10 Indian Talk Shows That Hooked The Audience

From Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan, India’s first television talk show hosted by Tabassum, to the latest Satyamev Jayate, this genre of TV programme has come a long way and spanned a variety of topics. As the second season of Satyamev Jayate, hosted by Aamir Khan, gains momentum, let us take a look at some of the most popular Indian chat shows that simply wowed the audience.

1. Rendezvous with Simi Garewal
When the showbiz woman in sparkling white invited the Bollywood aces, it was an offer too tempting to resist. On the show, Simi dared to delve deep into their personal space and explore the secret nooks. While hearty talks and happy smiles largely ruled the show, the vulnerable side of the guests melted our hearts.

2. Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai
Hosted by late actor Farooq Sheikh, this was yet another much-loved talk show where the audience got the chance to take a sneak peek into the real life of popular Bollywood stars as the host interviewed them, their families and friends. The first season was aired on TV in 2002 but due to its immense popularity, the second season came up in 2006.

3. We the People
Hosted by ace journalist Barkha Dutt, We the People is a debate show on current affairs. Not only politics but anything that needs public attention gets addressed on this show. Depending on the topic of discussion, 6-8 panellists are invited – ranging from politicians and academicians to celebrities and social workers. Anyone who can add value to the chosen topic can be a part of the panel. The show has won quite a few awards including The Best Talk Show and Barkha has won the title of Most Intelligent TV Host.

4. Comedy Nights with Kapil (CNWK)
When the likes of Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan want to promote their films on a show, it is obvious that the show is soaring high on popularity charts. CNWK has become one of the highest rated shows in non-fiction category in just six months since it has been aired on TV. Kapil Sharma opens the show with a comic skit, following which he interviews the stars who have come to promote their movies. Even the audience gets to interact with their fav stars here and that’s another plus.

5. Koffee with Karan
Here is India’s most watched celebrity chat show, currently running its fourth season. Hosted by producer-director Karan Johar, the show started in 2004 and became an instant hit, thanks to the juiciest gossip that the stars doled out on the show. While the audience eagerly waits for the show, celebrities feel they have ‘arrived in Bollywood’ after gracing the coveted couch. The show has churned out many a controversy due to its no-holds-barred format where stars talk their hearts out.

6. Movers & Shakers
Long before the Kapil Sharmas and Krushna Abhisheks took over stand-up comedy in India, Shekhar Suman was busy tickling our funny bones in his path-breaking talk show, Movers & Shakers. During the show, he made fun of almost anyone – right from the top politicians of India to the biggest Bollywood stars. The comedy session was followed by a quick chat with a celebrity. The first season was aired in 1997.

7. Seedhi Baat
Another highly watched chat show on the Indian Telly, Seedhi Baat was initially hosted by Prabhu Chawla. The man was famous for inviting guests on his show and grilling them with his straight-to-the-point questions, hence the title Seedhi Baat. Chawla won many awards for hosting the show but post his resignation, M.J. Akbar took over.

8. On the Couch with Koel
If Karan invites the aces of Bollywood to his couch, Koel Purie extended the privilege to anyone who is making headlines and appeals to her and her generation of viewers. An interview-based show, On the Couch with Koel has had celebrities, young politicians, cricketers, socialites, business heads and even spiritual gurus on the guest list.

9. The First Ladies
It was not as popular as the other shows mentioned here, but we totally loved it. This one was a different kind of chat show where the designer duo of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla indulged in a hearty tête-à-tête with celebrity wives. From Jaya Bachchan to Nita Ambani and Tanya Deol to Adhuna Akhtar, the sophisticated show had quite an impressive guest list!

10. Satyamev Jayate
Hosted by Aamir Khan, this chat show throws light on sensitive social issues such as child molestation, female foeticide, dowry, rape, medical malpractice and more. The first season premiered on May 6, 2012, and Season 2 is being aired now. Satyamev Jayate has hooked the masses by addressing critical issues that directly impact their lives.

Image: Indiatimes