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Special Days
Celebrating the Longest-Running Indian TV Shows on Independence Day 2023
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Let's go on a journey this Independence Day—a journey back in time. Let's take a journey down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable Indian fiction shows, reality shows, and infotainment TV shows that have graced our screens and left a lasting impression on our hearts. These unforgettable television programmes are not only a reminder of the good old days but also play an important role in showcasing the rich history and progression of the Indian television industry.
These shows aren't only precious to us because they filled our afternoons and nights with magic; they're valuable because they played a major role in shaping the Indian television industry. In their own unique ways, every one of these shows moved the needle forward, setting new standards and trends for others to follow.
So, let's tune in to those memories and celebrate these iconic Indian TV shows that have become a part of our lives and continue to engage millions across our nation.
The Indian television business has a lot of non-fiction series that have fascinated people for years. Nonfiction shows range from game shows and talent shows to chat shows and reality shows. Here are some of the longest-running non-fiction TV series that have made an impression on the Indian audience:
Debuting in 1967 on DD National, Krishi Darshan is perhaps one of the oldest-running television programmes in India. Aimed at providing real value to the agricultural community, it became synonymous with the rural viewer's daily routine. The show's simple yet informative content, revolving around agricultural practises, government schemes, and the weather forecast, ensured that it has remained a staple even today.
Total Episodes: 16,000+.
Doordarshan, India's national channel, aired the talk show Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan from 1972 until 1993. It is a name that brings to mind an age when interviews with famous people in the film industry were extremely uncommon. It was recognised for its funny acts and interviews with a lighthearted tone and was hosted by the energetic Tabassum. It stayed on the air for nearly twenty years and entertained families.
Total Episodes: N/A.
Nostalgia would be an understatement when describing Chitrahaar. Aired in 1982, this unforgettable programme was a weekly show that showcased song sequences from Bollywood films. For many, Chitrahaar was a delicious experience, serving a balanced meal of soulful melodies and foot-tapping numbers. Chitrahaar means a garland of pictures.
Total Episodes: 12,000.
The first episode of Rangoli was broadcast in 1988, and the show gained significant popularity in the 1990s. Almost immediately, Rangoli hit a connection with music-loving Indians. Known for its elegant presentation and for bringing a diverse range of Hindi film songs spanning various eras setup in an hour-long show, Rangoli was a weekly Sunday treat for the whole family.
Total Episodes: 11,500.
Antakshari was a popular Indian musical game show that aired on Zee TV for over a decade, starting in 1993. Hosted by Annu Kapoor and Pallavi Joshi during its most popular years, the show was a televised version of the traditional Indian game of Antakshari, a common pastime during social gatherings in India.
Total Episodes: 720.
Premiering in 1993, Aap Ki Adalat is a staple of Indian television, hosted by renowned journalist Rajat Sharma. The show features prominent personalities who are interviewed with hard-hitting questions in a courtroom-style setting. Aap Ki Adalat has upheld its unique format and reputation, clocking up an incredible 25+ years on the air.
Moreover, one of the secret ingredients behind the enduring popularity of Aap Ki Adalat is the astounding list of guests gracing the show. They come from diverse niches, including politics, Bollywood, cricket, and more. Some of the noteworthy guests are:
The Prime Minister of India has made multiple appearances on the show, delving deep into his political journey and agenda.
Known as the King of Bollywood, SRK’s episodes on the show, discussing his life, work, and stardom, have been truly entertaining.
The God of Cricket opened up about his illustrious cricketing career and life beyond the game on the show.
Renowned for her outspoken nature, Kangana's appearance on the show brought forth her journey in the Bollywood industry and stirred up many lingering discussions.
Total Episodes: N/A.
A popular reality TV series from Zee TV, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, was first broadcast in 1995. The show was a significant departure from the usual drama-soaked serials and quickly became a platform that celebrated talent from all corners of India.
The music industry has been blessed with the presence of several talented playback singers because of the show. Among the galaxy of stars that Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has produced, here are a few who have made important contributions to the music industry:
One of the most recognised names in the Indian music industry, Shreya Ghoshal's journey began with her victory in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in 2000. Her melodious voice and versatility have since catapulted her to success, making her one of the most sought-after playback singers in Bollywood and other regional film industries.
