RETURN OF THE MATRIARCH

The saas bahu saga has for long dominated the Indian soap opera industry.

- NAMRATA KOHLI

And not without reason, as women have hardly been each other's supporters, leave alone cheerleaders. The mother-in-law had almost become the monster-in-law in desi K-dramas but like everything changes, her role is slowly but surely getting redefined—not just in reel space but also in real space.

It's the era of return of the matriarch and the joint family system with the mother-in-law being considered a key figure who makes a house a home.

And the evidence is everywhere, especially in affluent India. There are enough examples of three generations staying together. The second generation in the late 30s or 40s—the busiest lot battling their mid-life crisis plus job, kids, parents—are mostly in responsible positions in their careers, have all the money and no time. The children are also more full of activity today than ever. It's the grandparents who, as they say, are in their "bonus" years and have tremendous experience to fill in every role from being a guide to the gatekeeper and everything in between.