Trueth at 14:29, 12 May 2024

2024-05-12T14:29:58Z

New page

{{short description|Soap operas of India}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{more citations needed|date=May 2012}}
{{recentism|date=March 2012}}
{{peacock|date=May 2012}}
}}
'''Indian television dramas''' (also known as '''Indian series''') are [[Drama (film and television)|dramatic]] [[Television show|television programs]] written, produced, and filmed in [[India]], with characters played by Indian actors and episodes broadcast on [[Television in India|Indian televisions]].<ref>Pak-Hind Ka Swag, Book 5 "Culture, Technology and fun", chapter 16 "soap opera, Serials and films"</ref>

India's first television drama was titled ''[[Hum Log (TV series)|Hum Log]]'' ([[Hindi language|Hindi]]), which aired in 1984–85,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/21/movies/soap-operas-cast-a-spell-over-india.html|title=SOAP OPERAS CAST A SPELL OVER INDIA|date= 21 August 1985|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and concluded with 154 episodes. [[Ekta Kapoor]]'s [[Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi|''Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'']] (2000–08) became the first Indian television drama to cross 1000 episodes in the history of [[Indian Television]], thus entering the [[Limca Book of Records]], and completed its run with 1833 episodes.<ref>[https://m.timesofindia.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Saas-bahu-and-The-End/articleshow/3641504.cms Saas Bahu and the End]</ref> ''[[Char Divas Sasuche]]'' ([[Marathi language|Marathi]]) (2001–13) was the first Indian series to cross 2,000 and 3,000 episodes, also entering in Limca Book of Records, which concluded with 3,200 episodes. The [[Telugu language|Telugu]] series ''[[Abhishekam (TV series)|Abhishekam]]'' (2008–22) was the first Indian series with 4,000 episodes and concluded on 1 February 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/more-spellbinding-soap-gathas/300602 |title=More Spellbinding Soap Gathas |last=Shekhar |first=G. C. |date=6 September 2018 |work=Outlook |access-date=9 September 2019}}</ref> The television drama ''[[Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai]]'' (2009–present) is the longest-running Hindi TV show of India, and the longest-running [[soap opera]], airing for 14 years as of 2023.

Indian series are made in almost all of the major languages in India, though many also contain a mix of the predominant language and [[English language|English]]. Indian 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20140502-family-affair-indian-soap-operas|title=BBC - Culture - Indian soap operas : Family affairs|author=Geeta Pandey|work=BBC Culture}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irrawaddy.org/magazine-guest-column/india-marginalized-in-myanmar.html|title=India Marginalized in Myanmar|date=20 July 2013 }}</ref>

==History==

India's first television [[drama]] was ''[[Hum Log (TV series)|Hum Log]]'', which first aired in 1984–85<ref name="Kohli2006">{{cite book|last=Kohli|first=Vanita|title=The Indian Media Business|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hllyb6ymMy0C&pg=RA1-PA8-IA1|access-date=1 February 2014|date=14 June 2006|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=9780761934691|pages=1–}}</ref> and concluded with 154 episodes, was the longest running serial in the history of [[Indian television]] at the time when it ended. It had an audience of 60 million, with each episode was about 25 minutes long, and the series finale episode was about 55 minutes.<ref name="Gokulsing2004">{{cite book |last=Gokulsing |first=K. Moti |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4CAgVZ-lJFIC&pg=PA32 |title=Soft-soaping India: The World of Indian Television Soap Operas |publisher=Trentham Books |year=2004 |isbn=9781858563213 |pages=32– |access-date=1 February 2014}}</ref> At the end of each episode, veteran [[Hindi film]] actor [[Ashok Kumar]] would discuss the ongoing story and situations with the audience using Hindi couplets and limericks. In later episodes, he would introduce the actors who played characters in the serial and end his monologue with the Indian language versions of the words "Hum Log". In 2002, [[StarPlus]] telecasted the period drama TV miniseries ''Asoka'', based on the [[Asoka (2001 film)|2001 film of the same name]], with a run of five episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/05/23/stories/2002052304230200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226223107/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/05/23/stories/2002052304230200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2018-02-26|website=[[The Hindu]]|title=Keep date with Asoka}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indya.com/asoka/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030414053116/http://www.indya.com/asoka/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-04-14 |title=indya.com - Asoka |access-date=2019-07-06}}</ref>

