Never Have I Ever, the popular Netflix drama, features a wide array of characters, including both flawed individuals like Devi Viswakumar and those who serve as her constant supporters and guides. Among these characters, Devi’s mother, Nalini, takes on the crucial role of shielding and supporting her daughter through various challenges. Throughout the series, their relationship experiences ups and downs, ultimately leading to personal growth and mutual understanding. Let’s delve into the evolution of these characters and how they positively impacted both Devi and Nalini.
Spoilers Ahead
How Did Devi Grow Up to Be A Mature Woman?
Devi Viswakumar, the problematic protagonist of the show, faced numerous challenges while striving to fit in and shed the label of being a nerd throughout her school life. She desired academic success while also seeking attention from boys. In her pursuit, she made a series of reckless decisions that embarrassed her and lowered her self-esteem. One such example was approaching her high school crush, Paxton, to inquire about a casual physical relationship. Though Devi occasionally displayed boldness, her actions often caused trouble and stemmed from her difficulty controlling her emotions. This struggle was rooted in the traumatic experience of witnessing her father’s death, which left her momentarily paralyzed with shock.
Despite recovering, she continued to bear the pain of her loss, as her father used to be the pillar of support in her life. Devi tried to come to terms with the fact that her mother, Nalini, would be her sole guardian, but Nalini’s overprotectiveness became a source of concern. They engaged in heated arguments, occasionally veering into sentimental territory. However, over time, they managed to resolve their differences. Nalini learned to give Devi more space, and Devi gained insight into her mother’s challenges in a male-dominated world. Devi underwent significant personal growth, particularly in Season 4, becoming a more focused and composed version of herself with a mature mindset. She shifted her attention from relationship dramas to preparing for college. Devi no longer compromised her self-worth for boys, valuing her friends and family more. She contemplated her high school connections with Paxton, Ben, and Ethan but without compromising her self-respect.
Even the mature Devi, who had previously been possessive of her mother and her dating life, volunteered to bring her mother and Margot’s father together. Recognizing that she wouldn’t always be at home, she reconciled with Margot so that she would allow her father to be with Nalini. However, academic excellence wasn’t an easy journey for Devi. She faced multiple deferrals and waitlists from her dream university, Princeton. Despite growing frustrated and weary, her therapist, Jamie Ryan’s words, inspired her to accept the rejection. Jamie’s kind and influential words also helped Devi rediscover her determination. She realized that she was not the kind of person to give up on her dreams, no matter what life had in store. Devi wrote an essay chronicling her evolution from a grieving daughter to a strong and self-accepting woman, highlighting her growth in all areas of life and relationships. Her eloquent essay impressed the Princeton faculty, granting her the golden opportunity to enroll at the university. Devi’s dreams came true, and she also found fulfillment in her desire to be with Ben. Although how things would unravel at Princeton remained uncertain, Devi’s achievements marked the perfect conclusion to her story.
Why Did Nalini Change Her Attitude Toward Her Daughter?
As human beings, every person needs to evolve, regardless of their purpose in life. The character development of both Devi and Nalini, as daughters and mothers, was necessary. Nalini used to be an overprotective mother who, in her efforts to safeguard her daughter, sometimes restricted her freedom. After the passing of Nalini’s husband, Mohan, she became increasingly strict with Devi. Her natural instinct as an Indian parent compelled her to shield her daughter from any potential troubles. However, over time, Nalini realized the generation gap and understood that she couldn’t treat her daughter the same way she had been treated in her own childhood.
Children in the United States generally have a different upbringing than those who live in India. Traditional Indian parenting is more protective and concerned with their child’s overall well-being. Academic accomplishment and job success are frequently prioritized by Indian parents above other elements of a teenager’s life. Therefore, with her traditional outlook on life, a typical Indian mother like Nalini unwittingly became a source of discouragement for Devi in this scenario.
Furthermore, the cultural differences between Indian and American upbringings led to misunderstandings and disputes. Devi’s yearning for personal independence and autonomy clashed with her mother’s expectations and customs. But Nalini never meant for her daughter to hate her for these differences. Witnessing the struggles and mental anguish Devi went through, Nalini became more empathetic toward her daughter. Gradually, she became a safe haven where Devi could seek comfort and solace. The differences between the mother-daughter duo diminished, and they grew more accepting and supportive of each other. Although it was heartbreaking for Nalini to bid farewell to her daughter, she knew that Devi had tremendous potential to make them proud. Therefore, she allowed her daughter to step out of her comfort zone at home and embark on a new journey at Princeton.
Final Words
Devi and Nalini’s characters from Never Have I Ever experience substantial growth and development throughout the narrative. Devi finally learns to prioritize her own self-worth and personal development rather than seeking validation from others. She becomes more mature, calm, and focused as she turns her attention back to her studies and the relationships that are most important to her. Similarly, Nalini, who is presented as an overbearing mother, too undergoes a change. She is aware of the necessity of modifying her parenting approach to fit the cultural norms of the United States. Nalini transforms into a tolerant and helpful person who provides her daughter with the time and opportunity to develop her personality and make her own choices. This beautiful portrayal of the mother-daughter duo in Never Have I Ever highlights the importance of self-discovery, understanding, and unconditional support within a family dynamic.
