Vivah

Vivah, a Hindi film released in 2006, is a romantic drama that revolves around Poonam Alok Narang, a young and traditionally brought-up woman from Jaipur. The film showcases Poonam's life-changing events, particularly her impending marriage to Prem Shankar Garg, a man chosen by her uncle as her ideal groom. Poonam, portrayed by Amrita Rao, is a kind-hearted and innocent young woman who embodies the traditional values of her family and society. She has been raised to believe in the importance of marriage as a sacred institution, and as such, her family has arranged her wedding with Prem. Prem, played by Shahid Kapoor, is a handsome and charming young man from a good family, and he initially accepts the arranged marriage willingly. As Poonam and Prem's relationship begins to blossom, the couple's faith and love for each other are put to the test when Poonam is involved in a road accident. The incident leaves her with severe burns on her face, and as a result, her future as a bride and a wife hangs precariously in the balance. The accident shatters Poonam's confidence, leaving her with a deep uncertainty about her marriage and her ability to fulfill the expectations placed upon her as a wife. Prem, who has grown to love Poonam sincerely, faces an enormous challenge in coping with the new reality of Poonam's physical transformation. He is initially taken aback by her disfigurement, but as he spends more time with her, he comes to understand that it is Poonam, the kind and gentle soul that he fell in love with, who is still present inside. Poonam's family, particularly her uncle and aunt, face a moral dilemma of whether to cancel the wedding due to her disfigurement. They are torn between their desire to see Poonam happy and the societal stigma attached to marrying a woman with a facial scar. Meanwhile, Poonam's younger sister Madhura, who has been watching her sibling's struggles with great concern, begins to challenge the conventional norms and expectations of their family and society. She starts questioning the idea of arranged marriages and the notion that women should sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of their family's reputation. As the story unfolds, Poonam embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. With the support of Prem, who refuses to give up on her, she learns to accept and love herself, scars and all. The film takes a nuanced and sensitive approach to the theme of physical disfigurement, highlighting the emotional impact it can have on an individual's life. Vivah ultimately becomes a romantic and uplifting tale that celebrates the true meaning of love, sacrifice, and acceptance. The film's conclusion is a poignant tribute to the transformative power of love, which has the ability to break all barriers and conquer even the most daunting challenges. Through Poonam and Prem's story, Vivah reminds us that true love knows no bounds and can conquer even the most formidable obstacles.