Wikipedia

Indian television drama

(Redirected from Indian serial)
Not to be confused with Bollywood.

Indian television dramas (commonly referred to as Indian series or serials[1]) are dramatic television programs written, produced, and filmed in India, featuring Indian actors in the lead roles, with episodes broadcast on Indian television.[2]

India's first television drama, titled Hum Log (Hindi), aired from 1984 to 1985,[3] and concluded with 154 episodes. Ekta Kapoor's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000–08) became the first Indian television drama to surpass 1,000 episodes. The show entered the Limca Book of Records and completed its run with 1,833 episodes.[4] The Marathi series Char Divas Sasuche (2001–13) was the first Indian series to cross both 2,000 and 3,000 episodes, also making it into the Limca Book of Records, concluding with 3,200 episodes. The Telugu series Abhishekam (2008–22) became the first Indian series to reach 4,000 episodes, ending its run on 1 February 2022.[5] The television drama Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (2009–present), with over 4,500 episodes, is the longest-running Hindi TV show in India, as well as the longest-running soap opera, having aired for 15 years as of 2024.

Indian series are produced in nearly all major languages spoken in India, though many incorporate a mix of the predominant regional language and English. These dramas are also broadcast in other parts of South Asia, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Western Europe, Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, North America, Latin America, North Africa, Southeast Africa, and francophone Africa.[6][7]

History

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India's first television drama, Hum Log, aired in 1984–85 and concluded with 154 episodes.[8] At the time of its conclusion, it was the longest-running serial in Indian television history. Hum Log garnered a massive audience of 60 million viewers, with each episode running about 25 minutes, and the series finale extending to approximately 55 minutes.[9] Notably, at the end of each episode, veteran Hindi film actor Ashok Kumar engaged with the audience, discussing the ongoing story and situations through Hindi couplets and limericks. In later episodes, he introduced the actors portraying the characters and concluded his monologues with Indian language versions of the words "Hum Log."

In 2002, StarPlus broadcast the period drama TV miniseries Asoka, based on the 2001 film of the same name, with a limited run of five episodes.[10][11] Another adaptation was Seeta Aur Geeta, an Indian television drama series that aired on NDTV Imagine and was based on the popular Bollywood film of the same name (1972), written by Salim–Javed.[12][13][14][15][16]

Biographical dramas based on historical figures also became popular, with notable examples such as Chanakya, Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan, Veer Shivaji, Jhansi Ki Rani, Chittod Ki Rani Padmini Ka Johur, Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Rudramadevi bringing Indian history to life through television.

Comic dramas Hum paanch,Hum Saath Aath Hai,Tu Tu Main Main,Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani ,Khushiyan,Malini Iyer,Shararat,Kabhi Saas Kabhi Bahu,Kadvee Khattee Meethi,Hari Mirchi Lal Mirchi,FIR,Soni Mahiwal,Baa Bahoo Aur Baby,Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale,Chintu Chinki Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story,Jeannie Aur Juju,Sumit Sambhal Lega,Chidiya Ghar,TV Biwi Aur Main,Sajan Re Phir Jhooth Mat Bolo,Maddam Sir were successful comic dramas.Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah are famous sitcoms & one of the longest-running television series in India.Sarabhai vs Sarabhai,Khichdi ,Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey sitcoms continue to be one of the best sitcoms in India.

Crime dramas also became a staple of Indian television. C.I.D. (1998–2018) followed a team of detectives from the Crime Investigation Department in Mumbai and became the longest-running crime TV series in India, spanning 20 years. Another popular series, Adaalat (2010–16), revolved around a defense lawyer Advocate K. D. Pathak, played by Ronit Roy. Other notable crime and thriller series include Suraag – The Clue, Jasoos Vijay, Special Squad, Left Right Left, Chhoona Hai Aasmaan, Monica Mogre – Case Files, Adaalat, C.I.D., 24, CIF, Bhaukaal, Adrishyam – The Invisible Heroes and Code M.

Romantic-revenge and suspense series also gained attraction, with Ek Hasina Thi and Beyhadh being among the most well-known examples in this genre.

