Mahadev Maha Masala - A Winning Recipe!
Written by Swati Ghosh- 1
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(Please note that Swati Ghosh of Rangmunch is not the author of this write up but has only published the same. The entire article has been penned down by SHRUTI).
Hands up those who thought that mythology and "masala" was as unlikely a combination as an Indian TV soap designed to finish in less than 50 episodes. All you have to do is watch this surprising combination in Life OK Channel's, Devon Ke Dev- Mahadev, to realise how wrong you were!
Don't believe me? Well, read on to see why I think this unique mythological show, presented to us by Nikhil Sinha, through his excellent troupe and team, manages to cook up a recipe replete with all flavours, despite its setting in ancient times and even a different conceptual era.
I have summed up the recipe below. It is a secret recipe but I have managed to work it out by watching every episode of the show to date, and many of them numerous times. If something doesn't work, it is probably because I have made a mistake so please don't blame the show, it's cast or the makers. Also, we are making one big Indian curry, and not some delicate gourmet dish, so the measurements and methodology (or "mythodoloogy"!) can vary- if in doubt- improvise!
Ingredients:
1. One super hot God-hero (Mohit/ Mahadev), complete with abs you can cut cheese on;
2. One exotically beautiful heroine (Mouni/ Sati) no man (or God) can resist;
3. Elaborate sets and picturesque locations; goodbye Switzerland, we are off to "Kailash";
4. Fantastic costumes - strapless blouses for the main lead, figure hugging creations for her sisters, elegant attire for the rest of the females, animal skin for the hero complete with trend setting accessories even including a live (oh, well unmoving plastic) snake (but you get the picture?) and others to embellish;
5. A villainous father (Daksha) who hates our hero, complemented by wife (Prasuti) and henchmen (Amatya and Rishi Bhrigu);
6. A selection of matchmaking Cupids on both sides ranging from the hero's fellow Gods (Brahmaji, Lakshmiji and Vishnuji), learned sages (Rishis Kashyap and Dadichi), devotees (Naradji and Nandi) to siblings and spouses (Revati and Chandrama) and a best friend/mentor (Madanike);
7. A dash of sub plots like a love triangle between our damsel's sisters and their common hubby (there was bigamy pre-K soap days too!);
8. A motley selection of ugly, fat, (and often) hairy villains (sorry to those that play them but...!);
and
9. Dashes of soul stirring music and inspired dance to garnish each time.
Preparation
1. Set up the workstation first by arranging the picturesque locations and sets as the base;
2. Keep preparing by putting the beautiful heroine in the path of the super hot hero at intervals;
Method
1. Ensure the reclusive self made man (oops God!) who shuns material pleasures tries to resist his pull towards the pampered rich-girl heroine until the temperature is right and the base is set;
2. Ensure there are eye locks aplenty in the meantime and that the hero shows attitude to start with, rejecting the love struck heroine's advances, but still continuing to interact with her;
3. Once the heat starts to climb, let the main ingredients (hero-heroine) come in to limited but very effective contact, ensure eye locks progress to electrifying but chaste touches;
4. Continuously use the villainous father to be a barrier as nothing makes a love story combust as much as opposition and obstacles;
5. Also continuously create endless situations for the brave maiden to face so that the hero can save the day;
6. It is during the above step that you sporadically thrown in the fat, hairy so and so(s) and if you want to add extra spice here, you can always add a few other types of disasters, e.g. fainting spells for our lady, injuries or other forms of hardship that befall her etc;
7. Also, do not forget to throughout use the matchmakers intermittently but regularly to never let either really main ingredient separate and keep utilising them as a most effective mixing agent and to bind the ingredients;
8. Add seasoning as you go along so keep throwing in pinches of music and dance and the occasional make-over as these need to seep through the whole dish; and
9. Keep stirring, mixing and generally cooking until it all comes to a boil.
Presentation
1. Serve piping hot to the hungry hordes in 20 minutes slots 6 days a week;
2. Serve with a side of the occasional well placed interview, article or other media communication.
Chef's Compliments:
It can be hard to get hold of head chef Nikhil Sinha as the pot must never be empty so he is too busy in the kitchen. However, whilst not the same, we have the next best place to leave your feedback at @Mohit_FC, a fan club run by Anjali, Tulika and Shruti, which is always available and willing to hear from you lovely customers.
Health Warning:
The above recipe comes with a strict health warning and exclusion clause. The author claims immunity from any form of copy right or other IP related charges. She is also not responsible for any adverse reaction experienced by anyone trying out the recipe or its results. She recommends that the above be taken with a healthy dose of humour and in the spirit it is meant, so as to aid digestion. Nothing in the contents is meant to insult, hurt or offend anyone.
Credits:
A special thanks to Anjali Singh for her contribution towards the images above.
Har Har Mahadev!
Shruti
(@Mohit_FC or www.shruts11.wordpress.com)
A while back 
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