Biographies of famous people started being produced in the form of dramas like ''[[Chanakya (TV series)|Chanakya]]'', ''[[Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan]]'', ''[[Veer Shivaji]]'', ''[[Jhansi Ki Rani (2009 TV series)|Jhansi Ki Rani]]'', ''[[Chittod Ki Rani Padmini Ka Johur]]'', ''[[Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap]]'', ''[[Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat]], [[Rudramadevi (TV series)|Rudramadevi]]'' based on the Indian history.

Crime dramas also started being produced and aired. ''[[CID (Indian TV series)|C.I.D.]]'' (1998–2018) follows a team of detectives belonging to the Crime Investigation Department in [[Mumbai]]. ''C.I.D.'' is the longest-running crime TV series in [[India]], having a run of 20 years. ''[[Adaalat (TV series)|Adaalat]]'' (2010–16) was an [[Indian television]] courtroom drama series which revolves around Advocate K. D. Pathak, a defense lawyer with an impeccable track record of winning cases and setting helpless innocent victims free, but not at the cost of upholding the truth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jul/27/tv-cid-a-hit-with-viewers.htm |title=What makes this TV show such a hit with Indians? |publisher=Movies.rediff.com |access-date=6 August 2010}}</ref>

The Indian [[mythological]] [[drama]] show, ''[[Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev]],'' recorded the highest [[Target rating point|TRP]] of 8.2 in an episode.

Daytime dramas were highly popular during the 2000s and 2010s, with shows like ''[[Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi]]'', ''[[Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki]]'', ''[[Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001 TV series)|Kasautii Zindagi Kay]]'',''Gharana '', ''[[Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan]]'', ''[[Kaahin Kissii Roz]]'', ''[[Kahiin to Hoga]]'', ''[[Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki]], [[Kucchh Pal Saath Tumhara]], [[Kkusum]],'' [[Nadhaswaram (TV series)|''Nadhaswaram'']]'', [[Waaris (2008 TV series)|Waaris]], [[Dishayen]], [[Roja Kootam (TV series)|Roja Kootam]], [[Ganga Kii Dheej]], [[Kolangal (TV series)|Kolangal]], [[Metti Oli]], [[Anandham (TV series)|Aanandham]], [[Chithi (TV series)|Chithi]] and [[Banoo Main Teri Dulhann]]''. ''[[Porus (TV series)|Porus]]'', a [[historical drama]], based on the Indian king [[Porus the Elder|Porus]], premiered on [[Sony Entertainment Television]] on 27 November 2017 and ended on 13 November 2018. It is currently the most expensive show in Indian history, with a budget of over Rs. 500 crores.

During the late 2010s, the popularity of daytime dramas gradually declined. Today, there are no daytime dramas on any mainstream channel.<ref>{{cite news|title=Star Dopahar to call it a day, all shows to end on September 30|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/star-dopahar-to-call-it-a-day-all-shows-to-end-on-september-30-tv-news-4834240/|access-date=19 September 2017|publisher=[[Indian Express]]}}</ref> Currently, the four major networks that air primetime television dramas with nationwide following are [[Colors TV]], [[Star Plus]], [[Sony Entertainment Television]], [[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]] and [[Zee TV]].<ref>[https://www.business-standard.com/article/management/star-zee-colors-and-sony-fight-it-out-on-weekends-113061301119_1.html Star, Zee, Color,Sun and Sony fight it out on weekends - Business Standard]</ref> After mid 2000′s, Indian TV series' themes have been getting changed than before. More women-centric shows were made, such as Choti maa ek anokha bandhan, Jeete Hain Jiske Liye'',''[[Sujata (TV series)|Sujata]], [[Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan]], [[Karishma – The Miracles Of Destiny]], [[Main Banoongi Miss India]]'',''[[Kolangal (TV series)|Kolangal]],''[[Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?]]'', ''Yathumagi Nindrai'', ''Adhikaar ek kasam ek tapasya'', ''[[Hello Pratibha]]'', ''[[Maddam Sir]]'', ''Corporate Sarpanch, [[Appnapan – Badalte Rishton Ka Bandhan]], [[Anupamaa]], [[Ladies Special]], [[Dheere Dheere Se (TV series)|Dheere Dheere Se]], [[Main Hoon Aparajita]], [[Pushpa Impossible]], [[Sevvanthi (TV series)|Sevvanthi]],''[[Dhadkan Zindaggi Kii]]'' which gained popularity for their strong female protagonists.''{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}'