He took part in the show when Sonu Nigam served as the host. Kunal Ganjawala went on to become a popular name in Bollywood music. Known for his soulful voice, Kunal has lent his voice to some iconic songs in Indian cinema.
Winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar in 2010, Kamal Khan has left distinct impressions in the Punjabi music industry. He has also done playback singing for several Bollywood films.
Now an accomplished music composer and part of the famous music duo Vishal-Shekhar, Shekhar's journey in music began with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, where he was a contestant in 1997.
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa show continues to entertain us with breathtaking performances.
Total Episodes: 1,568.
Kaun Banega Crorepati, commonly known as KBC, is a highly significant game show that holds an important place in the world of Indian Television. Based on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, with Amitabh Bachchan as the iconic host, this show has mesmerised audiences with its life-changing prizes and engaging questions.
Total Episodes: 1,027.
Launched in the year 2004, Indian Idol stands strong as one of the most adored singing reality shows in India. Drawing inspiration from the global series Pop Idol, Indian Idol has been a game-changer in the Indian television industry.
The central premise of Indian Idol lies in its mission to uncover the undiscovered singing talents scattered all around India. Over its multiple seasons, the show has successfully launched numerous unknown faces into the limelight, turning them into household names and accomplished singers. Some noteworthy mentions include:
The winner of the first season, Abhijeet Sawant, set the stage for an exciting journey ahead. He continued his successful stint in music with several albums and playback singing opportunities in Bollywood.
The winner of the third season, Prashant, a constable from Kolkata Police, won hearts with his soulful voice. He went on to release multiple music albums in Hindi and Nepali.
The champion of Indian Idol Season 5, Sreerama, made his mark in the South Indian Film Industry as a successful playback singer. Subhanallah, one of his best-known songs from the Bollywood film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, is still among his most recognisable songs.
One of the noteworthy contestants of Season 2, Neha Kakkar is a celebrated name in the Indian music industry today, with several chartbusters to her credit. She also returned to the show in later seasons as a judge.
Total Episodes: 317.
MasterChef India, an adaptation of the original British television cooking game show, MasterChef, first premiered on StarPlus in 2010. This competitive cooking show has quickly become not only one of the most-watched but also one of the longest-running and most beloved Indian television shows.
One factor that contributes to the longevity of MasterChef India is its relatable and compelling content. The show showcases Indians' collective love for food and highlights the intricate diversities of Indian cuisine.
Total Episodes: 296.
Those were among the most popular and longest-running non-fiction Indian television shows. Let's move on to the fiction shows. The Indian television business is well-known for producing timeless serials. These fiction shows with gripping narratives, relatable characters, and important cultural narratives have managed to retain viewer interest over many years, sometimes even decades.
CID (Criminal Investigation Department) debuted in 1998 and enjoyed a massive fan following over its 20-year span, making it one of the longest-running Indian crime investigation series. The show followed a team of dedicated crime-fighting professionals who solved intricate cases and unravelled mysteries. Its unique episodic storytelling approach, coupled with memorable characters, helped cement CID in Indian television history.
Total Episodes: 1,547.
Crime Patrol is an initiator in the true-crime genre, which first hit the Indian small screens in 2003. The show aims to create awareness about crime in society by showing real-life criminal incidents. In its nearly two-decade run, Crime Patrol has garnered immense popularity and maintained a steadfast commitment to showcasing the harsh realities of crime and its consequences.
Total Episodes: 1,966.
Arguably the mother of all Indian television dramas, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is a classic family drama that unfolded over 1833 episodes. Produced by the famed Balaji Telefilms, this show not only dictated prime-time viewership but also shaped the soap opera trend in the Indian Television industry.
Smriti Irani, who played the role of Tulsi Virani, the ideal daughter-in-law and a strong woman, became a household name across India. Amar Upadhyay portrayed the character of Mihir Virani, Tulsi's husband, and gained significant recognition. Ronit Roy, who stepped into the shoes of Mihir in the later parts of the show, further solidified his status as a top-notch actor.
Hiten Tejwani brought Karan Virani, the adopted son of Mihir and Tulsi, to life. He did such a good job that he became a big name in the television business, acting in many shows and taking part in well-known reality shows. Lastly, Gauri Pradhan Tejwani's convincing performance as Nandini Virani, Tulsi's sister-in-law and Karan's love interest, brought her a lot of attention and led to many roles in other famous TV shows. Gauri also ended up marrying her co-star, Hiten Tejwani, and they are now one of television's most beloved real-life couples.
