World Television Day: The Firsts Of Indian Television
On November 21, the world celebrates World Television Day and meet ups at local and global levels take place on this day to raise awareness among people about the role that television plays in communication and globalization...
November 21, 2019 6:43 PM
Television is the menace that everyone loves to hate but can’t seem to live without - Paddy Chayefsky
Television has been one of the primary source of entertainment since many decades now. Even after the easy and affordable access of internet, television still remains to be on the priority list of people. On November 21, the world celebrates World Television Day and meet ups at local and global levels take place on this day to raise awareness among people about the role that television plays in communication and globalization.
So, this World Television Day, let’s take a look at some of the major ‘firsts’ of Indian television.
First Soap Opera Of Indian Television: Hum Log
Telecasted on Doordarshan, Hum Log was the first soap opera of the country which went on air on 7th July 1984. Hum Log revolved around a middle class family and their daily struggles and aspirations. Interestingly, it was created on the lines of Mexican series Ven Conmigo. The series featured talented actors like Seema Pahwa, Manoj Pahwa, Aasif Sheikh, Rajesh Puri, Vinod Nagpal to name a few.
First Reality Show Of Indian Television: Bournvita Quiz Contest
Most of you might know that Bournvita Quiz Contest which aired on Zee TV and later on Sony TV was the first popular reality show. The original quizmaster of the show was Hamid Sayani. The makers looked for talented children to participate in their quiz.
First Show To Be Shot On Land, Air, Water & Underwater On Indian Television: Sea Hawks
Starring talented actors like Om Puri, R Madhavan, Niki Aneja, Manoj Pahwa, Milind Soman, Anup Soni, Simone Singh among others, Sea Hawks aired on DD National in the late 90s. The show was based on the life on Indian Coast Guard Officers and was extremely popular.
First Silent Show On Indian Television: Gutur Gu
Produced by B.P. Singh and telecast on SAB TV, Gutur Gu was the first silent comic series on Indian television. Starring Sunil Grover, Sheetal Maulik, Nayan Bhatt and Bhavna Balsavar, the show revolved around Balu and his family and the confusions that happen as the characters don’t speak.
Longest Running Show On Indian Television: Krishi Darshan
Most of you would be shocked to learn that DD National’s Krishi Darshan is actually the longest running show on Indian Television. The show first went on air on 26th January 1967 and still continues to enjoy a successful run in over 80 villages in the country. The show aims as disseminating agricultural information to rural and farming citizens.
Shortest Running Show On Indian Television: Fauji
Marking the debut of the superstar of Indian entertainment world Shah Rukh Khan, DD National’s show Fauji was the shortest running show on Indian Television according to many sites. Produced by New Film Addicts back in 1989 the show followed the training of Indian Army Commando Regiment. The show only aired 13 episodes.
