Hum Paanch: Ashok Saraf says masses will enjoy the rerun

Hum Paanch is an Indian sitcom that first aired from 1995 to 1999. The series returned for a second season from 2005 to 2006. It is regarded as one of the all-time favourite comedies along with Dekh Bhai Dekh. The lead actors of the show — Ashok Saraf, Vidya Balan, Rakhee Tandon, Bhairavi Raichura, Vandana Pathak — gained overnight stardom and became iconic TV actors. 

The story revolved around Anand Mathur lives with his five daughters, whose pranks annoy him. Moreover, he is pestered by the sarcastic comments from his first wife, who although dead, cannot resist interfering in his life. Ashok was recently contacted to ask what he thinks about it coming back on TV.

Ashok Saraf said, “Hum Paanch' never lost its magic unlike some of the current shows, which go off the air because they lose fizz. Even after running for almost 10 years, the show went off air only because the makers decided to end it. The sitcom had great writing, a good cast and excellent comic situations. If the show is brought back, the audience will love it, and also, it will be as relevant today, as it was then.”

Rakhi Vijan, who was only 16 years old when she acted in 'Hum Paanch' said, “The show had clean, good humour and apt for family audiences. It made our careers and was an important part of our lives. I remember how, in one episode, I did not have any dialogue and Ekta Kapoor asked me to just walk towards the door and open it, singing all the way. I told her that I croak when I sing, but she believed in me and asked me to go ahead. It was one of the most hilarious scenes of the show. Now that it is telecast again, it will make for great entertainment and laughter, which is needed right now. People need positivity and cheering up, and I think 'Hum Paanch' would be most appropriate for that.”