Gone are the days when DD1 was the only entertainment line for television lovers and the only medium which had kept the enjoyment of masses alive. There was hardly any other Indian channel that offered entertainment and comedy in the era.
People who have grown up watching DD are the lucky ones who have seen the golden era, something that’s irreplaceable! No matter how much humour and satire channels offer today, that Hum Paanch childhood was totally unique and most cherished!
At the same time, we also had a number of English serials which were offered by our ‘cablewala’ turned ‘dishwaale uncle’. People were also crazy for them as English industry offered spicy, horror and thrilling episodes which were are short, suspense filled, crisp and much preferred than lengthy films in the cinemas!
KHURKI asks what’d you prefer if asked to choose?
1. Hum Log or Only Fools and Horses
Indian television’s first soap opera – Hum Log!
2. Hum Paanch or Men Behaving Badly
Both the sitcoms of the era gone by, Hum Paanch and Men Behaving Badly were the best of their times!
3. Alif Laila or Absolutely Fabulous
Children like me always loved watching Alif Laila and Absolutely Fabulous was always famous for its uncensored bad behaviour and satirical humour.
4. Byomkesh Bakshi or Jonathan Creek
India’s very own Sherlock Holmes, Byomkesh Bakshi and BBC’s Jonathan Creek, both were the best drama when it came to solving mysteries using our talent and abilities.
5. Captain Vyom or Silent Witness
Kids loved the live-action of Captain Vyom and it was always interesting to see the Silent Witnesses who revealed the truth behind murders.
6. Dekh Bhai Dekh or Big Cat Diary
The Big Cat Diary showed the life of animals and that too dangerous ones, which might be one of the reasons for its good rankings.
7. Vikram Aur Betaal or The Royal Family
Vikram aur Betaal may look scary, but it taught us a lots of things and was entertaining at the same time.
8. Shaktimaan or Teletubbies
No matter how many trolls are made on Mr Shaktimaan, nobody missed it in childhood!
9. Shriman Shrimati or East Enders
How can we miss our lovely television actors of all times!
10. Zabaan Sambhal Ke or The Fast Show
The Fast Show may be a TV serial of only 30 minutes but its innovative style and presentation influenced many more serials.
11. Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne or As Time Goes By
Times were changing with liberalisation and the common Indian was able to achieve his dreams!
12. Wagle Ki Duniya or The House of Eliott
Eliott showed two sisters in 1920s London working to achieve success in the dressmaking business.
13. Flop Show or Game On
Flop Show tickled the audience at a different level. Our very own KHURKI (Jaspal Bhatti) never left any stone unturned to make people laugh.
Well, if you missed all of them or were born a little late, then it’s not your mistake…. maybe your parents can be blamed! LOL! Jokes apart, do comment below about your favourite serial.
Here’s a video of Flop Show which you’ll definitely love and another comic episode of Men Behaving Badly Season 1 from BBC.