Total Episodes: 1,833.
Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii was another successful Indian soap opera aptly positioned among Ekta Kapoor's hit shows that aired on StarPlus from 2000 to 2008.
The leading role of Parvati Agarwal, a perfect daughter-in-law and wife, was beautifully played by Sakshi Tanwar, earning her significant acclaim and recognition. Kiran Karmarkar played the role of Om Agarwal, Parvati's husband, delivering a performance that made him a familiar face in Indian households. A strong supporting cast, including Ali Asgar as Kamal Agarwal, Shweta Kawatra and later Achint Kaur as the villain Pallavi, and Anup Soni as Suyash Mehra, all made a mark with their exceptional performances.
With a blend of social issues and family melodrama, the casting of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii resonated strongly with the audience, and it became an integral part of India's daily television schedule for eight long years.
Total Episodes: 1,661.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, a popular Indian television soap opera, has been airing on StarPlus since 2009 and is the longest-running television soap opera in India. The show initially focused on the characters Akshara (Hina Khan) and Naitik Singhania (Karan Mehra), with their chemistry and portrayal of daily trials and triumphs earning them household recognition.
After the leads' exit, the story transitioned to focus on the characters of Naira (Shivangi Joshi) and Kartik Goenka (Mohsin Khan), who held centre stage with their splendid performances. Notable actors such as Swati Chitnis, Vishal Singh, Parul Chauhan, Rishi Dev, Jay Soni, Paras Priyadarshan, Abeer Singh Godhwani, and Shambhavi Singh have given strong supporting performances.
The latest leads are played by Pranali Rathod and Harshad Chopda. Singer and former music therapist at Birla Hospital and Medical Institute, Akshara 'Akshu' Goenka Sharma (Pranali) is the daughter of Naira and Kartik. Dr Abhimanyu 'Abhi' Birla (Harshad Chopda), a surgeon at Birla Hospital and Medical Institute, son of Manjari and Harshvardhan, is the ex-husband of Akshu.
The story's seamless transition, along with the skilled performances of the cast, have ensured the show's continued popularity among its audience.
Total Episodes: 4,096.
TMKOC is one of India's longest-running sitcoms, airing on Sab TV since 2008, that has an ensemble cast, each member of which has become a household name due to their distinctive characters. Dilip Joshi, as the sarcastic and lovable Jethalal Gada; Disha Vakani, as his innocent and comic wife Daya; and Shailesh Lodha / Sachin Shroff, as the ever-sensible Taarak Mehta, are the main characters around whom the plot revolves.
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah cast also includes, Tipendra ‘Tapu’ Jethalal Gada (Nitish Bhaluni), Champaklal Jayantilal Gada (Amit Bhatt), Anjali Taarak Mehta (Neha Mehta), Krishnan Subramaniam Iyer (Tanuj Mahashabde), Babita Krishnan Iyer (Munmun Dutta), Madhavi 'Madhu' Aatmaram Bhide (Sonalika Joshi), Aatmaram Tukaram Bhide (Mandar Chandwadkar), Sonu (Palak Sindhwani), Patrakaar Popatlal (Shyam Pathak), Gogi (Samay Shah), Goli (Kush Shah), and Komal 'Komu' Hansraj Hathi (Ambika Ranjankar), and Dr Hansraj Baldevraj Hathi (Nirmal Soni), among others.
It has been on the air longer than any other daily Indian sitcom. Over the course of a decade, the show's excellent character-based performances, showcasing an exciting variety, have kept viewers entertained and invested.
Total Episodes: 3,848.
Wrapping Up
As we celebrate Independence Day, these shows hold a mirror to our evolving society and cultural changes while also reminding us of the stories that connect us all. They've played a crucial part in Indian Television history, and on this day, it's fitting to celebrate their contribution as a part of our Independence Day reflections.
Let's express gratitude for the independence enjoyed by our country and its creative industry, and remember to treasure the stories told on our screens, which resonate with our lives and help us navigate our own personal and social landscapes. Happy Independence Day!
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