Serials addressing societal issues, such as child marriage, gender inequality, and dowry, include Balika Vadhu (focused on child marriage),Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo (exploring gender discrimination), Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar ( dealing with societal prejudice), Bidaai (highlighting skin color bias), Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann (centered on women's empowerment), and Dahhej (addressing the dowry system). [17]

The Indian mythological drama Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev achieved a record-breaking TRP of 8.2 for a single episode, marking it as one of the highest-rated shows in its genre.[citation needed]

Porus, a historical drama based on the life of the Indian king Porus, premiered on Sony Entertainment Television on 27 November 2017 and concluded on 13 November 2018. It is currently the most expensive show in Indian television history, with a budget exceeding 500 crores.[18]

Daytime dramas, including noon slots and prime-time retelecasts during daytime, were highly popular throughout the 2000s to 2010s. Best shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii,Kasautii Zindagi Kay, Kaahin Kissii Roz, Kahiin to Hoga, Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki, Kkusum, Nadhaswaram,Waaris, Dishayen,Roja Kootam, Ganga Kii Dheej, Kolangal,Metti Oli, Aanandham,Doli Saja Ke,Chithi,Behenein, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya,Maayka,Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?,Kasamh Se and Banoo Main Teri Dulhann were immensely popular and maintained a strong viewership.

Noon slot dramas gained particular prominence in the mid-2000s, with shows like Meri Doli Tere Angana, Hamari Devrani, Chotti Bahu,Kasak ,Adhikaar: Ek Kasam Ek Tapasya, Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, Woh Hue Na Hamare, Diya Aur Baati Hum, Bhabhi, Kesar, Karam Apnaa Apnaa, Rakhi – Atoot Rishtey Ki Dor, Gharana,Stree Teri Kahani enjoyed as much success as prime-time shows. It was also common for prime-time shows to be retelecast during the afternoon slot, further boosting their popularity.

Weekdays shows were made during early 2000's as more different serials were launched.Kehta Hai Dil,Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand,Meher, Dil se door Dil ke paas,Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar,Sanjivani, Devi were the most hit shows of 2000's.

In mid 2000 Romantic serials were started to made instead of regular family dramas.Kya Mast Hai Life,Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi,Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai,Tere liye,Dill Mill Gayye,Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin,Teri Meri Love Stories,Bade Achhe Lagte Hain,Ye Meri Life Hai,Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag,Meri Awaz Ko Mil Gayi Roshni,Miley Jab Hum Tum,Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar,Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani,Kutumb,Pavitra Rishta, were one of the successful serials which broke the stereotype and were well received a mix of reactions from viewers.

During the late 2010s, the popularity of daytime dramas and noon slot dramas gradually declined, and today, there are no daytime dramas on any mainstream channels.[19] Currently, the four major networks that air prime time television dramas with a nationwide following are Colors TV, Star Plus, Sony Entertainment Television, Sun TV, and Zee TV.

After the mid-2000s, the themes of Indian TV series began to shift, with a stronger focus on women-centric shows. Popular series such as Choti Maa: Ek Anokha Bandhan, Jeete Hain Jiske Liye, Sujata, Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan, Karishma – The Miracles Of Destiny, Main Banoongi Miss India, Kolangal, Kucchh Pal Saath Tumhara, Yathumagi Nindrai, Amber Dhara, Hello Pratibha, Maddam Sir, Corporate Sarpanch, Appnapan – Badalte Rishton Ka Bandhan, Anupamaa, Ladies Special, Dheere Dheere Se, Main Hoon Aparajita, Thendral, Sevvanthi, Dhadkan Zindaggi Kii, Ethirneechal gained popularity for their portrayal of strong female protagonists.

Viraasat,Kehta Hai Dil ,Chellamma,Manshaa,Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti,Bepannah,Woh Apna Sa,Hitler Didi,Shaadi Mubarak,Durgesh Nandinii,Saraswati chandra,Khwabon Ke Darmiyan were popular dramatic serials were well appreciated from viewers for strong screenplay & stellar performances.

Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?,Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi,Thodi Khushi Thode Gham,Kuchh Is Tara,Office,Nisha Aur Uske Cousins,Dosti... Yaariyan... Manmarziyan,Bade Bhaiyya Ki Dulhania,Aek Chabhi Hai Padoss Mein,Tera Mera Saath Rahe had mixed combination of romance, drama, and light comedy which had good impact from viewers.

