, get up! It's 5 o'clock. It's morning. Why does the sun rise so early in Mumbai?
Speaker A
She is a strange girl. She gets up at 5 a.m. every morning. You're right, Savtya.
Speaker A
Because of this girl, I've stopped looking at the watch. All I have to do is look at that window; if the light is on, it means it's 5 a.m.
Speaker A
Savtya, we've been here for so many years, this girl has never been late by a single minute.
Speaker A
The girl is really astonishing. Hello. We're reporting from the Mumbai centre of the All India Radio.
Speaker A
Today is Monday, 1st June 2009. We will now begin with our first programme. 'On the tip of the fingers is Lakshmi, on the base, Saraswati.' 'Look at your palm every morning and be blessed by Govinda.' Punni, don't you want to go to school?
Speaker A
Why are you sleeping? Wake up! Wake up, child. Get up. Don't we have to go to school?
Speaker A
Vaishali, get up. Do you know what time it is?! Didn't you tell me, you have to wake up early?
Speaker A
Archu, I meant, earlier than I usually wake up. Let me sleep for some time, please!
Speaker A
Varsha! I'm awake, Archu. Can anyone in this house sleep after you have woken up?
Speaker A
Archu, which vegetable do you plan to cook today? Mom, you relax. I'll make it.
Speaker A
Don't you have enough on your hands? You're not superhuman. You have two hands. I've asked God for an extra pair of hands; soon I'll get it.
Speaker A
Will you tell me what vegetable you want to cook? Lady-finger. I chopped it last night itself.
Speaker A
Have you chopped the onion and tomato also? I'll chop the onions. Will you do everything by yourself?
Speaker A
Come, my child. If her mother doesn't wake up, her aunt will have to bathe her.
Speaker A
Manju, it's 7 o'clock. You have to get Punni ready for school. Why bother me? Archu will take care of it.
Speaker A
She gave birth to the child, but now that it's time to... Forget it, mom.
Speaker A
She's still sleeping! - Stop it, mom. Come Punni, let's bathe. Do you want to go to school?
Speaker A
Archu, hurry up. I'm getting late. Yes. I'll be out in no time. Varsha, you're up already.
Speaker A
Listen, child. In the evening... She dozed off again! She's so lazy! Varsha. Are you listening? - What?
Speaker A
Come home early from work. Some people are coming, with a marriage proposal for Archu.
Speaker A
Mom again?! I'll dress her up. You go to the kitchen. Has Manju woken up?
Speaker A
Thank God! Hurry up! Is my daughter ready? - Yes. Take her tie and bag!
Speaker A
Manju, we'll get late! Bye. Have you made tea for me? Yes, Manju. I've kept it in your room.
Speaker A
Archu! Where is my green stole? You washed it yesterday. Check inside the drawer... - Please get it for me.
Speaker A
Fine. I'll get it for you. Can't you take care of your own clothes? Archu, I'm getting late? - Just wait.
Speaker A
I'm getting late. Thank you. Bye. - Bye. Archu! Archu, where's my lunch box? - Yes. Wait.
Speaker A
If I miss the train at 9:47 a.m., I'll have to wait for half an hour.
Speaker A
Hurry up! Bye, Mom. Bye, Archu. Vinod, hurry up! Listen, Vinod! Vinod! Come home early in the evening.
Speaker A
Vinod! Mom! - Mom, I haven't forgotten. We'll return early, before the guests arrive. Is that all right, Manju?
Speaker A
You took so long, Archu. Now you hurry up. Now that you have fed all the hungry souls at home, have something to eat yourself.
Speaker A
Have you eaten? Have I ever eaten without you? Come. Sulochana! Come. How much for lady-finger?
Speaker A
Rs 14 for 250 gms. Are you selling vegetables or gold?! Did you hear that? - What are you saying, ma'am?!
Speaker A
I'm here to earn a living. Give it. - How come you came to buy vegetables today?
Speaker A
Does Archana know? No. She has no idea about it. If she had her way, I'd be sitting at home.
Speaker A
But isn't that a good thing? No. I can't see her running around all day.
Speaker A
She keeps doing all the chores throughout the day. She doesn't complain even when she is tired.
Speaker A
I know it. Sometimes, I help her, without letting her know. Today I came here, on the pretext of visiting your house.
