Hindi films are struggling at the box office, multiplex attendance may be yo-yo, OTT platforms may grow and shrink, but television serials are not going out of fashion. They have become an inseparable part of people’s lives.
With ‘Taarak Mehta’ completing over 3,500 episodes – and it is still not the longest-running show – and ‘Kyunki Saash Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, which saw a revival on Star Plus, Smriti Irani’s With lives and careers changed, we list our five most enduring drawing room mates.
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Running since 28 July 2008)
The longest-running show has completed over 3,520 episodes and its gags show no signs of flagging. The iconic serial is a popular family comedy that raises awareness on social issues with a lot of laughter. It is based on Gujarati writer Taarak Janubhai Mehta’s weekly column ‘Duniya Ne Uncha Chashma’. Its early cast included Dilip Joshi as Jethalal, Disha Vakani as Daya Jethalal Gada, better known as Daya Ben, and Shailesh Lodha as the show’s narrator Taarak Mehta, who recently quit.
From dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic to dedicating an episode to rising lemon prices, the success of the show largely depends on its close relationship with the Indian society, which it depicts through its story and its characters. .
The story of the show revolves around the members of the Gokuldham Society, who come from different backgrounds – the runners of the show describe it as ‘Mini India’.
Producer and writer of the show Asit Kumar Modi told IANS, “It’s not just a show but an emotion. Creating a show that appeals to the audience every day is like a battle. When we started in 2008, there was only Facebook. But now there is a lot of competition due to OTT and various social media platforms.
“In such a scenario, retaining the audience is not an easy task. But I have to do it and I managed to do it. I always try to make my audience laugh, despite the fact that many actors have left the show. I have to make sure the show continues with new ideas and stories.”
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (running since January 12, 2009)
The long-running show is holding its own since January 12, 2009, which was earlier Hina Khan, Karan Mehra, Shivangi Joshi and Mohsin Khan are in its cast. From October 2021, it has moved into the third generation of its story with new faces, including Pranali Rathod and Harshad Chopra, even as the famous pairing of Naira and Kartik (Shivangi and Mohsin) told the daily soap. Said goodbye
The show has now completed 3,792 (and counting!) episodes and producer Rajan Shahi shared how hard it is to keep the audience’s interest alive for so long.
He added: “It talks about the relationships of different family members, so people of all age groups are connected to the show. Another reason is that we haven’t come under pressure to do a theatrical track for TRPs. And there was always a long-term story in mind.”
Shahi said that what really works for the show is that its look, feel, grandeur and presentation have remained the same since its inception.
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“I think it’s always had a very deep family connection,” Shahi explained. “Right now, I would say we have a trilogy. Initially, the show was about Akshara-Naitik for eight years and then it was six for Kartik-Naira, and now we have a new couple. New love story The audience is reunited as it talks about the journey of a young couple who are in love and then they decide to get married. I think we have always decided to innovate and take bold steps. has done.”
Kumkum Bhagya (running since April 15, 2014)
Ekta R Kapoor’s ‘Kumkum Bhagya’, based on Jane Austen’s old novel ‘Sense and Sensibility’, debuted from 2014 to 2021 with Sriti Jha and Shabbir Ahluwalia as lead roles. Today, the story has passed on to the next generation with Mugdha. Chapekar and Krishna Kaul are in lead roles.
In fact, the story that started with the married life of Pragya (Sriti) and Abhi (Shabbir) and their children has now reached another level and new characters have become prominent. Nevertheless, the show remains an audience favorite and its director Shahnawaz Khan said that the main reason for its enduring popularity is its relatable story.
He explained in conversation with IANS: “I believe the story is interesting and relatable, which is why we have managed to complete over 2,174 episodes. I personally watch the show, and every time When I see it, I feel proud and amazed. Each character has evolved so much and has created a unique relationship with one and all in the last eight years. The characters of ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ are really very strong and expressive, And he has taught the audience a lot of life lessons.”
Bhabi ji is at home! (running since March 2, 2015)
The show has tickled the weird bone of the audience with its witty and gripping plot, which revolves around two couples, namely Mishra and Tiwari, both husbands attracted to each other’s wives. And they do everything possible to attract the attention of the neighbor’s spouse.
Produced by Binafer Kohli under the banner Edit II Productions, it premiered on March 2, 2015 and completed 1,854 episodes. The story as well as its characters Asif Sheikh as Vibhuti Narayan Mishra, Rohitash Gaur as Manmohan Tiwari, Shubhangi Atre as Angoori Bhabhi and Saumya Tandon as Anita Vibhuti Narayan Mishra are extremely popular among fans.
Binaifer told IANS that he is happy that his show has been able to make people laugh over the years. “The love and support that the audience has given to our show can be overwhelming,” he added. “We’re so happy to be able to live up to their expectations. We have a strong team full of creativity and fresh ideas. Keeping up with the times, keeping it clean and family-oriented, and fun – these are the ways to go.” There are elements that keep the audience’s interest alive.”
Looking ahead, she said: “In fact, in recent years, it’s been a little sad and a little scary because of Covid, and there are shows that keep everyone happy. ‘Bhabi Ji’ has been running since 2015 and it It’s hard to keep the comedy and the track alive. We work hard to top it.”
Kundali Bhagya (running since 12 July 2017)
After the success of ‘Kumkum Bhagya’, its spin-off series, ‘Kundali Bhagya’ has completed 1,286 episodes and its cast includes Shraddha Arya, Manit Joura, Ruhi Chaturvedi, Sanjay Gagnani and Shakti Arora among the stars of the television universe. has changed.
In an interaction with IANS, director Anil V. Kumar reviewed the success of the show and said that in a television show, the audience connects with the characters from day to day. They watch their development and relate the day-to-day lives of the characters. Which is why they keep coming back every day to see how their favorites have progressed.
Kumar said, “The more relatable the characters and their journey, the more people are attached to a serial and come back every day to watch it.” “When viewers see situations they may have encountered or can relate to in their lives, their interest continues to grow along the journey.”