Beginning its national transmission in the early 80s, Doordarshan, the only TV channel in those times was not just a means of entertainment for both the young and the old. It introduced us to the blessed world of creativity from all over the globe and many would readily agree that it was also one of the first mediums, making us aware of our own rich Indian literature and the most famous literature of the world too through it entertaining as well as enlightening life-teaching serials conceived with a specific vision.
Without going into any comparison with what’s being served in the present in the so called entertaining TV serials aired by the numerous channels, I would like to inform all like-minded friends about the availability of many of those ‘must see' nostalgic Doordarshan serials online, which thankfully can be seen once again at the official Youtube channels DD ARCHIVES and DOORDARSHAN NATIONAL making the precious memories alive.
Addressing the friends born in the 90s or later, just a quick glance at the titles and wide range of topics covered in the list below will give you a clear idea of what kind of content was being made and seen in those days by the entire nation and what’s being circulated at present in the name of entertainment. Informing further, the names in the list can easily be stated as just the tip of an iceberg as per the availability and a big number of other popular serials can also be found at several individual youtube channels uploaded by the fans themselves. However many more still need to be revived back from the rich and huge archives of Doordarshan (provided they are not lost forever like many early Indian films).
So here is the list that ideally should ask for a lot of your time in the coming weeks or months exploring the exclusive content.
SERIALS / SERIES
Sanjha Chulha
Doosra Kewal (featuring Shah Rukh Khan)
Circus (featuring Shah Rukh Khan)
Shrikant
Chekhov Ki Duniya
Mulla Nasruddin
Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali
Vividha – Based on Rabindranath Tagore’s short stories *
Chandamama (by veteran Kamini Kaushal)
Byomkesh Bakshi
Hazaar Ghodon Ka Savaar
Lebedev Ki Nayika
Habba Khatoon
Kahani Shahjahanabad Ki
Sher Shah Suri
Maharaja Ranjit Singh *
Kadambari
Apna Apna Aasmaan
Miya Khoji Ke Karnamey
Rani Ketki Ki Kahani
Kamaal Hai Kamaal
Ved Vyas Ke Pote
Kisse Ek Hazar
Mashaal
Peecha Karo
Aakhir Kaun
Aarohan
Bhootnaath
Flop Show
Chunni
The Awakening (Inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s ‘The Resurrection’)
FILM CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS/DOCUMENTARIES
Interview with Naushad
Interview with Khayaam
Celebrating Mrinal Sen
Baaje Payal (Film Celebrity Interviews)
Safar Sau Saal Ka (on Indian Cinema)
Story of New Theaters *
Portrait Of The Director *
SERIES and DOCUMENTARIES EXPLORING INDIA
Yeh Hai India Meri Jaan
Destination Himalaya
Rivers of India
Forts of India
The Sculpture of India
Nadiyan Gaati Hain
Brahamputra – The Son of Brahma *
Vilasini Natyam
Zinda Itihaas
Sankranti
So just search for DD ARCHIVES and DOORDARSHAN NATIONAL channels at Youtube (exploring their videos tab) and witness a whole new world of ‘not to be missed’ content, capable of contributing a lot in our personal lives.
[All the titles marked * are available at DOORDARSHAN NATIONAL channel and rest all at DD ARCHIVES (at the time of writing the article)]
(Note: The article was first published on UC-News Mobile App in January 2018)
