Biwi Ho To Aisi

The Indian cinematic landscape of the late '80s offered a mix of genres, but family dramas occupied a considerable niche within this diversity. Biwi Ho To Aisi, directed by J.K. Bihari, is one such film from 1988 that takes viewers through the ups and downs of a joint family headed by a domineering matriarch. Renowned Bollywood actress Rekha plays the titular character, Shalu Mehra, while the role of her husband, Suraj Mehra, is beautifully portrayed by Farooq Shaikh. Bindu Desai also brings a unique flavor to the film with her comic timing and undeniable presence as Kamla, the family's maid.

The storyline revolves around Suraj, a dutiful son deeply rooted in patriarchal norms, married to the cheerful and kind-hearted Shalu. Soon, Shalu finds herself in the midst of an antique but predominantly conservative family setup, where the mother-in-law, played by Dina Pathak, strictly adheres to traditional beliefs and essentially rules the roost. As Shalu tries to adapt herself to the new household, the film captures her struggle to meet the expectations of her stern mother-in-law and the dynamics of her relationship with her husband during this challenging period.

Although painted in the colors of a conventional Indian family drama, Biwi Ho To Aisi manages to hold a potent charm due to its well-drawn characters and a touch of comedy injected into the narrative, largely thanks to Bindu's portrayal of the sassy maid, Kamla. Moreover, the film subtly weaves in a progressive theme of tolerance, learning, and possibility of change.

Throughout the film, Rekha stands out with her endearing and convincing portrayal of Shalu. Her character, a remarkable mix of traditional ideals and modern sensitivity, brings out the essence of the film. Farooq Shaikh, though trapped in a character dictated by the norms of the time, admirably anchors the plot with his underplayed performances. The film also marked Salman Khan's debut in Bollywood, appearing in a supporting role as Vicky Bhandari, Suraj's rebellious younger brother.

What sets Biwi Ho To Aisi apart is its ability to balance a traditional family narrative with a slight mettle of modern ideologies. The film does not only center around the struggles of a new bride but also illustrates her personal strength and ability to effect change within a deeply rooted traditional setup. Equipped with a sobering background score and engaging dialogues, the movie effortlessly captures the contrast between conservative and contemporary views.

No review of Biwi Ho To Aisi would be complete without mentioning the engaging songs that form an essential part of the narrative. The film boasts an impressive soundtrack, brimming with a vibrant array of songs ranging from festive to romantic. Laxmikant-Pyarelal's compositions serve as the perfect background score, enhancing the mood of the film.

The film's production design deserves a mention too, effectively recreating magnificent interiors of the typical, wealthy Indian household. The grandeur of the Mehra mansion and the brightly colored sarees adorning the characters immerse the viewer in the world of the film.

In the end, Biwi Ho To Aisi is a reflection of the Indian society of the late 80s, told through the story of a young woman trying to make her mark in a patriarchal family. The film is a beautiful blend of dramatic performances, touching dialogues, absorbing music, and comedy that provides a sneak peek into the socio-cultural fabric of India.

Bottom line is, Biwi Ho To Aisi is worth a watch for its charming performances and its evocative depiction of traditional Indian family life, spiced with a dash of comedy and a sprinkle of drama. It is a classic example of 1988 Bollywood, delivering more than typical family drama, and it successfully touches upon the bittersweet realities of life, which makes it an evergreen watch, even after three decades of its release.