Speaker A
Don't tell her. Remember I'd been to your house. - Yes. Why are you in such a hurry today?
Speaker A
Is there something special today? Some people are coming, with a marriage proposal for Archu.
Speaker A
I see. If the alliance is finalised today, I'll offer a garland of 21 coconuts to 'Siddhivinayak'.
Speaker A
What does the boy do? He's a double graduate. He's an accounts manager in a multinational company.
Speaker A
He's very good looking. I showed you his photograph. I feel the alliance will be finalised today.
Speaker A
You pray for Archu. I'll leave now. How can I explain to Sulochana? She knows everything, yet she keeps repeating the same mistake.
Speaker A
Oh! God, you could have waited for me. I was gonna come home. I would have helped you.
Speaker A
Dear, you look so tired. How will you appear in front of the guests? God forbid, what if they say... - Say no!
Speaker A
So what! I'll get to spend some more time with you people. Don't ever say anything like this.
Speaker A
In our society, if the girl doesn't get married at the right age, then they'll question the girl's character.
Speaker A
Anyways, you've done a lot for me without thinking about yourself. But not anymore. It's time you get your dues. All the happiness you deserve, Mom!
Speaker A
A house of your own, you see off your husband to office. Feed your kids. Anyways, with your wedding, I'm the one at loss.
Speaker A
Everyone goes to office, the only people left at home are you and I, and when you'll get married, then why don't you leave it? I'll do it. - Mom!
Speaker A
I'll serve your father and eat with him. You get up, Mom, I've to go to school to pick up Manju. She called up that the school bus has not come today, and the school authorities have instructed the parents to pick up the kids.
Speaker A
But Manju can go to pick her. Besides, she's gonna come early from office. Mom, it's okay. Anyways, she's taking half day for me, what more can she ask for?
Speaker A
I'm not gonna take half day. But there are guests coming to your place to see your sister-in-law.
Speaker A
So what? Jyoti, it's going to be the same like what happened last three times. You're acting as if you don't know anything.
Speaker A
Still, being the daughter-in-law of that house, isn't it your responsibility? Ah! Being a daughter-in-law, whatever I wanted to do, I've done it.
Speaker A
Had to take leaves, have done that. Even tried to make my mother-in-law understand it, but she's not ready to let go.
Speaker A
But... - Forget if's and but's. One thing is clear, I'm not gonna waste my casual leaves on them.
Speaker A
And you know what, this time, we are taking Punni to Jaipur in her summer vacation. Oh, yes! Your husband works with Railways, right!
Speaker A
You must be getting free tickets. It's called pass, not ticket. Come on, get in.
Speaker A
Hey! Madhuri? - Hi! How come you here, didn't go to office today? No, I'm on leave for a month.
Speaker A
A month! - Yes. Swati! How have you been? - Good, how about you? Fine.
Speaker A
You guys know each other? Yes. I know her. Swati, she's Archana, my school friend.
Speaker A
Ok Madhuri, you've taken off for a month. What's the special occasion? Well, I'm getting married.
Speaker A
Oh, congratulations. Warm wishes. - Thank you. For quite some time, I've been running around because of all the preparations. Oh my God! - What happened?
Speaker A
You master in peeling peas. Look at her speed. Oh! Ask me, she manages the household work in the same manner.
Speaker A
Great! Oh Archana! - Yes. So are you also married? She'll be, soon. Looking at her talent, it should already have happened.
Speaker A
Or you have very high expectations! Tell me. No, nothing like that. Just that some or the other thing went wrong and none of the proposals worked.
Speaker A
Nevertheless, I'm expecting good from now. The prospective bridegroom and his family is coming to see me today,
Speaker A
and mom told me the guy is good looking. Superb, all the best. Hey! I've to...
Speaker A
So, Archana, have you seen the bridegroom? No, Mom has. What if you and your mom's choice don't match.
Speaker A
It's never happened like that. And don't think will ever happen. No one but a Mom can understand her daughter very well And I know, the guy she chooses for me will be the best.
Speaker A
Lets go. - Yes. Has Manju come? I'll just call her. Varsha and Vaishali's also not returned.
Speaker A
Don't worry Mom, they must be on their way. You go, I'll join you. - They wont reach faster if you wait there.
Speaker A
Archu! What are you doing? Please don't do all this. You get ready to eat food in market.
