Indian television Doordarshan before 1990
IN A FEW DAYS from now, we will celebrate another Independence Day. This day of the red letter may not be different from the one we observed during the previous year. But if we reflect for a moment on the events that have happened, we would conclude that India has changed; that its people have changed; and also the tastes of the viewers.
We were first exposed to black and white images on television in the early 1980s. The black and white (B / W) television was a community sponsored electronic device and therefore everyone enjoyed of the same ownership over him. Programs broadcast on Doordarshan included Vikram Aur Betal, Chitrahaar, Appu Aur Pappu, Aa Bail Mujhe Maar, Ek Do Teen Char (Song title: Ek do teen char, chaaro mil ke saath chale to karde chamatkar). Our world revolved around these programs.
Now, it is very difficult, probably impossible, to keep track of the many programs that are broadcast on dozens of television channels. Seen against the backdrop of those golden days, we would surely conclude that the soul of India has changed; India has made progress in various fields.
Well, these days, commercials are visibly associated with every show that’s on the air. In the past, commercials generally focused on Nirma, Kayam Churen, Rooh Afza, Rasna (I Love You Rasana !!), Cinkara (ham-dard ka tonic CINKARAAA …), Fevicol (elephants in a tug of war) , Liril and Surf (Lalita ji). In addition to being popular brands, these products were everyday items.
How can we forget Wednesday at 8pm in Chitrahaar? It provided the only window into the world of movie songs. It was the only dose of entertainment on weekdays. Today, we find channels dedicated to entertainment and entertainment has become an inseparable component of every channel. A popular mistake circulating in those days would have us believe that a television at home was a nuisance and distracted children from their studies. Therefore, the television was housed in a lockable wooden cabinet.
Then came the Ramayana series. Everyone waited with a fever of impatience for the serial to air. Everyone watched the series in a contagious way. It became so popular that the entire nation used to stop when the serial aired. Can anyone quote such a program on our television channels today that can attract the attention of viewers with the same intensity? It was a program that people of all faiths enjoyed.
Watch the old Doordarshan (DD) series and shows from the link.
Watch out for the old Doordarshan (DD) ad in the link.
