Tried and tested love triangle formulas in shows

In Balika Vadhu, the love triangle has always been the highpoint of the show. First, there was the Anandi-Jagya-Gauri saga. And now it is the Anandi-Jagya-Shiv love triangle. A similar drama is unfolding in Kya Huaa Tera Vaada where Pradeep (Pawan Shankar), who left his wife Mona ( Mona Singh) and started living with his girlfriend, is jealous to see his wife with her boss. A love triangle is forming between Mona, Vineet (Darshan Pandya) and Pradeep.


Even in Parichay, Ronit Diwan (Mahesh Shetty) is the new man in Siddhi's (Keerti Nagpure) life thus leading to a love triangle between Kunal-Sidhi-Ronit. Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, which recently took a leap of five years, also has a new twist in the storyline. Priya (Sakshi Tanwar), who is currently living with her daughter Pihu in Dubai, works for business tycoon Rajat Kapur (Samir Kochhar) who has developed feelings for her.

"For any story telling, conflict is very important. A love triangle always helps in enhancing the romance between couples. Unless the romance goes through opposition, hurdle, intolerance, there is no excitement in a love story," says Rajan Shahi, producer of Amrit Manthan where two sisters Amrit and Nimrit are fighting for the same guy, Agam Malik.

So, is a love triangle specially introduced to spice up the show? According to the producer Sudhir Sharma, there was always a subtle love triangle between Mohan (Kunal Karan Kapoor), Megha (Aakanksha Singh) and her dead husband in the show, Na Bole Tum...Na Maine Kuch Kaha. He feels that some love triangles are the main-stay of the show, while others are introduced to spice up the drama. "Whether it is a saas-bahu saga or a comic show, every serial's backdrop is a love story. As show makers, we always try to introduce new angles in the storyline. Love triangles sometimes come naturally and they are dramatic to portray and interesting to watch," says Sharma. When TRPs of a soap start falling, the only plot that comes to rescue for the producers is the introduction of a love triangle. "When there are five episodes in a week, it is very important to keep the audience hooked by adding some news plots every time," he adds.

Love stories always attract viewers, whether on television or on the silver screen. "Be it cinema or television, love stories always work. The story lacks spice unless two lovers go through a difficult situation, are unable to meet, and a third person gets involved in their lives," says producer JD Majethia of Byaah Hamari Bahoo Ka.

Why do audiences get hooked by love triangles? "Because television is a reflection of the society. In real life too, many are unable to be with the one they love, and when that is shown on TV, they can connect with it. As a maker, it is very important to involve the audience. Introducing a love triangle is the best way to do so," Majethia adds. The viewers are always curious to know whether a couple will unite in the show or not. Even shows like Pavitra Rishta, Dil Se Di Dua... Saubhagyavati Bhava, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon and Kuch Toh Log Kahenge are cashing in on the love triangle formula.