Reincarnation
For this one, the TV shows have definitely drawn the motivation from Hindi films like the Subhash Ghai’s 80s’ reincarnation drama Karz. Currently, Star Plus’ Kumukum Ek Pyaara Sa Bandhan and Zee TV’s Banoo Main Teri Dulhann are applying this tried-and-tested formula to their benefit. In the first one, protagonists Sumit (Hussain Kuwajerwala) and Kumkum (Juhi Parmar) suddenly die while seeking blessings at a temple, only to be born again and reunited as lovers. Hussain’s character was reintroduced in the show last Friday, while Parmar’s will re-enter next week. Boosting TRPs and introducing new characters in the show are the prime reasons for letting the characters die one fine day. Such catastrophe may also strike, if an actor wants a holiday—that’s what happened for Kumkum when Parmar wanted to take a break. Earlier, shows like Balaji Telefilms’ Kahiin Kissi Roz infused the rebirth drama, but this technique failed to offer any redemption. That’s no deterrent for Dulhann, where the lead artists Divyanka Tripathi and Sharad Kelkar are back as new characters. “For 300 episodes, the audience has seen the negative character scheming against the main cast. The story had to culminate. So we had to change the track, and offer a new lease of life,” says Pearl Shah, creative director, Dulhann.

Memory loss
The earliest example is Doordarshan’s Shanti that was featured in the late 90s; protagonist Shanti’s mother was raped by two friends and later she gave birth to a daughter, but not before losing her memory. In the early days of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Mihir Virani (then played by Amar Upadhyay) was shown losing his yaddasht after an accident. Currently, a host of shows like Kayamath, Meri Doli Teri Aangna, Saat Phere and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii are reaping the benefits of this useful dramatic technique. Saloni (Rajashree Thakur) and Om (Kiran Karmakar) of Saat and Kahaani, however, have just recovered their memories; the audience was reminded of the Sridevi-starrer Sadma as Saloni’s old lover Nahar (Sharad Kelkar) helped her remember her past. In Meri Doli, the memory loss of protagonist Ruhaan has served as an opportunity to introduce new characters.