Most Popular TV Shows of All Time in India
India has a rich television history filled with numerous iconic TV shows that have left a lasting impact on viewers. These shows range from family dramas to thrillers, comedies, and mythological series. Let’s delve into some of the most popular TV shows of all time in India, listing their release and end years, main cast, and providing detailed descriptions.
1. Mahabharat (1988-1990)
Cast:
- Mukesh Khanna as Bhishma
- Nitish Bharadwaj as Krishna
- Gajendra Chauhan as Yudhishthira
- Puneet Issar as Duryodhana
“Mahabharat” is an epic television series based on the ancient Indian Sanskrit epic of the same name. Directed by B.R. Chopra, this show aired from 1988 to 1990 and became a household name. The series narrates the story of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes. The show is known for its grand sets, elaborate costumes, and powerful dialogues that brought the epic to life.
2. Ramayan (1987-1988)
Cast:
- Arun Govil as Ram
- Deepika Chikhalia as Sita
- Sunil Lahri as Lakshman
- Arvind Trivedi as Ravan
“Ramayan,” directed by Ramanand Sagar, is another iconic series that aired from 1987 to 1988. It is based on the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, which tells the story of Lord Ram’s journey to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravan. This show became immensely popular for its devotional content, compelling storytelling, and performances by the cast. Arun Govil and Deepika Chikhalia, in particular, became synonymous with Ram and Sita.
3. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000-2008)
Cast:
- Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani
- Amar Upadhyay as Mihir Virani
- Ronit Roy as Mihir Virani (later)
- Hiten Tejwani as Karan Virani
“Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” produced by Ekta Kapoor, is one of the longest-running and most beloved soap operas in Indian television history. It aired from 2000 to 2008 and revolved around the life of Tulsi Virani, played by Smriti Irani. The show depicted the trials and tribulations of the Virani family, highlighting the dynamics between the saas (mother-in-law) and bahu (daughter-in-law). It became a trendsetter in the Indian TV industry, paving the way for many family dramas.
4. Kaun Banega Crorepati (2000-present)
Host:
- Amitabh Bachchan
“Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC) is a game show based on the British program “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” It first aired in 2000 and has been hosted by the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, with Shah Rukh Khan hosting one season. The show has garnered immense popularity for its engaging format, where contestants answer multiple-choice questions to win cash prizes. Amitabh Bachchan’s charismatic hosting has been a significant factor in the show’s success, making it a staple in Indian television.
5. CID (1998-2018)
Cast:
- Shivaji Satam as ACP Pradyuman
- Aditya Srivastava as Abhijeet
- Dayanand Shetty as Daya
- Dinesh Phadnis as Fredricks
“CID” is one of India’s longest-running TV series, airing from 1998 to 2018. It is a crime detective series following the cases solved by the CID team, led by ACP Pradyuman. The show’s unique selling point was its investigative format, thrilling storylines, and the iconic dialogues of ACP Pradyuman. Characters like Abhijeet, Daya, and Fredricks became household names, contributing to the show’s enduring popularity.
6. Balika Vadhu (2008-2016)
Cast:
- Avika Gor as Young Anandi
- Pratyusha Banerjee as Anandi
- Toral Rasputra as Anandi (later)
- Shashank Vyas as Jagya
“Balika Vadhu” is a drama series that aired from 2008 to 2016, addressing the sensitive issue of child marriage in India. The story revolves around Anandi, who is married off at a young age and her struggles and journey to womanhood. The show received critical acclaim for its social message, powerful performances, and realistic portrayal of rural India. It played a significant role in raising awareness about child marriage and its repercussions.
7. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (2008-present)
Cast:
- Dilip Joshi as Jethalal Gada
- Disha Vakani as Daya Gada
- Amit Bhatt as Champaklal Gada
- Shailesh Lodha as Taarak Mehta
“Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” is a comedy series that began airing in 2008 and continues to entertain audiences. Based on the columns of Taarak Mehta, the show focuses on the lives of the residents of Gokuldham Society. Each episode deals with social issues, everyday problems, and humorous situations, making it a favorite among viewers of all ages. The chemistry between Jethalal and Daya, along with other quirky characters, has made this show a long-running success.
