From Doree to Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai: TV Shows that partnered with GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

In the world of Hindi daily soaps—where love triangles, family drama, and emotional showdowns usually rules, something refreshing is happening. Today’s television is stepping beyond just masala entertainment and taking a serious shot at social impact. And they’re not doing it alone. A growing number of shows are now working alongside government-backed initiatives to spread awareness on real issues, from sanitation and health to gender rights. It’s entertainment with intention and it’s making waves.

Doree- fighting gender bias, one episode at a time:

Let’s start with Doree (Colors TV), which had become more than just a story about an abandoned girl. Supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Doree brought conversations about girl child rights, gender inequality, and women’s empowerment into living rooms across India. This wasn’t a preachy show disguised as fiction, it was smart, emotional storytelling that connects. The show’s creators had worked closely with officials to keep the messaging authentic while keeping the drama gripping.

Navrangi Re! – Flushing out taboos with humor

Here’s a unique one: Navrangi Re! (Colors Rishtey) took a light-hearted yet bold approach to a rarely discussed topic—urban sanitation. Supported by BBC Media Action and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (with nods from Swachh Bharat Abhiyan), the show used its quirky characters to tackle faecal waste management. It was quirky, different, and hit the right spot—bringing an awkward topic into public discourse without turning it into a lecture.

Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon: Women’s health goes prime time

Broadcast on Doordarshan, Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon is one of the best examples of TV being used as a mass education tool. Created by the Population Foundation of India with backing from the Ministry of Health, the show addresses everything from domestic violence and contraception to women’s mental health. Its characters, especially the lead Dr. Sneha, aren’t superheroes—they’re relatable role models. The show also went multi-platform with radio, street plays, and even IVR calls for rural audiences, proving TV can be both mainstream and grassroots.

Jasoos Vijay- Crime solving meets HIV Awareness

Flashback to the early 2000s—Doordarshan’s Jasoos Vijay was ahead of its time. Produced by the BBC World Service Trust in partnership with NACO, the detective drama wasn’t just about solving mysteries—it was quietly educating millions about HIV/AIDS, stigma, and safe practices. The storytelling was gripping, and the social messaging blended in so naturally, it never felt forced. A real OG when it comes to cause-driven fiction.

Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai: Road Safety, With a Twist of Humor

Even sitcoms are getting in on the action. Recently, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai teamed up with the Uttar Pradesh Police for a quirky road safety campaign. Through the show’s iconic characters and signature humor, viewers were reminded about helmet rules, safe driving, and following traffic laws. It’s a great reminder that even light content can carry serious messages when done right.

Stree Shakti: Real Stories, Real Impact

Stree Shakti (Doordarshan) is not a fictional soap, but it deserves a shoutout. This powerful talk show highlights the journeys of real women who’ve battled domestic violence, financial struggle, and social barriers to rebuild their lives. It’s backed by advocacy groups and gets support from ministries working on women’s welfare. Inspiring and raw, it brings the “heroine” off-screen and into real life.

Why it matters?

In a country where TV is still the most accessible medium for millions, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, these shows are doing more than filling TRP charts. They’re informing, inspiring, and slowly nudging society toward progress. By collaborating with government campaigns, these soaps ensure that the messaging isn’t just dramatic: it’s responsible, researched, and relevant.