In addition to these, a few tele-series were created with a focus on parenthood and the complexities of parent-child relationships, such as Basera, Thalattu, Tera Yaar Hoon Main, Sautela, Santaan, Laut Aao Trisha, Mere Papa Hero Hiralal, Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi which explored the struggles of parents and their evolving dynamics with children.

Social impact

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See also: Socio-economic issues in India

TV dramas have had a significant impact on Indian society, influencing issues related to national integration, identity, globalization,[20] women, ethics, and social issues in rural areas.[18] The first Indian television drama series, Hum Log, originally began as a family planning program but quickly shifted its focus to entertainment. Despite this, it continued to incorporate pro-development messages, serving as a model for utilizing television serials as an "edutainment" method—a practice that has been adopted by countries around the world.[21]

A 2007 study examining the introduction of cable television in rural India revealed that it led to "significant decreases in the reported acceptability of domestic violence towards women and son preference, as well as increases in women's autonomy and decreases in fertility." The study also provided "suggestive evidence that exposure to cable television increases school enrollment for younger children, possibly through the increased participation of women in household decision-making."[22][23]

International reception

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Afghanistan

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Indian soap operas gained immense popularity in Afghanistan during the 2000s, building on the pre-existing popularity of Bollywood cinema in the region. In 2006, a Reuters article highlighted the airing of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, dubbed into Dari, captivating a broad audience.[24]

Men, women, young, and old—anyone with access to television—became enthralled by the family drama.

According to reports, during the war in Afghanistan, armed militants may have even paused their fighting to watch Indian dramas.[25]

However, the strong popularity of Indian dramas faced opposition from conservative hardliners who viewed them as a threat to the country's religious and national values. In response to conservative pressure, the government of Hamid Karzai ordered broadcasters to cease airing Indian dramas in April 2008. Broadcasters, however, refused to comply, arguing that the order violated the country's media law.[26]

Afghanistan’s first homemade television drama serial, Palwasha, produced by Aina Afghan Media, began airing on November 25, 2007. Though shot in Kabul and in Dari, the series was directed by an Indian director, with several key contributors hailing from India. Additionally, the main character was portrayed by Indian actress Sonal Udeshi.[27][28][29][30]

Brazil

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Caminho das Índias India: A Love Story,[31] a popular Brazilian soap opera, was themed around Indian culture and became widely popular in Brazil.[32]

Dubai

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Khwaish, which aired on Sony Entertainment Television and ARY Digital, became a hit show in Dubai in 2007. In 2016, due to high audience interest, A-Plus TV dubbed the popular romantic Hindi Colors TV serial Jeevan Sathi - Humsafar Zindagi Ke into Urdu, further increasing its appeal.

Indonesia

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Indian TV dramas such as Uttaran and Balika Vadhu performed well in Indonesia, where they were dubbed in Indonesian and aired multiple times until their conclusions. Saath Nibhaana Saathiya was also popular and was dubbed under the title Gopi (after the main character). It aired from 15 September 2016 to 19 April 2017 and was rebroadcast from 2021 to 2022, with the Indonesian version reaching 600 episodes. Other serials like Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Ishq Mein Marjawan, Kumkum Bhagya (in Indonesian under the title Lonceng Cinta), Anupamaa, Imlie, Naagin, and Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka also achieved good TRP ratings in Indonesia. Additionally, Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi and Woh Apna Sa were dubbed in Indonesian, following the success of their original Hindi versions.[33]

Ivory Coast and Senegal

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Vaidehi – Ek Aur Agni Pareeksha gained significant popularity in Ivory Coast and Senegal. In 2010, due to high demand, the serial was dubbed into Arabic for broader viewership.

