Indian television dramas (commonly referred to as Indian series or serials[1]) are dramatictelevision 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.
History and significant development in Indian television from 1984-2020
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 for 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."
Sudden Growth & Emerging trend during Early 2000s
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]
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.[17] 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.In 2017 inorder to expand viewership all networks are bringing noon slot and day time slot shows. Star Plus, one of the leading Hindi general entertainment channels, has reintroduced the afternoon slot[18]but ended after September 30th 2017
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.[21]
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,Parvarrish – Season 2
which explored the struggles of parents and their evolving dynamics with children.Thangamana purushan,Mamta,Swaran Ghar dealt with emotional challenges and experiences of a parent
From 2015, the Hindi television industry has been striving to create new contents due to OTT platform saturation and other foreign TV dramas & Asian dramas. Zindagi had syndicated diverse shows from various countries including Brazil, Pakistan, South Korea, Turkey and Ukraine. That was the turning point where viewers made different choices to watch shows from various countries. Presently, Na Umra Ki Seema Ho,Woh Toh Hai Albelaa,Pashminna – Dhaage Mohabbat Ke,Shaadi MubarakKyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti,Tera Mera Saath Rahe,Hamari Wali Good News are one of the different romantic shows & one of the most lovable shows on television.
TV dramas have had a significant impact on Indian society, influencing issues related to national integration, identity, globalization,[22]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.[23]
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."[24][25]
International reception
Afghanistan
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.[26]
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.[27]
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.[28]
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.[29][30][31][32]
Rab Se Sohna Isshq from Zee TV a love triangle story aired in London.[36] This was the first ever cross continental show in Indian television.The show was dubbed into English as Eternal Love and broadcast on Zee World & its sister channel Zee TV UK.[37]
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.[38] 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.[39]
Pakistan
Indian dramas have been widely popular in Pakistan, with Indian entertainment channels being extensively watched due to the mutual intelligibility between Urdu and Hindi.[40][41] However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has banned the broadcasting of Indian films and TV shows.[42] 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.[43]
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.[44] An official remarked that "Bollywood and Indian TV drama have invaded our homes".[45]
Indian TV dramas have become so popular in Pakistan that mainstream newspapers, such as the Pakistan Tribune, often feature articles about the shows.[46] Many viewers have resorted to satellite connections to enjoy uninterrupted coverage of Indian programs.[47]
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.[48]
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.[49][50]
Russia
The Indian serial Dishayen was dubbed in Russian and gained popularity in Russia in 2005.
Sri Lanka
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.'Shanti'serial which was popular during 90's was dubbed in Sinhalese and aired in Srilanka .[51]
