The Era of 90s television

Remember the days when you were patiently waiting for two consecutive days
to know what happens when Sheila’s father gets into the house only to meet eye to eye with Sheila’s lover. Or what happens when amidst celebrations Seeta receives a letter which states that the person she is about to marry is a fake the real person will arrive shortly. These are the tales of 90s when Satellite TV was yet to boom the Indian TV scenario. 

Doordarshan was our only source of information and entertainment. And yes, both these aspects were equally provided by. No one can forget Surabhi where hosts Sidharth and Renuka, or the re-runs of Byomkesh Bakshi, the nuances this detective caught always outdid his subordinate and even the audiences every time. The bespectacled detective had a solution for every problem.

  

I remember waiting for Rangoli on Sunday mornings, as a kid it used to be a task getting up early in the morning, but that was the only music show we were treated to. Though later a countdown show, a first for Indian viewers did hit the small screen, Superhit Muqabla hosted by Baba Sehgal. Obviously, there were cartoon shows, whose reruns I can still watch as a souvenir of my childhood, remember Shazam and He-man. And Indian tele-series like Malgudi Days, oh what a series, a perfect learning show for kids and also the adults, there were human values, problems and sometimes just a message as simple as being courteous. The Ekta Kapoors can’t beat it and even Rajan Shahi whose shows are much better that the Balaji scion can’t get remotely close to such a rich experience.

There were also episodics like Suno Kahaani, Mitti Ke Rang and Vikram Betal. Turning Point was a science based show, and Stone Boy was our very first brush with fantasy series, much before we met young wizard Harry Potter.

Since I am based in Mumbai, summer vacations weren’t as fun. Doordarshan aired Gaya Baya according to Delhi Schools which vacationed at least a month later than their Mumbai counterparts. Also there was Pingu, the penguin which we were treated to.

 To be Continued...