The coronavirus lockdown period has brought some of the much-loved series from the past back on the telly. And the popularity of these shows seems to be intact if one has to go by the fact that Ramayan and Mahabharat are trending on IMDb list too.
In the '80s and '90s, when television was the only entertainment option besides of course movies, many content-driven shows were produced and telecast. Some of them managed to bring the entire family and even neighbourhood in some pockets, together for the viewing experience. Old-timers feel that was the golden era of Indian television.
We asked some of the current TV actors as well as common viewers which shows would they like to be back on TV. Here they go.
"There are some wonderful shows that I have grown up watching and performing in, which influenced me as a performer and as a person. I feel blessed to have been part of the television industry during its golden days, in the late '90s and early 2000s -- with shows like Rishtey and Star Bestsellers - which were completely story-centric. As opposed to the TRP-centric storyline we have today, back then, every story was spun and told beautifully, with performances that moved the soul. How I wish we could bring back these shows but also to remake them. I miss being a part of that wondrous era in Indian television."
- Amrita Prakash
"I would again like to see Dekh Bhai Dekh and Fauji. I have heard so much about these shows that I want to watch them."
- Mohsin Khan
"Re-telecasting Ramayan and Mahabharat is a very good thing because people won't step out of their homes when these shows are on. We should target villages as well as towns. Villagers will be more connected to Ramayan and Mahabharat kind of shows. At the same time, in urban areas, the audience will connect with shows like Tamas, Buniyaad, Byomkesh Bakshi. These serials were very famous during the' 80s/'90s. Even shows like Mr Yogi, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Rajni should be re-telecast."
- Rohitashv Gour
"I used to religiously finish all my homework before time so that I could happily spend my Sunday mornings watching my favourite classic animated superhero character - HE-MAN and the Masters of the Universe. I wish it is re-telecast on TV."
- Ssharad Malhotra
"I would like to see Malgudi Days because I have heard amazing things about the show. I have also read a couple of stories, and I really wish it's telecast again for me to learn more about it. I liked RK Narayan's writing."
- Rishina Kandhari
"Watching Ramayan has taken me back to my childhood days. I don't remember much of the show except for Ram, Ravan and Sita and Dashrathji. It was so nice to see the show today. We were all sitting and watching it together at home. I am looking forward to seeing Circus as well. I want to see Shah Rukh Khan, how he was back then. I think they should re-telecast Banegi Apni Baat too, as it was one of those wonderful shows."
- Parull Chaudhry
"I want Hum Paanch, Grihlaxmi ka Jinn, the entire season of He-Man and Giant Robot to come back on TV. I have a long list actually. Just Mohabbat, Shankar Jai Kishan are at the top of that. I know the re-telecast will find a lot more audience."
- Kettan Singh
"I would love to see shows like Hum log, Yeh jo hai Zindagi, Malgudi days, Mungeri Lal ke Haseen Sapney, Kyon Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi on air again. We used to watch these shows with our entire family, and the beauty was that everyone used to find the time to be able to do so!"
- Amit Sarin
"I love Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Nukkad, Fauji because these are part of my childhood memories. I hope they come back on screen. I can't wait to watch them again."
- Vikas Sethi