Nepal

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In the mid-2000s, Indian dramas such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kasautii Zindagi Kay gained massive popularity in Nepal, attracting large audiences.[34] This surge in popularity led to the production of more Nepali serials, such as Sindur, Maiti, and Ghat Pratighat, which were created to cater to the growing viewership.[35]

Pakistan

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Indian dramas have been widely popular in Pakistan, with Indian entertainment channels being extensively watched due to the mutual intelligibility between Urdu and Hindi.[36][37] However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has banned the broadcasting of Indian films and TV shows.[38] Despite this, the BBC reported that many cable television operators in Pakistan continue to violate the ban, airing Indian television serials due to their high demand. Indian TV shows make up nearly 60% of all foreign programs broadcast in Pakistan.[39]

In June 2006, Pakistani comedian Rauf Lala won the Indian comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, but Pakistanis could not follow the show as it was not allowed to air in Pakistan.[40] An official remarked that "Bollywood and Indian TV drama have invaded our homes".[41]

Indian TV dramas have become so popular in Pakistan that mainstream newspapers, such as the Pakistan Tribune, often feature articles about the shows.[42] Many viewers have resorted to satellite connections to enjoy uninterrupted coverage of Indian programs.[43]

Despite the historical anti-Indian sentiment in Pakistan and the fact that the two countries have fought four wars over a span of about 50 years, Indian TV shows and Bollywood have led to a shift in perception, with many ordinary Pakistanis viewing India and Indians more favorably. Indian tourists visiting Pakistan have noted that people tend to be particularly friendly when they discover that the visitor is from India.[44]

On October 27, 2018, the Supreme Court of Pakistan reinstated the ban on Indian content on local channels. Channels such as Filmazia and Urdu1 subsequently shut down Indian content for a period.[45][46]

Russia

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The Indian serial Dishayen was dubbed in Russian and gained popularity in Russia in 2005.

Sri Lanka

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The Hindi serials Yeh Hai Mohabbatein and Kasautii Zindagii Kay were dubbed in Sinhala and received a great response in Sri Lanka. Another popular show, Kindurangana, which was a remake of the Hindi serial Kasamh Se, also garnered a positive reception from Sri Lankan audiences.

