Little Things: A Window into Changing Attitudes Towards Living Relationships in India

The Little Things series has captured the hearts of audiences with its honest and relatable portrayal of a modern couple's life in Mumbai. One of the most striking aspects of the show is its nuanced depiction of a couple in a living relationship, a topic that is still considered taboo in many parts of Indian society. In this story, we will take a closer look at how the Little Things series reflects changing attitudes towards living relationships in India. We will explore the historical and cultural factors that have shaped these attitudes, as well as the challenges that couples in living relationships still face. From the stigma associated with pre-marital cohabitation to the legal hurdles involved in securing property and inheritance rights, we will examine the complex landscape of living relationships in India today. Through the lens of the Little Things series, we will gain insights into how Indian society is evolving, and the role that popular culture can play in shaping public discourse on important social issues.

Dhruv and Kavya depart from each other to pursue their goals and begin a long-distance phase in their relationship; Source: leisurebyte.com

The web series "Little Things" takes us through the captivating story of Dhruv and Kavya, a couple living together in the city of Mumbai. The well-written story by Dhruv Sehgal, who is also the lead male hero, narrates the ups and downs and the growing love and maturity of this young couple encapsulated in four seasons as they move from their early twenties to their thirties. The show focuses on the necessity of small gestures and moments in maintaining a healthy relationship. "I feel like if you keep the small things in check, the big things fall into place," said Mithila Palkar, who played Kavya in the show. Though the series has received an overwhelming response from the young audience, it has also sparked controversy due to the portrayal of an unmarried couple living together, which is a major taboo in Indian society.

The stigma regarding living relationships in our country dates back to medieval times, dating back to the marriage patterns in which women had full authority to choose their husbands out of a group of men, a practice known as Swayamvara. This has been famously depicted in the Hindu epic Ramayana, where Princess Sita chooses Lord Rama through such a ceremony. However, later traditional texts like Manusmriti focused on the necessity for marriage, family life, and the need for the establishment of a patriarchal structure within the household where the woman would remain subordinate to the man. As centuries passed, the system of marriage patterns has evolved. In the Mughal era, we see women and men getting mutual respect within a marital structure. In modern times, there is an evolution in the form of marriages, and we can find love marriages, inter-caste marriages, and same-sex marriages gaining acceptance.

Despite all the transformations within society in terms of marital patterns, love marriages still face challenges. As Swara Bhaskar points out in her TEDx talk, "There is a prevalent mentality in our country that living together before marriage is wrong, that it is against our culture." Popular culture has further perpetuated negative attitudes towards living relationships with movies like "Salaam Namaste" (2005) and "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" (2006), which show the couple living in such a setup being treated with contempt by society.

However, there is a change in attitude towards living relationships, especially among young couples living in metro cities. In a recent survey conducted by Hindustan Times, almost 70% of Indians between the ages of 18 and 25 support living relationships. Despite this, the majority of the population still does not accept such relationships and considers them a threat to family structures. Couples who engage in them are often viewed as immoral or sinful. As depicted in one episode of the series, Dhruv's mother refuses to accept their relationship, stating, "I don't like the idea of you living with a girl who's not your wife." This attitude makes it difficult for many couples in such relationships to express themselves or understand each other better.

Despite the challenges faced by living relationships, it is important to understand that they can provide a strong foundation that will eventually help the relationship flourish in the long run. Just as Dhruv and Kavya realize, it is the little things in a relationship that matters, such as supporting each other's dreams and sharing all the moments of life.

Therefore, popular culture must take an active role in portraying diverse forms of intimate relationships, including living relationships, in a positive and respectful light to society. This would help to foster understanding among not just younger generations but also the elderly on this important issue. The flexibility of living relationships provides couples with an opportunity to navigate challenges such as work-life balance and long-distance relationships in the fast-paced world we live in today. As Alia Bhatt has stated, "If two people love each other, they should be able to be together without judgment. Love is love, no matter what form it takes."

In conclusion, Little Things provides a refreshing and realistic portrayal of modern relationships in India. However, the stigma surrounding living relationships persists, and it may take time for people to fully accept this concept. Popular culture can act as a double-edged sword, perpetuating stereotypes or challenging them. Ultimately, it is upon society as a whole to embrace diversity and accept all forms of love and relationships. The decision to engage in a living relationship should be left to individuals, as it is their right, if they are at an appropriate age, to choose the form of relationship they want.