#samrat

I like how the show shows both academics and sports are equally important and one does not triumph over the other. And the whole ‘Main Ho Naa’ thing going on with Miss. Aha and her epic sarees, wind blowing and everyone falling flat for her - even the Principal! 

I love how the show is well aware of its references and makes that blatant! 

Nupur and Gunjan’s reactions show their differences so beautiful. While Nupur is excited to go to the city of dreams, Gunjan asks a very practical questions - will their cousins like them (because of who they are). Gunjan already anticipates a slight friction given their different lifestyles and what’s beautiful is that Nupur’s fallen smiles lets us know that Nupur fears the same - except she has a brighter outlook on life.

Nupur’s excitement in being in the bustling city compared to Gunjan’s hesitation and discomfort with crowd and traffic are such refreshing emotions. I like the way Gunjan words her feelings - she doesn’t criticize Mumbai for being so, she just doesn’t like the city yet - it’s crowded, noisy and almost claustrophobic. An emotion I relate to despite loving the city to bits! 

And the show remembers to keep the whole ragging and planning right. We know Dia and her gang aren’t outright devils. They’re a bit immature and resistant to the new change that Gunjan and Nupur represent - especially considering they’re their cousins. 

Samrat’s dialogues like “Chill Dia, after all they’re simply your cousins!” let us know that no one has made it a mission to trouble the cousins as much as Dia has. 

Can I say I love the costumes? They’re real. Dia is the only one who dresses up the way she does, Gunjan-Nupur also are the only ones who dress up the way they do. Everyone else is pretty normal! Unlike current shows like *ugh* Punch Beat *ugh* where people are off a branded store to be ‘normal’ - we have regular kids here except those who have a reason to dress differently. 

And the party! 

Dia’s welcome party to annoy and intimidate her cousins are done with a touch of sensitivity and humor. 

Benji’s quips of “Main Hoon Na se main tha na ho gaya!” to Samrat always being slightly concerned about whether or not he’s crossing a line with the cousins - especially Gunjan is well done. 

The moment where Gunjan pushes a guy away and Samrat walks in, observing her fear, he pauses and looks at her. And Gunjan immediately notices someone looking at her. 

I think Gunjan thought he was upset that she pushed his friend away, and I think Samrat wasn’t too sure of his plan to prank Gunjan further. 

Also, I like to believe there’s a tiny drop of attraction between the two. Gunjan is stunning and almost so fragile and innocent in this one moment. 

This is very telling about Samrat as a guy - in this episode we learn he’s a bit reluctant to go on this whole mission to prank someone - and much later we learn that Mr. Popular actually acts a lot due to peer pressure and how everyone expects him to be Mr ‘Cool’ 

And yes, as a hopeless romantic I like to believe that something passed between Samrat and Gunjan. Not a ‘I like you or love at first sight’ but something like... I don’t have the words for it? It’s very slight and quickly forgotten. 

And in contrast Mayank is as solid as a mountain. He is righteous but non interfering, intelligent and sarcastic, keeps to himself and has his own clique away from the ‘popular’ group.