Web Series: Masaba Masaba Season 2

Cast: Neena Gupta, Masaba Gupta, Neil Bhoopalam, Rytasha Rathore, Ram Kapoor, Kusha Kapila, Kareema Barry, Barkha Singh, Armaan Khera

Director: Sonam Nair

OTT: Netflix

Rating: 3 Moons

Masaba Gupta has rightfully been the child of fashion. After being hailed as the 'princess', she is now here to claim the spot of the king. Two years and one series later, Masaba is back with her mother Neena Gupta on Netflix with the second season of her show, Masaba Masaba. While the first season was more like a dramatized insight into her personal and professional life, the latest one focuses more on the drama that's happening in her private space. 

The new season begins with Masaba's nightmare where she imagines herself in an operation theatre giving birth to a child; Kartik Aaryan is the doctor. As soon as the bubble bursts, she considers taking a pregnancy test, without informing her mother, the veteran actress Neena Gupta who has her own battle to fight with ageism and passion for her craft. 

Failing to attract buyers and struggling to survive in the competitive world in presence of new entrants, Masaba has to reinvent herself and go big. Hereon, she decides to keep herself updated and in vogue forever by venturing into bridal and wedding-worthy outfits. With the help of her newly hired manager, Nicole (Kusha Kapila), Masaba gets a big client for her first bridal project. While Masaba has different challenges to deal with, her constant support is Dhairya (Neil Bhoopalam), her business partner turned love interest. 

On the other hand, Neena, who is often told by trolls and netizens to 'retire', (unofficially) announces the plan to revive her show originally co-starring her ex-flame Shekhar Mirza (Ram Kapoor). The excitement among fans is at its peak, not for the show but for her equation with Shekhar. As the mother-daughter duo pave their way to success, fame and self-respect, they have to deal with personal loss, rekindling of love, the importance of self-confidence, competition and much more. 

What I liked about Masaba Masaba season 1 was the unfiltered, real yet slightly dramatic approach towards the fashion designer and her actress' mother's lives. Somewhere that honesty is missing in the second season. Those who found the earlier one frivolous might find more serious content in the current season. 

The highlight of Masaba Masaba season 2 is the way director Sonam has dealt with important issues like the loss of a dear one, addressing mental health struggles, reviving your glorious career and the dominance of men in the film industry. While there is an eagerness to learn more about Masaba's real-life affairs and personal issues, the series seems to not get anywhere closer to it despite the title being Masaba Masaba. If you look at every episode, not each one of them is memorable. Do watch out for Masaba's scene with Rytasha Rathore and the episode where the news of her mentor Wendell Rodricks' death is announced. It stays back with you as it comes from the designer's personal space. Oh, did I miss out on mentioning what a lovely performance Neena gave while explaining the term mansplaining? QUEEN! 

The sunshine of Masaba Masaba season 2 is Neena Gupta. Without overshadowing her co-stars, she leaves behind an indelible mark as the senior-most person on board. She is effortless as ever. Masaba is the soul of the show. She carries it ably on her shoulders. Neil Bhoopalam is endearing and instantly likeable as Dhairya. Rytasha Rathore, Ram Kapoor, Kusha Kapila, Kareema Barry, Barkha Singh and Armaan Khera do justice to their roles. 

The novelty of Masaba Masaba was Masaba, the actress, and a closer look at her lesser-known but 'hot mess' life. That goes absent in the second season. Nonetheless, it is a show meant to provide light-hearted entertainment. If gossips and love life stories interest you, here's what you have for the weekend! 

PeepingMoon.com gives Masaba Masaba season 2 3 Moons