World Television Day: Revisit four Indian television shows that were ahead of their time

From ‘Udaan’ to ‘Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon’, these  narratives led by empowered women broke new ground  

The era when Doordarshan dominated millions of households feels distant in today’s content-rich OTT age. However, a nostalgic journey through those days reveals a golden chapter in television history that continues to hold a special place in many hearts. Doordarshan’s quality programming during the 1980s and 1990s remains unforgettable, offering a mix of education, entertainment, and cultural richness. Iconic shows like ‘Bharat Ek Khoj,’ a historical drama based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s ‘The Discovery of India’, R K Narayan’s ‘Malgudi Days’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling provided unlimited entertainment to a generation that equated Doordarshan with television itself.

Doordarshan was not just about entertainment but was a platform for impactful storytelling. Many of its serials went beyond mere soap operas, addressing critical societal issues such as gender equality and providing age-appropriate, informative content. These shows set benchmarks for meaningful narratives on private channels like Star Plus after 2000, blending cultural education with social reform.

Every year, the United Nations World Television Forum celebrates World Television Day to recognise TV’s role in fostering dialogue, transparency, and mutual understanding among nations. This year, let us revisit some of India’s most memorable television programmes that not only evoke nostalgia but also highlight the transformative impact of television on an entire generation.

 Shanti

In an era dominated by films celebrating masculinity, ‘Shanti’, the landmark Doordarshan serial that premiered in 1994, stood out as a must-watch for Indian audiences. Directed by Adi Pocha and featuring Mandira Bedi in the titular role, the series tackled the journey of a woman journalist as she investigated a gender crime perpetrated by a powerful man.  Spanning an impressive 780 episodes, it remains one of Asia’s longest-running soap operas. The narrative follows Shanti, whose courage leads her into the dark secrets of an influential family.  The show encouraged women across generations to see a part of themselves in Shanti who  became a symbol of empowerment, leaving an enduring legacy in Indian television history.

Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon

‘Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon’ is a pioneering three-season series that redefined edutainment in Indian television. Created by the Population Foundation of India (PFI), in association with the National Adolescent Health Programme and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the series boldly addresses topics such as family planning, adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) and social issues like domestic violence and child marriage.

The story revolves around Dr Sneha Mathur, a Mumbai-based doctor who returns to her village, Pratappur, and becomes entangled in a series of complex familial and societal challenges. Her journey, marked by emotional struggles and personal triumphs, highlights the balance between professional aspirations and societal responsibilities. Directed by Feroz Abbas Khan and featuring Vaibhavi Hankare, Meinal Vaishnav, Dadhey Pandey, Neelima, and Vikrant Rai, the series offers a perfect blend of engaging storytelling and social awareness. It is rated as one of the most impactful televised serials of all time and is available on YouTube.

Rajani

Headlined by Priya Tendulkar, Basu Chatterjee’s 1985 show ‘Rajani’ introduced to Doordarshan’s audience, a citizen activist for the first time. Rajani bravely took on corruption in government offices, questioned laxity of public servants as well the sorry state of public utilities. Rajani was a home maker but showed that every Indian should speak up when faced by injustice. Despite limited budget and production constraints, the no-nonsense Rajani embodied women empowerment and highlighted the importance of staying informed and confronting societal wrongs without fear.

Udaan

Inspired by the true story of her sister IPS officer Kanchan Choudhary Bhattacharya, writer and director Kavita Chaudhary made ‘Udaan,’ one of the most uplifting narratives on the small screen. Chaudhary also played the lead role of Kalyani Singh who rises from  adversity to reach to dizzying success as an idealistic IPS officer. This groundbreaking series  aired on Doordarshan from 1989 to 1991 and set a benchmark for women led shows. It highlighted the struggles and triumphs of women in a patriarchal society, serving as a major source of inspiration for many girls to pursue careers and leadership roles traditionally reserved for men.Also featuring Shekhar Kapur, Uttara Baokar and Vikram Gokhale, the series was aired weekly, with a total of 30 episodes.

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