World Television Day: Small screen, big memories – Stars remember

The annual World Television Day is being celebrated globally today, November 21, 2024. Recognizing television as having an increased impact on decision making as well as being an ambassador for the entertainment industry, the United Nations general assembly in 1996 declared November 21 World Television Day.

Television continues to be the single largest source of video consumption. Though screen sizes have changed, and people create, post, stream and consume content on different platforms, the number of households with television sets around the world continues to rise.

In India, television came in the shape of public service broadcaster Doordarshan on September 15, 1959. From the black and white days of a single broadcaster to over 900 channels today across genres and languages, television has come a long way in India. From the days of analogue to digital to smart TV – the platform itself has undergone several technical innovations, enriching the viewing experience.

Along with the technology, the content, narratives and storytelling have undergone massive changes as well.

Today, nostalgia, too, plays a key role as people remember growing up with iconic serials such as ‘Ramayan’, ‘Mahabharat’, ‘Hum Log’, ‘Buniyaad’, ‘Fauji’, ‘Nukkad’, ‘Malgudi Days’, ‘Rajani’, ‘Tara’, ‘Dekh Bhai Dekh’, Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai’, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabi Bahu Thi’, ‘Roadies’, and many, many more.

Of course, a lion’s share of the nostalgia fare is from the Doordarshan days – these serials take one back to the uncomplicated and carefree days of childhood. Without doubt, the Doordarshan days evoke fond remembrance when the storytelling revolved around middleclass themes and not just saas-bahu clashes, grand and lavish sets had not found their way to the TV sets, and there was no wokeism.

Today, the rapid rise of OTT platforms is making deep inroads into television’s space and redefining content consumption behaviour with binge offering and a vast global repertoire.

On the occasion of World Television Day, Adgully spoke to some television stars, who share their memories about the first show they watched on television and which show they would want to see again on television.

Rinku Ghosh:

“The first television shows I remember seeing was ‘Hum Log’, and ‘Nukkad’. I would like to something like ‘Sea Hawk’ on television again as I feel that it was a really progressive show. It had some good and realistic performances. We need such kind of shows to make a comeback.”

Raviraa Bhardwaj:

“The first television show that I remember watching is ‘Just Mohabbat’. I feel shows like ‘24’ should come back on TV. That show was unique in its concept and style of production, setting it apart from anything else on television at that time. I believe it marked a turning point for the television industry, introducing the concept of limited series, which had never been explored before very well.”

Ishaan Singh Manhas:

“I still remember watching ‘Office Office’ as a child. It was more than just a show. I would love to see ‘Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai’ back on TV. Its humour was timeless, and the characters were so beautifully written. It’s a show that could make you laugh endlessly while still feeling relatable till today.”

Aadesh Chaudhary:

“The first show I remember watching was ‘Tere Mere Sapne’ on TV. I would love to watch ‘Hum Paanch’ again. That comedy and those quirky characters were a big part of my childhood. It was light-hearted, but also had great moments of wit and humour, which I think would still be enjoyable today.”

Aayush Anand: 

“Actually my grandmother made me watch my first show, which was ‘Ramayan’, and I really loved it. The show that I would want to re-watch will be ‘Son Pari’. I used to like it a lot. That’s the only show that I have watched from start till end without missing even one episode. Back then there was no Hotstar, so we had to tune in at 8 pm sharp to watch the shows.”

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