Indian television drama

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Indian television dramas (commonly referred to as Indian series or colloquially as serials^[1]) are dramatic television 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, marking a milestone in Indian Television history. 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.

Indian series are produced in nearly all major languages spoken in India, though many incorporate a mix of the predominant regional language and English. These dramas are also broadcast in other parts of South Asia, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Western Europe, Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, North America, Latin America, North Africa, Southeast Africa, and francophone Africa.^[6][7]

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 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."

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]}

Biographical dramas based on historical figures also became popular, with notable examples such as Chanakya, Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan, Veer Shivaji, Jhansi Ki Rani, Chittod Ki Rani Padmini Ka Johur, Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Rudramadevi bringing Indian history to life through television.

Crime dramas also became a staple of Indian television. C.I.D. (1998–2018) followed a team of detectives from the Crime Investigation Department in Mumbai and became the longest-running crime TV series in India, spanning 20 years. Another popular series, Adaalat (2010–16), revolved around Advocate K. D. Pathak, a defense lawyer known for winning cases and setting innocent victims free, while always upholding the truth. Other notable crime and thriller series include Suraag – The Clue, Jasoos Vijay, Special Squad, Left Right Left, Chhoona Hai Aasmaan, Monica Mogre – Case Files, Adaalat, C.I.D., 24, CIF, Bhaukaal, Adrishyam – The Invisible Heroes and Code M.

Romantic-revenge and suspense series also gained attraction, with Ek Hasina Thi and Beyhadh being among the most well-known examples in this genre.

Societal issues related serials are Balika Vadhu,Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo,Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar,Bidaai,Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann, and Dahhej.^[17]

The Indian mythological drama Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev achieved a record-breaking TRP of 8.2 for a single episode, marking it as one of the highest-rated shows in its genre.

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.

Daytime dramas, including noon slots and prime-time retelecasts during daytime, were highly popular throughout the 2000s to 2010s. Best shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii,Kasautii Zindagi Kay, Kaahin Kissii Roz, Kahiin to Hoga, Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki, Kkusum, Nadhaswaram,Waaris, Dishayen,Roja Kootam, Ganga Kii Dheej, Kolangal,Metti Oli, Aanandham,Doli Saja Ke,Chithi,Behenein, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya,Maayka,Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?,Kasamh Se and Banoo Main Teri Dulhann were immensely popular and maintained a strong viewership.

Noon slot dramas gained particular prominence in the mid-2000s, with shows like Meri Doli Tere Angana, Hamari Devrani, Chotti Bahu,Kasak ,Adhikaar: Ek Kasam Ek Tapasya, Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, Woh Hue Na Hamare, Diya Aur Baati Hum, Bhabhi, Kesar, Karam Apnaa Apnaa, Rakhi – Atoot Rishtey Ki Dor, Gharana,Stree Teri Kahani enjoyed as much success as prime-time shows. It was also common for prime-time shows to be retelecast during the afternoon slot, further boosting their popularity.

Weekdays shows were made during early 2000's as more different serials were launched.Kehta Hai Dil,Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand,Meher,Dil se door Dil ke paas,Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar,Sanjivani,Devi were the most hit shows of 2000's.

In mid 2000 Romantic serials were started to made instead of regular family dramas.Kya Mast Hai Life,Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi,Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai,Dill Mill Gayye,Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin,Teri Meri Love Stories,Bade Achhe Lagte Hain,Ye Meri Life Hai,Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag,Kuchh Is Tara,Meri Awaz Ko Mil Gayi Roshni,Miley Jab Hum Tum,Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar,Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani,Kutumb,Pavitra Rishta, were one of the successful serials which broke the stereotype and were well received a mix of reactions from viewers.

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.^[18] Currently, the four major networks that air primetime television dramas with a nationwide following are Colors TV, Star Plus, Sony Entertainment Television, Sun TV, and Zee TV.

After the mid-2000s, the themes of Indian TV series began to shift, with a stronger focus on women-centric shows. Popular series such as Choti Maa: Ek Anokha Bandhan, Jeete Hain Jiske Liye, Sujata, Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan, Karishma – The Miracles Of Destiny, Main Banoongi Miss India, Kolangal, Kucchh Pal Saath Tumhara, Yathumagi Nindrai, Amber Dhara, Hello Pratibha, Maddam Sir, Corporate Sarpanch, Appnapan – Badalte Rishton Ka Bandhan, Anupamaa, Ladies Special, Dheere Dheere Se, Main Hoon Aparajita, Thendral, Sevvanthi, Dhadkan Zindaggi Kii, Ethirneechal gained popularity for their portrayal of strong female protagonists.

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, Thangamana Purushan, Santaan, Laut Aao Trisha, Mere Papa Hero Hiralal, which explored the struggles of parents and their evolving dynamics with children.

TV dramas have had a significant impact on Indian society, influencing issues related to national integration, identity, globalization,^[19] 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.^[20]

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."^[21][22]

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.^[23]

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.^[24]

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.^[25]

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.^{[26][27][28][29]}

Caminho das Índias India: A Love Story,^[30] a popular Brazilian soap opera, was themed around Indian culture and became widely popular in Brazil.^[31]

Khwaish, which aired on Sony Entertainment Television and ARY Digital, became a hit show in Dubai in 2007. In 2016, due to high audience interest, A-Plus TV dubbed the popular romantic Hindi Colors TV serial Jeevan Sathi - Humsafar Zindagi Ke into Urdu, further increasing its appeal.

Indian TV dramas such as Uttaran and Balika Vadhu performed well in Indonesia, where they were dubbed in Indonesian and aired multiple times until their conclusions. Saath Nibhaana Saathiya was also popular and was dubbed under the title Gopi (after the main character). It aired from 15 September 2016 to 19 April 2017 and was rebroadcast from 2021 to 2022, with the Indonesian version reaching 600 episodes. Other serials like Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Ishq Mein Marjawan, Kumkum Bhagya (in Indonesian under the title Lonceng Cinta), Anupamaa, Imlie, Naagin, and Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka also achieved good TRP ratings in Indonesia. Additionally, Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi and Woh Apna Sa were dubbed in Indonesian, following the success of their original Hindi versions.^[32]

Vaidehi – Ek Aur Agni Pareeksha gained significant popularity in Ivory Coast and Senegal. In 2010, due to high demand, the serial was dubbed into Arabic for broader viewership.

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.^[33] 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.^[34]

Indian dramas have been widely popular in Pakistan, with Indian entertainment channels being extensively watched due to the mutual intelligibility between Urdu and Hindi.^[35][36] However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has banned the broadcasting of Indian films and TV shows.^[37] 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.^[38]

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.^[39] An official remarked that "Bollywood and Indian TV drama have invaded our homes".^[40]

Indian TV dramas have become so popular in Pakistan that mainstream newspapers, such as the Pakistan Tribune, often feature articles about the shows.^[41] Many viewers have resorted to satellite connections to enjoy uninterrupted coverage of Indian programs.^[42]

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.^[43]

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.^[44][45]

The Indian serial Dishayen was dubbed in Russian and gained popularity in Russia in 2005.

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.

The series The Iron Handed Phantom – Mayavi was dubbed in Mandarin and Korean,^[46][47] and also aired in Europe and Australia.^[48] Additionally, several popular Colors TV dramas, such as Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, Balika Vadhu, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Chandrakanta, Udaan, Naagin, Shakti, Ishq Mein Marjawan and Bepannah, were dubbed in Thai to cater to viewers in Thailand and other key South Asian markets.^[49]

• Tamil television drama
• List of longest-running Indian television series

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