Other countries

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The series The Iron Handed Phantom – Mayavi was dubbed in Mandarin and Korean,[47][48] and also aired in Europe and Australia.[49] Additionally, several popular Colors TV dramas, such as Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, Balika Vadhu, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Chandrakanta, Udaan, Naagin, Shakti, Ishq Mein Marjawan and Bepannah, were dubbed in Thai to cater to viewers in Thailand and other key South Asian markets.[50]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Indian TV Serial or Korean Drama: What Does an Indian Viewer Prefer?". Sakshipost. 4 May 2023. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024.
  2. ^ Pak-Hind Ka Swag, Book 5 "Culture, Technology and fun", chapter 16 "soap opera, Serials and films"
  3. ^ "SOAP OPERAS CAST A SPELL OVER INDIA". The New York Times. 21 August 1985.
  4. ^ Saas Bahu and the End
  5. ^ Shekhar, G. C. (6 September 2018). "More Spellbinding Soap Gathas". Outlook. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  6. ^ Geeta Pandey. "BBC - Culture - Indian soap operas : Family affairs". BBC Culture.
  7. ^ "India Marginalized in Myanmar". 20 July 2013.
  8. ^ Kohli, Vanita (14 June 2006). The Indian Media Business. SAGE Publications. pp. 1–. ISBN 9780761934691. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  9. ^ Gokulsing, K. Moti (2004). Soft-soaping India: The World of Indian Television Soap Operas. Trentham Books. pp. 32–. ISBN 9781858563213. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  10. ^ "Keep date with Asoka". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 February 2018.
  11. ^ "indya.com - Asoka". Archived from the original on 14 April 2003. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
  12. ^ Pereira, Priyanka (8 June 2009). "Lookalike". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  13. ^ "Seeta Aur Geeta to be back". Hindustan Times. 30 December 2008.
  14. ^ "Seeta Aur Geeta hit home - DELI - The Hindu". The Hindu. 29 May 2009.
  15. ^ "'Seeta Aur Geeta' a TV show". Daily News and Analysis.
  16. ^ "The two in one girl". The Telegraph.
  17. ^ "2,000 episodes on, 'Balika Vadhu' still questions societal norms". business-standard.com.
  18. ^ Mathur, Abhimanyu. "India's most expensive TV show has bigger budget than Animal, Dunki, Fighter combined, no star; compared to Baahubali". dnaindia.com. DNA India. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  19. ^ "Star Dopahar to call it a day, all shows to end on September 30". Indian Express. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
  20. ^ Gokulsing, K. (2004). Soft-Soaping India: The World of Indian Televised Soap Operas. Trentham Books, UK. ISBN 1-85856-321-6. p. 105.
  21. ^ Aggarwal, Vir Bala; Gupta, V. S. (1 January 2001). Handbook of Journalism and Mass Communication. Concept Publishing Company. pp. 208–. ISBN 9788170228806. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  22. ^ Jensen, Robert & Oster, Emily Oster (August 2007). "The Power of TV: Cable Television and Women's Status in India." Quarterly Journal of Economics, MIT Press. Vol. 124(3) pp. 1057-1094.
  23. ^ Munshi, Shoma (2010). Prime Time Soap Operas on Indian Television. Routledge, New Delhi. ISBN 978-0-415-55377-3. pp. 200.
  24. ^ "Indian soap opera mesmerises Afghanistan".
  25. ^ "India's influential soft power in Afghanistan: Giving edge over Pakistan".
  26. ^ "Indian soap operas stir outrage in Afghanistan". Reuters. 17 April 2008.
  27. ^ "Kabul TV airs first Afghan commercial serial made by Indians" (PDF). India Review. December 2007.
  28. ^ Sinha, Neha (19 November 2007). "Starting this week on Kabul TV: First Afghan serial, made by Indians". The Indian Express.
  29. ^ Padukone, Chaitanya (19 November 2013). "Tales from Kabul". DNA India.
  30. ^ Thompson, Teresa L. (18 April 2014). Encyclopedia of Health Communication. SAGE Publications. ISBN 9781483346410.
  31. ^ "Meet Maya and Bahuan, the protagonists of Caminho Das Indias (India's Way), a Braziliantelevision show". www.hindustantimes.com. 18 August 2006. Retrieved 19 July 2009.
  32. ^ "The Indian soap opera that's taken Brazil by storm". Rediff.com. 18 August 2006. Retrieved 25 June 2009.
  33. ^ "Sony TV's popular show 'Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi' set to air in Indonesia". timesofindia.indiatimes.com/. 23 August 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  34. ^ "Indian serials drawing big crowds in Nepal". zeenews.india.com. 17 January 2003.
  35. ^ "After 17 years, Pragya is making teleserial Sindoor again". newsofglobal.com. 1 August 2023.
  36. ^ Chander Mohan Jindal. "My Experiences of Lahore and Pakistan Railway". irastimes.org. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012.
  37. ^ "Pakistani women love India's 'saas-bahu' sagas – The Express Tribune". Tribune.com.pk. 11 November 2010. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  38. ^ "Indian TV Channels Banned in Pakistan". Pakistan Defence. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  39. ^ "BBC NEWS - South Asia - Pakistan allows Indian TV shows". News.bbc.co.uk. 18 August 2006. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  40. ^ "BBC NEWS - South Asia - Pakistani comic's Indian joy". News.bbc.co.uk. 27 June 2006. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  41. ^ "BBC NEWS - Entertainment - Pakistan confirms Bollywood ban". News.bbc.co.uk. 15 June 2005. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  42. ^ "10 things I hate about Indian soaps". Tribune.com.pk. 15 January 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  43. ^ Rob Crilly in Islamabad (3 October 2010). "Pakistanis snap up Satellite dishes for Indian soaps". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  44. ^ "Serial Lovers - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 April 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  45. ^ "Pakistan bans Indian TV channels". BBC News. 27 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  46. ^ Baloch, Shafi (27 October 2018). "SC reinstates ban on airing of Indian content on TV channels". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  47. ^ "Mayavi" wins Jury Special Award in South Korea for Seoul Drama Award for Excellence in Tv drama". www.thehindu.com. Retrieved 3 October 2007.
  48. ^ "Mayavi Tamil 3 D serial to be dubbed in Mandarin and Korean". domain-b.com. Retrieved 7 September 2007.
  49. ^ "GV Films Mayavi has attracted keen interest from some of the Asian, European and Australian Television channels to telecast Mayavi in their respective languages or with English sub-titles". exchange4media.com. Retrieved 7 September 2007.
  50. ^ "Viacom18 library dubbed in Thai to viewers in Thailand and other key south Asian markets". livemint.com. Retrieved 12 December 2018.
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