== Social impact ==
{{see also|Socio-economic issues in India}}
{{Expand section|date=April 2011}}
TV dramas affect Indian society, with regard to national integration, identity, [[Globalisation in India|globalization]],<ref>Gokulsing, K. (2004). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=4CAgVZ-lJFIC Soft-Soaping India: The World of Indian Televised Soap Operas]''. Trentham Books, UK. {{ISBN|1-85856-321-6}}. p. 105.</ref> [[Women in India|women]], ethics and social issues in rural areas.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} The first Indian television drama series, ''[[Hum Log (television series)|Hum Log]]'', began as a [[Family planning in India|family planning]] program, and although it quickly turned its focus to entertainment, it continued to embed pro-development messages which provided a model of utilizing the television serial as an "[[Educational entertainment|edutainment]]" method that was followed by countries around the world.<ref name="AggarwalGupta2001">{{cite book|last1=Aggarwal|first1=Vir Bala|last2=Gupta|first2=V. S.|title=Handbook of Journalism and Mass Communication|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sCIf8MM1ZlAC&pg=PA208|access-date=1 February 2014|date=1 January 2001|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=9788170228806|pages=208–}}</ref>

A 2007 study of cable coming to rural [[India]] showed that it led to "significant decreases in the reported acceptability of [[Domestic violence in India|domestic violence towards women]] and [[Abortion in India|son preference]], as well as increases in women's autonomy and decreases in fertility." It also "found suggestive evidence that exposure to cable increases [[Education in India|school enrollment]] for younger children, perhaps through increased participation of women in household decision-making."<ref>Jensen, Robert & Oster, Emily Oster (August 2007). ''"[http://www.nber.org/papers/w13305 The Power of TV: Cable Television and Women's Status in India.]"'' [[Quarterly Journal of Economics]], MIT Press. Vol. 124(3) pp. 1057-1094.</ref><ref>Munshi, Shoma (2010). [https://books.google.com/books?id=agw0m5m9oS8C Prime Time Soap Operas on Indian Television]. Routledge, New Delhi. {{ISBN|978-0-415-55377-3}}. pp. 200.</ref>

== International reception ==
===Sri Lanka===
[[Yeh Hai Mohabbatein]] and [[Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001 TV series)|Kasautii Zindagii Kay]] was dubbed in [[Sinhala language]] and reached a great response. [[Kindurangana]] which was remake of the Hindi serial [[Kasamh Se]] had a positive response in Sri lanka

