Ever since I started to understand things, one thing I have become to addicted to is watching T.V. From the good old days of Doordarshan to the recentglam-sham-saas-bahu-reality-crap shows, television has entertained and will continue to entertain millions of people. Selecting only 10 serials out of the pool of serials is indeed a daunting task, but then I figured out one simple way of doing the same. I chose my favs.so here’s the list:
F.R.I.E.N.D.S: For more than eight seasons the F.R.I.E.N.D’s friends have entertained us. One can easily identify with all the six amazingly drafted characters of this show. Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Chandler, Ross and Joey not only represent the hep-shep generation but have also made people across the globe cry and laugh with them. Actress Jennifer Aniston(Rachel Green of the show) recently said that she thinks that FRIENDS have run one year too long. But I think she is wrong because the show is getting so popular that people have demanded a spin-off after the series ends. The spin-off would be about Joey.my fav character from the show.
Surabhi: It’s really a pity that a cultural programme like Surabhi is no longer aired. I remember that my entire family would wait anxiously a whole week for the next episode of Surabhi. At one point of time this show got a whopping 1 lakh letters from its audiences. That record still remains unbroken I guess. Surabhi enjoyed a successful run of over 6 years on DD during which it not only entertained but also threw light on some India’s lesser known cultures and traditions. And ho who can forget the’Sawal-Jawab’ section? I used to send them the answers almost every week but alas didn’t win. Doesn’t matter, it still remains my fav show.
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa: The older as well as the newer version are immenesly popular. Thanks largely to such a novice idea of talent search, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has produced some great singers. As an artist myself, I think that providing a platform for the young singing talent of the country is not only a wonderful idea but encouraging enough for these young singers to take up singing as a profession. Otherwise art and money would remain antithesis forever.
Small Wonder: This evergreen show broadcasted by 20th Century Fox is the one I like the best. It’s about V.I.C.I the robot and the LAwson family. Ted Lawson is the creator of this android and the Lawsons have adopted the human-like robot as their own child. The show is very funny and in one word can be described as the’cutest’ show ever. I have watched all the episodes first in English and then in Hindi and know what? I never get bored of it. I like Small Wonder so much that I have already written a review on it. Do check that out!
Whose line is it anyways: This one hosted by the king of comedies Drew Carry has four guests, each of them a comedian in their own right.When these incredibly talented actors are given weird tasks and are required to come up with audacious jokes impromptu, we get an extremely funny and hilarious show. I like it best when the stars(Ryan, Colin and Wayne) crack jokes on Drew himself. Also the prop round and the one where one has to guess who’s who at a party makes for some great entertainment and laughter. It’s currently being aired on Star World.
Vikram-Betaal: Ramanand Sagar’s epic serial on one of the epic mythological stories Vikram vikram vikram.betaal taal tall. Arun Govil playing Vikram has to carry A.K.Hangal, the betaal over his back. To kill the time during the course of their journey Betaal narrates a story to Vikram. At the end of the story Vikram should be able to tell the exact moral of the story, else Betaal would kill him. On the other hand if Vikram opens his mouth to answer the question, Betaal would be set free. This continues forever and Betaal tells many intresting stories and Vikram tells the moral correctly setting free Betaal yet again. The stories of Betaal were the USP of the show.
Kaun Banega Crorepati: The satellite television revolutionised the TV viewing in India. And one show that may take credit of revolutionising the satellite TV itself is no doubt KBC. This desi version of Who wants to be a billionaire was hosted by the Big B. Big B’s magical presence and the whopping sum of 1 crore Rupees made it the most watched show on TV. Big B proved yet again that despite obstacles and many a risks involved by being seen on idiot box everyday, he still has that magic going. The show had everything that one could ask for.Big B, Big money and yeah a lot of learning for the questions asked helped improve GK of many people.me included!
Full House: The show about the family that eats together, sleeps together and laughs together. They are the Tanner family. Although Full House is beinged aired currently on Zee English, it made it’s TV debut in the mid eighties. The highest rating it ever got on American television was 7.but I think in India it’s a lot more successful. I dunno why Americans didn’t like the show. But as far as Indian audiences are concerned it’s got everything right. Laughter, family values and good entertainment. I think the middle class Indian family ca easily identify with the Tanner family. I love it when they use cute kids to generate the’aaaw’ effect on the audience. A must see for everyone.
The Arabian Nights: How couldn I not incude a cartoon show in my favourite list? Arabian Nights is the story of street urchin Alladin and his love Princess Jasmine. I love Ginnie and Iago the most. This cartoon takes us through the adventures of Alladin. The original story is very different but Arabian Nights is well casted into a long series of adventures of Alladin and the gang. I think of all the cartoon shows Arabian Nights was one that appealed even to the grown ups. Absolutely fantastic show. But alas no longer aired on Indian TV.
Rangoli: Remeber this one? Arey it used to come on DD every Sunday morning. What a perfect way to begin Sunday with. Just switch on the TV and be lost in the melodious tunes of yesteryears. Initially Rangoli would telecast only the golden oldies. But with time the colours of Rangoli also changed. I wonder now how could a show not have a host, but when I remember Rangoli I am amazed at the fact that it didn’t have a host for a long long time.
I don’t know whether it’s still being aired but there’s no point in continuing with such a sweet show for there are many crap music channels around now-a-days. I wish I could go back and be awaken on Sundays by Lata’s or Asha’s mesmerising voice.
I know the revu’s got pretty lengthy but thanks to all who took the pains of reading it. And ho.do rate and comment!