8. Shaktimaan (1997-2005)
Cast:
- Mukesh Khanna as Shaktimaan/Gangadhar
- Vaishnavi Mahant as Geeta Vishwas
- Surendra Pal as Tamraj Kilvish
- Tom Alter as Dr. Jackal
“Shaktimaan” is India’s first superhero television series that aired from 1997 to 2005. Mukesh Khanna played the dual role of Shaktimaan and his alter-ego Gangadhar. The show chronicles the adventures of Shaktimaan as he fights evil and protects the world. It was immensely popular among children and became a cultural phenomenon. The catchphrase “Andhera Kayam Rahe” (May darkness prevail) by the villain Tamraj Kilvish is still remembered by fans.
9. Hum Log (1984-1985)
Cast:
- Vinod Nagpal as Basesar Ram
- Jayshree Arora as Bhagwanti
- Seema Bhargava as Badki
- Abhinav Chaturvedi as Nanhe
“Hum Log” is regarded as India’s first soap opera, which aired from 1984 to 1985. Created by P. Kumar Vasudev, the show depicted the everyday struggles of a middle-class Indian family. It addressed various social issues such as alcoholism, education, and women’s rights. The relatable characters and realistic storytelling made “Hum Log” a groundbreaking show that set the foundation for future Indian TV series.
10. Malgudi Days (1987-1988)
Cast:
- Master Manjunath as Swami
- Girish Karnad as Swami’s Father
- Vaishali Kasaravalli as Swami’s Mother
- Anant Nag as Various Characters
“Malgudi Days,” based on the works of R.K. Narayan, is a classic Indian television series that aired from 1987 to 1988. Directed by Shankar Nag, the show is set in the fictional town of Malgudi and revolves around the lives of its residents. The episodes are adaptations of Narayan’s short stories, capturing the essence of rural and small-town India. Master Manjunath’s portrayal of Swami and the simplistic yet profound narratives made “Malgudi Days” a timeless masterpiece.
11. Buniyaad (1986-1987)
Cast:
- Alok Nath as Master Haveliram
- Anita Kanwar as Lajoji
- Kanwaljit Singh as Satbir
- Kiran Juneja as Veerawali
“Buniyaad” is a historical drama series that aired from 1986 to 1987. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and Jyoti Sarup, the show is set against the backdrop of the Partition of India in 1947. It follows the lives of Master Haveliram and his family as they navigate the challenges and turmoil of the time. The show’s poignant portrayal of the human aspect of partition, coupled with strong performances, made “Buniyaad” a critical and commercial success.
12. Office Office (2001-2004)
Cast:
- Pankaj Kapur as Mussaddi Lal
- Sanjay Mishra as Shukla
- Deven Bhojani as Patel
- Hemant Pandey as Pandey
“Office Office” is a satirical comedy series that aired from 2001 to 2004. It stars Pankaj Kapur as Mussaddi Lal, a common man who constantly deals with the inefficiencies and corruption in the Indian bureaucracy. The show’s humor and sharp critique of the government offices struck a chord with the audience. Pankaj Kapur’s brilliant performance and the relatable scenarios made “Office Office” a cult favorite.
13. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai (2004-2006)
Cast:
- Satish Shah as Indravadan Sarabhai
- Ratna Pathak Shah as Maya Sarabhai
- Sumeet Raghavan as Sahil Sarabhai
- Rupali Ganguly as Monisha Sarabhai
“Sarabhai vs Sarabhai” is a sitcom that aired from 2004 to 2006 and later returned with a web series in 2017. The show revolves around the lives of an upper-class Gujarati family, the Sarabhais. The humor stems from the cultural clash between the sophisticated Maya Sarabhai and her middle-class daughter-in-law, Monisha. The witty dialogues, memorable characters, and relatable family dynamics have made “Sarabhai vs Sarabhai” a beloved show with a dedicated fanbase.
