Happened to catch ‘Rainbow Rishta’ on Amazon Prime Video and have to say I was very impressed. Because here is a docuseries that’s mature, subtle and extremely realistic. A welcome change from the usually loud and flimsy OTT content. The series follows 6 queer love stories, 4 couples and 2 singles looking for love.
Trinetra, a doctor and actor, is on her path to career success. But being a transwoman, she encounters a few hurdles when it comes to finding love. She takes heartbreaks head on, not once do you find any bitterness or negativity from her side. Ditto with Daniella, who was given away to the transgender community as a child. Now as a bride to be, she holds no grudge or malice against the society. Aneez and Sanam are a lesbian couple looking for accommodation.
They are denied a place to live, but they wouldn’t hide their queer identity, come whatever. Sadam is healing from a disturbing incident in the past, he is skeptical about love, but finds a sympathetic partner in Abhishek. Soham and Suresh are dealing with the fact that Suresh’s parents don’t accept Soham. And Ayushman is an otherwise shy guy who finds his true voice when he’s in drag. But he too has to keep his drag a secret from his parents.
What’s remarkable about Rainbow Rishta, is the representation of it’s characters. For once, the LGBTQ community is treated with utmost respect. Unlike many other series and movies wherein queer characters are often loud, violent and wicked people, playing villains or victims.
Rainbow Rishta throws light on the real problems that the LGBTQ community faces on a daily basis, in metros like Mumbai or smaller places like Imphal. The lack of acceptance usually starts at home and ofcourse extends to many realms in the society. But there’s not a single crass dialogue or adult scene. The makers are definitely not looking out for controversy or cheap publicity. Rainbow Rishta is calm, warm and it tugs at your heartstrings.
Because it’s so sweet and simple, I guess the docuseries is perhaps not getting it’s due. Let’s face it, there has to be glamour, suspense and lots of gossip involved to make people talk about your show. Who likes reality in reality TV?
I would say, the lack of all this makes Rainbow Rishta a must watch. As viewers, you end up relating to every character. Educated, employed and law abiding citizens all of them, why should they be denied a life of their choice? Kudos to the makers for such a true and heartfelt docuseries, hope they create more like this one.