There was a time when Indian TV was not just watchable, but really good. It was a time when scriptwriters wrote good script, actors acted brilliantly, and a page of dialogues didn’t last the whole episode. And there was a distinct feeling of happiness and attachment to the TV shows. Then Kyunki… happened, and the whole industry went to shit, quite literally. Producers finally knew what the cocaine of housewives was – saas-bahu melodrama. And just like drug peddlers, they dished out cocaine in various forms like – Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kusum and other unspeakable acts of torture. It is because of these crybaby shows, kids today will never know the glory days of Indian television. The shows that actually impacted daily lives of people who watched them. Hum Paanch – the first show where the cast of women carried it through While today’s shows are peppered with women wearing expensive sarees and jewellery, going about their household drama, Hum Paanch had a layered approach to women. On the surface, it was a comedy, but it talked about serious women-related issues like independence, feminism and marriage in a very light vein.

Malgudi Days – bringing R K Narayan’s stories to life

There were only seven episodes, but because they were so well-written, every episode felt new. And because R K Narayan had such an insight into life, you felt really good after watching them.

Shaka Laka Boom Boom – the show that fascinated the kids

Even though the serial was for kids, the concept was fascinating at the time, and everyone loved watching it.