12 Small Screen Shows That Changed The Face Of Indian Television In A Big Way

Anil Kapoor’s 24, the adaptation of the American TV series with the same name, had been touted as a game-changer in the Indian television space. It had a popular first season and is currently on its way to the second. But it was not the first time when Indian TV got a significant makeover. Over the years, we had been watching serials and soaps that entertained, amused, surprised and even shocked the audience. Here’s a look.

1. Hum Log
Shown on the Doordarshan in 1984, this series marked the beginning of the television revolution in India while viewers had their first taste of soap. It lasted 156 episodes and several characters, including Basesar Ram, Bhagwanti, Nanhe, Badki, Majhli, Chutki, Lalloo and Imarti Dadi, became household names.

2. Ramayan
Those who were born in the 80s could well believe it when we say that the streets became empty on Sundays at 9.30 am as it was the time to watch the Ramayan. Starring Arun Govil as Ram, Deepti Chikhalia as Sita and Dara Singh as Hanuman, Ramayan is the world’s most viewed mythological series.

3. Dekh Bhai Dekh
If Hum Log mirrored the middle class Indian family, Dekh Bhai Dekh, produced by Jaya Bachchan, told the story of a rich, modern but loving joint family. It was one of the popular sitcoms, aired on Doordarshan’s GEC, DD Metro. Starting in 1993, the show ran successfully for 4 years.

4. Flop Show
Stand-up comedy and comic shows are the rage today. But this show never failed to minister a regular dose of laughter to its audience. It was written and directed by the legendary satirical comedian, late Jaspal Bhatti, who also played the lead role. Flop Show was, ironically, a big hit.

5. Swabhimaan
Directed by Mahesh Bhatt and scripted by Shobha De, this show introduced the viewers to the world of complex relationships, infidelity, power, property entanglements and what not. It was the first show to complete 500 episodes in a span of 2 years.

6. Meri Awaz Suno
Those who stay glued to their seats to watch talent hunts like India’s Got Talent, Indian Idol, Voice of India and more, would be glad to know that it was a show on Doordarshan, called Meri Awaz Suno, which had helped discover the extremely talented Sunidhi Chauhan. The show was hosted by Annu Kapoor and judged by Lata Mangeshkar.

7. Zee Horror Show
Those who swear by the thrill of horror will remember the spine-chilling Zee Horror Show, which brought all things uncanny bang into our drawing rooms. Presented by the Ramsay Brothers, it was one of the most popular shows of the 90s.

8. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (KSBKBT)
The longest running show in the history of Indian television, KSBKBT introduced us to the glorious Gujarati family – Virani. It was the story of Tulsi and her endeavours to become an ideal wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and grandmother-in-law. Due to its domestic connect, it was the No. 1 show even in its eighth year.

9. Kaun Banega Crorepati
In the new millennium, mega star Amitabh Bachchan became a part of your everyday life with Kaun Banega Crorepati. Based on the UK game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, this one started in 2005 and recently completed the 7th season. This show changed lives of many with big cash prizes.

10. Bigg Boss
While the real life of common man had already come under the scanner with talent hunt shows like Boogie Woogie and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, it was the time to get up, close and personal with your fav stars. And Bigg Boss, based on Bigg Brother, did just that. A show that gave a sneak peek into the real life of stars was an instant hit among the viewers.

11. Satyamev Jayate
When his counterparts were busy throwing mental and physical challenges at the audiences, Mr Perfectionist, Aamir Khan, thought of striking an emotional chord. With his talk show, Satyamev Jayate, he highlighted sensitive social issues of the country. He cried, smiled and hoped for a better India and so did his audience. The show is all set for its second season to go live in March 2014.

12. Comedy Nights with Kapil
He was a nonentity in Bollywood. But little did stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma know that one day he would be hosting one of the most watched chat shows. The popularity of the show can be gauged by the fact that even mega stars like Shah Rukh and Salman Khan can’t skip promoting their movies on the show. Indeed a game changer!