===Dubai===
[[Khwaish]] which aired [[Sony Entertainment Television]] and [[ARY Digital]] turned as hit show in [[Dubai]] in 2007
In 2016 [[A-Plus TV]] dubbed old Popular Romantic Hindi Tv serial Colors TV [[Jeevan Saathi|Jeevan Sathi - Humsafar Zindagi Ke]] in urdu language was interested by the audience.
=== Brazil ===
In 2009 [[Caminho das Índias|Caminho das Índias India: A Love Story]] is a popular [[Brazilian telenovela|Brazilian Soap Opera]] which is the Indian theme serial in Brazil.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/brazil-s-number-one-tv-show-is-all-indian/story-6Mfx38GPJM4e9dd7mFEddK.html|title=Meet Maya and Bahuan, the protagonists of Caminho Das Indias (India’s Way), a Braziliantelevision show |date=18 August 2006 |publisher=www.hindustantimes.com|access-date=19 July 2009}}</ref>
===Ivory Coast and Senegal===
[[Vaidehi (2006 TV series)|Vaidehi – Ek Aur Agni Pareeksha ]] was particularly popular in the [[Ivory Coast]] and [[Senegal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKLDE6101QI|title=Hindi star Pallavi Kulkarni has been mobbed by adoring African fans of her headstrong "Vaidehi" female lead in the cult Indian TV romance |date=1 February 2010 |publisher=www.reuters.com|access-date=1 February 2010 }}</ref> In 2010, due to high response, the serial was dubbed in Arabic.
===Nepal===
In mid 2000s [[Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi]], [[Kasautii Zindagi Kay]],[[Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand]] and other Indian dramas had influenced gained so much popularity & attracted to mass viewers in Nepal<ref>{{cite news|url=https://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/indian-serials-drawing-big-crowds-in-nepal_76213.html|title=Indian serials drawing big crowds in Nepal |date=17 January 2003|publisher=zeenews.india.com}}</ref>. . Hence more Nepali serials like ''Sindur'',''Maiti'',''Ghat pratighat'' were made based on viewership .<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsofglobal.com/details/7444.html|title=After 17 years, Pragya is making teleserial ‘Sindoor’ again. |date=1 August 2023|publisher=newsofglobal.com}}</ref>.
===Indonesia===
[[Saath Nibhaana Saathiya]] did well in Indonesia and was dubbed in [[Bahasa Indonesia|Indonesian]] and aired under the title Gopi (according to the main character) starting 15 September 2016 until 19 April 2017. [[Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi]] aired in Indonesia. <ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/kuch-rang-pyar-ke-aise-bhi-all-set-to-air-in-indonesia/articleshow/53823847.cms|title=Sony TV's popular show 'Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi' set to air in Indonesia |date=23 August 2016 |publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com/|access-date=23 July 2016}}</ref>[[Woh Apna Sa]] was dubbed in Indonesian language after the popularity of original Hindi version

===Russia===
[[Dishayen]] was dubbed in Russian language and did well in Russia in 2005.
=== Pakistan ===
Indian dramas were popular in [[Pakistan]] and Indian entertainment channels are widely watched, due to the [[mutual intelligibility]] between [[Urdu]] and [[Hindi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irastimes.org/Experiences_of_Lahore_and_Pakistan_Railway.htm |title=My Experiences of Lahore and Pakistan Railway |author=Chander Mohan Jindal |website=irastimes.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112045945/http://www.irastimes.org/Experiences_of_Lahore_and_Pakistan_Railway.htm |archive-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/75602/pakistani-women-love-indias-saas-bahu-sagas/|title=Pakistani women love India's 'saas-bahu' sagas – The Express Tribune|date=11 November 2010 |publisher=Tribune.com.pk|access-date=13 January 2015}}</ref> The [[Supreme Court of Pakistan]] has banned the showing of Indian films and TV shows.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.pk/forums/current-events-social-issues/70682-indian-tv-channels-banned-pakistan.html|title=Indian TV Channels Banned in Pakistan|work=Pakistan Defence|access-date=13 January 2015}}</ref> The [[British Broadcasting Corporation]] has reported that [[cable television]] operators in Pakistan often violate the ban and air Indian television serials due to the high popularity and demand for these in Pakistan, and Indian television shows make up nearly 60 percent of all foreign programmes broadcast in Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5263530.stm|title=BBC NEWS - South Asia - Pakistan allows Indian TV shows |date=18 August 2006 |publisher=News.bbc.co.uk |access-date=13 January 2015}}</ref>

In June 2006, Pakistani comedian [[Rauf Lala]] participated and won the [[comedy]] television show, ''[[The Great Indian Laughter Challenge]]'', but the show could not be followed by fellow Pakistanis as the show was not allowed to be aired there.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5120838.stm|title=BBC NEWS - South Asia - Pakistani comic's Indian joy|date=27 June 2006 |publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=13 January 2015}}</ref> An official has commented that "[[Bollywood]] and Indian TV drama have invaded our homes".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4095232.stm|title=BBC NEWS - Entertainment - Pakistan confirms Bollywood ban|date=15 June 2005 |publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=13 January 2015}}</ref>