Speaker A
And I've got it all. You, please go inside and freshen up. Wear a beautiful Sari, don't worry about the kitchen.
Speaker A
Why are you starring at me? Go and get ready. Listen! - Yes Vinod! Please don't worry. This proposal will surely work.
Speaker A
Vinod, I am not worried But you don't sweat.. Oh! Dear, It's water, I washed my face so You, please go and get ready.
Speaker A
Go Or this is how you gonna appear in front of your prospective in-laws. You're getting ready all by yourself.
Speaker A
I'll help you. Take this. Wear these earrings today. By the way, you are looking very beautiful.
Speaker A
Sulochana! The guests are here. They are here. Get ready, quickly. Welcome. Vinod, pay the fare.
Speaker A
Did you have trouble locating the house? Dombivili's railway colony, is very famous. We had no trouble looking for this place.
Speaker A
Hello. Hello. Mom, I missed my 5 o'clock train. I'm sorry. Excuse me. Mom! Sorry. Hello.
Speaker A
Sorry, mom. Actually the presentation went on for long. Please don't be angry. I'll go and get Archu.
Speaker A
Wow! Archu, the boy won't be able to take his eyes off you. Isn't she looking great?! - Really!
Speaker A
I know. - My god! Look at my face! Let me see. Stupid. Look at yourself, first.
Speaker A
The two of you go and get ready. Come. - Fine. Bye. We are getting late! God save us! - Vaishali, hurry.
Speaker A
Mom will scream at us. - Aunt, I'm hungry. Punni, wait for sometime? Vaishali, hurry up. I'll go and take out the clothes.
Speaker A
Aunt. Punni, are you hungry? Come we'll eat something. Come on, eat it. It's the last bite.
Speaker A
I don't want to eat. Punni! Archu, what are you doing in the kitchen now?
Speaker A
Nothing, mom. - Punni! You're impossible. Where are Varsha and Vaishali? Varsha, Vaishali! Where are you?
Speaker A
What is it, mom? - Vaishali, you attend to Punni. Varsha, you get the snacks in a tray.
Speaker A
What? - The guests are waiting outside. You come out of the kitchen. - Where are the snacks?
Speaker A
You keep it. Archu, where are the snacks? Come. Vaishali feed her. - Come! She is our daughter, Archana.
Speaker A
Sit, my dear. He's our son, Vinod. He works in the railways as a ticket checker.
Speaker A
Were you also a railway employee? - Yes, he followed my footsteps. I see. She is Varsha and she is Vaishali.
Speaker A
Archana's younger sisters. I see. What does she do? I work at Andheri. In a publication firm.
Speaker A
Vaishali is in the second year of her management course. Nobody introduced me to them.
Speaker A
So why don't you introduce yourself, your highness? She is my daughter Punni. Where is your wife?
Speaker A
She hasn't returned from work as yet. She works in the income-tax department. She is on her way back. I think she is caught in traffic.
Speaker A
No problem. Mumbai is a busy city. We understand. I'm very happy to meet your family, Mr Manohar.
Speaker A
Of course. Everybody is educated and cultured. Everyone is independent. Even the women. Who will not want to forge an alliance with such a family?
Speaker A
Can we consider this alliance fixed? Absolutely. Now you need to decide. If you like our son, we can discuss further.
Speaker A
How can we refuse? Your son is well educated and cultured. He earns well. He earns Rs 11,000, every month.
Speaker A
Plus incentives and allowances. If we add all that, then it comes to around Rs 16 to 17 thousand per month.
Speaker A
You must ask for your daughter's consent first. She will never go against our wishes.
Speaker A
Then consider this alliance fixed. Sulochana we don't expect anything. We're against the tradition of dowry.
Speaker A
We educated our son and you educated your daughter. And made them self reliant. Why do we need dowry?
Speaker A
Let them earn and manage the house and figure out their life. So, how much does your daughter earn?
Speaker A
My daughter doesn't do any kind of job. Oh! So that's not a worry, she can do one after their wedding.
Speaker A
Anyways, it's easy to find a job for educated people. Actually, she's not highly educated.
Speaker A
What do you mean? She's good at household chores. What is her educational qualification? She has studied up to the 8th grade.
Speaker A
What? Yes. But it's not her fault. She was very good in her studies. When she was in the 8th grade, owing to our family problems, she had to drop out of school.
