In the present times, TV serials are mainly based on the saas-bahu drama, extra-marital affairs or even ichadhari naagins (shape-shifting snakes) and it won’t be wrong to say that the majority of such serials are senseless and illogical. However, there was a time when we used to watch sensible serials based on social issues, human relationships, etc. and here in this article, we will let you know about few shows of 90s and 2000s which are far better than the serials of today.
1. Shanti – Ek Aurat Ki Kahani (1994):
In the serial, the actress Mandira Bedi played the main lead, the character of a journalist who wanted to write biographies of celebrities Kamesh and Raj but there was a motive behind it.
2. Kora Kagaz (1998):
The serial was directed by actress Asha Parekh and it starred Renuka Shahane, Salil Ankola and Amit Behl in important roles. 169 episodes of the serial were telecasted and it was based on the story of a woman whose husband left her on their marriage night. She started developing feelings for her brother-in-law and he also started liking her but things turned complicated when her husband made a comeback.
3. Swabhimaan (1995):
Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, it was one of the biggest serials of Indian television which had some big actors of the industry. The story revolved around a mistress whose lover lost his life because of which the fight for business, inheritance, etc. starts and true colors of relations come out in open.
4. Star Bestsellers (1999):
This was a TV series in which different stories were telecasted in different episodes and they were written and directed by some very talented writers and directors including Anurag Kashyap, Hansal Mehta, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Imtiaz Ali, Sriram Raghwan, etc.
5. Banegi Apni Baat (1993):
This serial was very popular among the teenagers as it was based on the college life, romance , activities that take place on campus, etc, and it had some famous actors such as Irfan Khan, R Madhwan, etc.
6. A Mouthful of Sky (1995):
Based on the script of Ashok Banker, this serial was also directed by Mahesh Bhatt and it was the first serial in English which was produced in India which aired on DD National. The story revolved around five friends who met 13 years after their graduation.
7. Koshish – Ek Aashaa (2000):
The serial was based on the story of a woman who was tricked into getting married to a mentally unstable man. Though she wanted to leave him initially, later on she chose to get him treated and find that person who made her husband mentally unstable.
8. Aek Chabhi Hai Padoss Mein (2006):
This serial was based on the story of a middle-class community living in a locality of Allahabad. People belonged to different backgrounds and we get to see their struggles to fulfill their hopes and aspirations. It was one serial with which the majority of the audiences of that time felt related.
9. Campus (1993):
The college drama gave us the glimpse of college politics and how politicians interfere in college politics in order to fulfill their interests. The show had many newcomers, in fact college going actors became stars in their college after the serial became a hit.
10. Amanat (1997):
This serial was aired for 5 years (1997-2002) and it was about an Orthodox Indian man Lahori Ram who had seven daughters. Lahori Ram’s wife d*ed early because of which he took care of his daughters as both, father and mother and he ensured that his daughters lived within the circle of middle-class morality.
11. Dastaan (1995):
This serial was like a breeze of fresh air in the Indian television industry as it was different from regular saas-bahu shows. It was based on the rivalry of two businessmen and was shot in UAE.
How many of these serials have you watched and which one was your favourite? Also let us know if we missed any iconic show of that time.