The viewing of Indian TV dramas has become so popular that mainstream newspapers such as the Pakistan Tribune often have feature articles on the shows.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/319826/10-things-i-hate-about-indian-soaps/|title=10 things I hate about Indian soaps|date=15 January 2012 |publisher=Tribune.com.pk|access-date=13 January 2015}}</ref> Since satellite connections offer uninterrupted coverage of Indian shows, many people have bought these to watch the programmes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8040017/Pakistanis-snap-up-Satellite-dishes-for-Indian-soaps.html|title=Pakistanis snap up Satellite dishes for Indian soaps|author=Rob Crilly in Islamabad|date=3 October 2010|work=Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=13 January 2015}}</ref>

Anti-Indian sentiment is reported in Pakistan and the two countries have fought [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|4 wars over a span of about 50 years]]. However, the effect of Indian TV shows and [[Bollywood]] have resulted in an increase in how "favourably an ordinary Pakistani views [India and] Indians." Certain Indian tourists to Pakistan have said that people are particularly friendly if one is from [[India]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-27/special-report/30446463_1_serials-karachi-pakistanis |title=Serial Lovers - Times of India |website=articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403094215/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-27/special-report/30446463_1_serials-karachi-pakistanis |archive-date=3 April 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 27 October 2018, The Supreme Court of Pakistan has reintroduced the ban on Indian content on local channels in the country. The channels like [[Filmazia]], [[Urdu1]] had shut down Indian content for an appropriate period of time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46003662|title=Pakistan bans Indian TV channels|date=2018-10-27|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-10-28|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1441739|title=SC reinstates ban on airing of Indian content on TV channels|last=Baloch|first=Shafi|date=2018-10-27|work=DAWN.COM|access-date=2018-10-28|language=en-US}}</ref>
===Afghanistan===
Indian soaps became highly popular in [[Afghanistan]] during the 2000s against the backdrop of the existing high popularity of Bollywood cinema. In 2006, a [[Reuters]] press article wrote of the airing of the series ''[[Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi]]'', dubbed into native [[Dari language|Dari]]:<ref>{{cite web | url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/indian-soap-opera-mesmerises-afghanistan-1.237349 | title=Indian soap opera mesmerises Afghanistan }}</ref>
{{blockquote|Men, women, young and old anyone, it seems, with access to television is enthralled by the family drama.}}

According to a source, armed militants during the war in Afghanistan may have even stopped fighting to watch Indian dramas.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/india-influential-soft-power-afghanistan-giving-edge-over-pakistan/ | title=India's influential soft power in Afghanistan: Giving edge over Pakistan }}</ref>

The strong popularity of Indian dramas was challenged by conservative hardliners who saw it as a threat to the country's religious and national values. Under pressure from conservatives, the government of [[Hamid Karzai]] ordered broadcasters to stop airing dramas in April 2008. However, broadcasters refused to comply, stating that it is against the country's media law.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghan-tv-idUSISL22857320080417 | title=Indian soap operas stir outrage in Afghanistan | newspaper=Reuters | date=17 April 2008 }}</ref>

The first homemade Afghan television drama serial was called ''Palwasha'', produced by Aina Afghan Media and started airing on 25 November 2007. Although shot in [[Kabul]] and in Dari, the serial was directed by an Indian and other engineers and workers of the series were from India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eoi.gov.in/kabul/?pdf0232?000 |format=PDF |title=Kabul TV airs first Afghan commercial serial made by Indians |work=India Review |date=December 2007}}</ref> Additionally, the main character was played by an Indian actress, [[Sonal Udeshi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Starting this week on Kabul TV: First Afghan serial, made by Indians |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/starting-this-week-on-kabul-tv-first-afghan-serial-made-by-indians/240785/ |last1=Sinha |first1=Neha |website=The Indian Express |date=19 November 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tales from Kabul |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-tales-from-kabul-1111239 |last1=Padukone |first1=Chaitanya |website=DNA India |date=19 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q9J1AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA1380 | title=Encyclopedia of Health Communication | isbn=9781483346410 | last1=Thompson | first1=Teresa L. | date=18 April 2014 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Tamil television drama]]
* [[List of longest-running Indian television series]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Television drama series |state=collapsed}}

{{WorldTV}}
{{Social issues in India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Indian television drama}}
[[Category:Indian television soap operas]]
[[Category:Asian drama]]

Indian soap opera - Revision history

Trueth at 14:29, 12 May 2024