Speaker A
She stepped in and helped me to manage the house. The house that you see today is a result of her efforts.
Speaker A
I'm her mother, but for the past 12 years, she has been like a mother to this family.
Speaker A
You can imagine, if she is so dedicated to her family, she will surely take good care of your family too.
Speaker A
We agree with you. There's no doubt that your daughter is talented. But to be my daughter-in-law...
Speaker A
Sulochana, my son is a post graduate. How can I settle for a girl who is not even a matriculate?
Speaker A
Is educational qualification all that matters? - Yes, it does. Yes, but... - Sulochana, we can't go ahead with this alliance.
Speaker A
But why? - Sulochana, times have changed. A single breadwinner can't run a family anymore.
Speaker A
In a big city, one can't make ends meet, even with two earning members. My daughter will adjust.
Speaker A
She can make do, within limited means. I'm sorry, Sulochana. We can't compromise on our lifestyle.
Speaker A
Neither can my son. He wants a girl who can match him in all respects.
Speaker A
But here... Don't say that. My daughter is the perfect match for your son. You can ask our neighbours about her.
Speaker A
Don't turn down the proposal. I'm sure we can arrive at some solution. You are only wasting our time.
Speaker A
I don't think this alliance will... There's one way out. What? Your younger daughter works in a good company.
Speaker A
She must be earning well. If you don't mind... You want a daughter-in-law or a money minting machine?
Speaker A
Sulochana! - You keep out of this. You have no right to humiliate my daughter like this.
Speaker A
Even if she is uneducated, unemployed and incapable of earning money, but she has strong family values.
Speaker A
She gets up even before sunrise. We have a big family and everyone has their own whims and fancies.
Speaker A
If one wants tea, the other wants coffee. She takes care of everyone's whims. Yet she manages to make lunch for everyone on time.
Speaker A
Every member of the family is dependant on her. She bathes the child, gives me my medicines, irons clothes, polishes shoes, goes to the market to get groceries and medicines...
Speaker A
From the morning to afternoon and from evening to night, she does all the household chores.
Speaker A
She keeps working tirelessly. I get tired of talking but she doesn't tire of work.
Speaker A
All this can't change the fact, your daughter is uneducated. I don't want a housewife.
Speaker A
I want to marry a working girl. I don't think you daughter does anything extraordinary.
Speaker A
Any ordinary housewife can do all this. Hold on! No housewife is ordinary! She is always special.
Speaker A
But her importance is ignored. You say, you go to work and earn money. What job are you talking about?
Speaker A
You work for only 8 hours? For your information, a housewife works 24 hours a day.
Speaker A
You work half-day, on Saturdays. You get a holiday on Sundays. But a housewife works for 365 days a year, tirelessly without complaining.
Speaker A
Your salary gets deposited into your bank account, on the first of every month. But a housewife has no bank account and she gets no salary.
Speaker A
Because she doesn't expect anything in return for the work she does. She doesn't sign on an attendance register, but she works much more at home.
Speaker A
Is all that useless? You reach work on time, because she does everything at home.
Speaker A
If she stops working, your life will come to a standstill. But what about qualification? - Qualification?!
Speaker A
My daughter's biggest qualification is that, she sacrificed her education for her ailing mother. Today everybody in this house is happy, only because of her.
Speaker A
It's important for a girl to earn, but to make it a criteria for marriage is wrong.
Speaker A
Even you daughter-in-law is a working woman? She does earn money, but only for herself.
Speaker A
This house doesn't run on her earning. We didn't choose Manjusha for our son because she earns, but because our son likes her.
Speaker A
I'm not against girls being educated. But if her earning capacity makes her eligible for marriage, it's as good as dowry.
Speaker A
Sulochana, you are overrating your daughter. The work your daughter can do, can be done by a maid.
Speaker A
What did you say? A maid? You compared my daughter to a maid? A maid works for money.
Speaker A
She can never replace a housewife. If you can't differentiate between a housewife and a maid, then get out of here! Go away!
Speaker A
You can't reject my daughter. I reject your son! "The agony of my heart" "Cannot be shared with anyone" "I feel as if" "I'm the only one who suffers this agony' "I'm the only one who suffers this agony'
Topics:ArchanaPavitra Rishtamarriage proposalIndian familyhousehold choresMumbaiarranged marriageZee TVsocietal pressurewomen empowerment
