Free from the clutters of reality shows and nonsensical plots, the 90s witnessed the golden era of the Indian television. Doordarshan ruled the roost and cable television introduced to the households. Rather than daily soaps and 24-hour telecasts, weekly schedules would keep us excited for our favourite shows. I can recall how this scenario would leave plenty of time for the kids to enjoy the gully games as well (the decade enjoyed the limited presence of video games and internet, and there were no mobile phones).
Down the memory lane, I feel nostalgic reliving the memories of some of the best TV shows of the era. My busy schedule could not stop me from compiling this list; the kids of ’90s would relate.
Shaka Laka Boom Boom
Every kid dreams of a magical wand to turn his or her fantasies into reality. Sanju discovers one in the form of a magic pencil that would bring anything it draws into life. While Sanju adored for never misusing the power, many other talented child actors would make the turn of events engaging. What followed was the flood of magic pencil merchandise that extensively allured the school-going kids.
Small Wonder
A robot V.I.C.I. Turns into a lovable daughter ‘Vicki’ for its engineer and his family! The bizarre plot of Small Wonder was the source of great excitement and loads of laughs. It was an outstanding fun to watch the family’s constant efforts to hide the secret and their disagreeing neighbours’ mission to unveil the truth. Imitating Vicki’s attempt to display human behaviour while interacting in the robotic tone was what our gang of friends loved doing.
Hum Paanch
The woes of Anand Mathur, a father to five trouble-inviting daughters, ironically left the viewers split into laughter. The feminist Meenakshi, the nerdy Radhika, the brainless beauty Sweety, the tomboy Kajal and the gossip-queen Chhoti and their break-free antics made Hum Paanch one of the most remembered Indian television shows. My personal favourite was Anand’s interaction with the portrait of his dead wife. Nothing crazier attracted me after the show ended.
Office Office
The sitcom was at its satirical and sarcastic best, highlighting the problems a common man in India faces at the hands of the corrupt officials in various government and private departments. Mussadilal, played by the veteran Pankaj Kapoor, is one perfect character in the history of Indian TV. Winner of multiple awards, the show garnered limelight based on witty one-liners and superbly edited episodes.
Vikram Aur Betaal
King Vikramaditya takes up the responsibility to retrieve a corpse who turns out to be the ghost Betaal. What follows is the cycle of the king forcibly carrying Betaal on his shoulder, the latter narrating a story on the way and deceivingly returning to its abode (a tree) when the king concludes the story’s moral at the end. One of the best television shows which aimed to convey amazing social messages to the kids through 25 stories.
Shaktimaan
For a kid, superheroes were a real charm. When the darkness strengthened to destroy the world, a superhero was born to fight the evil – Shaktimaan. The 1998’s TV show was a super hit and was one of the most popular television series aired on Doordarshan channel. The supreme powers of Shaktimaan not only amazed the kids like me but also appealed to the adults, who I remember, used to stick to the television to watch the TV series. The inspiration was so impressive that costumes, books, and stickers of Shaktimaan gained immense popularity. I remember fighting kids of my age adorning the famous Shaktimaan costume at fancy dress competition in school those days.
Boogie Woogie
Perhaps the first-of-its-kind live dance reality shows during the ‘90s that was a perfect blend of humour, glamour, and dance. It was a must-watch TV series for kids at that time, whether they had a passion for dance or not. Even I was an avid audience of Boogie Woogie. The humour presented by Ravi Behl, Javed Jaffrey, and Naved Jaffrey and mind-blowing dance presentations kept me hooked on to the programme. The television series, especially the kids’ dance competition, became so popular that it continued to rule the TV screen till 2014.
Mahabharat
This epic story is perhaps one of the oldest series on Indian television. I still remember how eagerly we used to wait for Mahabharat to be aired on Doordarshan channel every day. The thrill of “Main Samay hoon” engulfed our senses as we impatiently awaited the episode to begin and bring us a new story every day. After all, we used to listen to stories of Mahabharat from our grandparents that we couldn’t wait to watch it on the television screen. The TV series was so glamorous and every character so well portrayed! I must say, I miss our ‘90s Mahabharat even today.
Chandrakanta
The beautiful and heart-twisting tale of eternal love between Virendra Vikram Singh (Prince of Naugarh) and Chandrakanta (Princess of Vijaygarh) engulfed our mind during our teenage period. One of the most popular television series during the 1990s, Chandrakanta was also a big-time favourite among kids because of its action, drama, and effects of black magic. We still address a “naughty” person with thick eyebrows as Kroor Singh, the villain in the series. What an impact, I must say!
These famous TV serials are what we have grown up. From love to morality, from brotherhood to power of good over evil, these Indian television shows have made us laugh and cry at the same time. Whenever I get a glimpse of these best television shows, I feel nostalgic. And I am sure even you are dying to watch these eternal TV programs. So, what are you waiting? Go on and watch the best kids’ TV shows ever!
Have something to add? Share it in the comments.