14. Dekh Bhai Dekh (1993-1994)
Cast:
- Shekhar Suman as Sameer Diwan
- Farida Jalal as Suhasini Diwan
- Navin Nischol as Balraj Diwan
- Bhavana Balsavar as Sunita Diwan
“Dekh Bhai Dekh” is a comedy series that aired from 1993 to 1994, produced by Jaya Bachchan. The show is about the Diwan family and their humorous interactions and mishaps. The ensemble cast, including Shekhar Suman, Farida Jalal, and Navin Nischol, brought the characters to life, making the series a hit. The light-hearted storytelling and family-oriented humor made “Dekh Bhai Dekh” a favorite among audiences.
15. Fauji (1989)
Cast:
- Shah Rukh Khan as Abhimanyu Rai
- Rakesh Sharma as Peter
- Vikram Chopra as Varun
- Amina Shervani as Madhu
“Fauji” is a military drama series that aired in 1989. It marked the television debut of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who played the role of Lt. Abhimanyu Rai. The show follows the training and life of a group of young army recruits. “Fauji” was well-received for its realistic portrayal of army life and the camaraderie among soldiers. Shah Rukh Khan’s performance was widely appreciated, setting the stage for his successful film career.
16. Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984-1985)
Cast:
- Shafi Inamdar as Ranjit Verma
- Swaroop Sampat as Renu Verma
- Rakesh Bedi as Raja
- Satish Shah as Various Characters
“Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi” is a sitcom that aired from 1984 to 1985. Created by Kundan Shah and Manjul Sinha, the show revolves around the daily life and misadventures of Ranjit and Renu Verma, a middle-class couple, and their quirky brother-in-law Raja. Satish Shah played various roles, adding to the comedic element of the series. The show’s relatable humor and charming characters made it a favorite among viewers
17. Alif Laila (1993-1997)
Cast:
- Shah Nawaz as King Shahryar
- Seema Kanwal as Scheherazade
- Mulraj Rajda as Aladdin
- Anu Dhawan as Jasmine
“Alif Laila” is a fantasy television series that aired from 1993 to 1997. Based on the Arabian Nights, the show narrated the tales of Scheherazade, who tells a different story each night to the king to delay her execution. The series featured popular tales like Aladdin and Sinbad the Sailor. The magical and adventurous stories captivated the audience, making “Alif Laila” a popular show during its run.
18. Bharat Ek Khoj (1988-1989)
Cast:
- Arun Govil as Ram
- Deepika Chikhalia as Sita
- Sunil Lahri as Lakshman
- Arvind Trivedi as Ravan
“Bharat Ek Khoj” is a historical drama series that aired from 1988 to 1989. Directed by Shyam Benegal, the show is based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s book “The Discovery of India.” It explores the history of India from ancient times to independence. The series is known for its meticulous research, powerful performances, and in-depth storytelling. Om Puri and Roshan Seth’s portrayals of historical figures added to the show’s authenticity and impact.
19. The Great Indian Laughter Challenge (2005-2008)
Judges:
- Shekhar Suman
- Navjot Singh Sidhu
“The Great Indian Laughter Challenge” is a stand-up comedy show that aired from 2005 to 2008. It provided a platform for aspiring comedians to showcase their talent. The show gained popularity for its humorous content and the hilarious performances of the contestants. Judges Shekhar Suman and Navjot Singh Sidhu added to the entertainment with their witty remarks and laughter. The show introduced many comedians who went on to achieve great success in their careers.
20. Shrimaan Shrimati (1994-1999)
Cast:
- Rakesh Bedi as Keshav Kulkarni
- Jatin Kanakia as Dilruba
- Archana Puran Singh as Prema Shalini
- Reema Lagoo as Kokila Kulkarni
“Shrimaan Shrimati” is a sitcom that aired from 1994 to 1999. The show revolves around two couples, Keshav and Kokila Kulkarni, and their neighbors Dilruba and Prema Shalini. The humorous situations arise from Keshav’s infatuation with Prema and Dilruba’s interest in Kokila. The witty dialogues and comic timing of the cast made “Shrimaan Shrimati” a beloved show, known for its light-hearted and entertaining content.
These TV shows have not only entertained but also left an indelible mark on Indian television history. From mythological epics to family dramas, comedies, and social issues, these shows have covered a wide range of genres, reflecting the diverse tastes of Indian audiences. The legacy of these iconic shows continues to influence modern television, proving that great storytelling and memorable characters stand the test of time.
