A still from Hum Log
A few days after the Indian government’s autonomous public service broadcaster, Doordarshan, began airing Shah Rukh Khan’s highly-popular 1989 television series, Circus, the channel is set to revisit archives and bring back their popular shows. Doordarshan Director General, Supriya Sahu, informs hitlist that the national broadcaster’s celebrated series, including Malgudi Days, Hum Log, Buniyaad and Wagle Ki Duniya, will be aired again, after almost three decades.
A still from Fauji
“We receive several requests for re-runs of Doordarshan’s iconic shows. So, while we are working on a face-lift of the channel by bringing in fresh content, we also want to give our audience a peek into the past, so that they can relive those beautiful memories,” says Sahu. She adds that a prime half-hour weekend slot is being considered to benefit from the increased viewership. “We are also looking at getting fresh sponsors for the iconic shows.”
A still from Malgudi Days
One might question the relevance of serials dating back to an era that’s at odds with the present. But, Sahu asserts that the classics continue to resonate with the current generation. “These shows had attracted family audience in the past and are still fresh in people’s minds. Even if you watch them today, they don’t feel dated.”
With platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime making content from across the border available at one’s fingertips, is digitisation of the national broadcasting channel inevitable? Sahu refuses to divulge details but says that the team is in the process of amending the archival tapes to suit modern technology. “People should have access to good content, and for it, we have decided to go digital.
As a public broadcaster, we also want to preserve the cultural heritage,” she says.
Doordarshan classics set for revival
Fauji: The 1989 SRK- starrer, which marked the actor’s television debut, followed the training of Indian Army commandos
Malgudi Days: The 1986 series, based on the works of Indian writer RK Narayan, found its inspiration in the daily life of the common man. It was sketched by acclaimed cartoonist, RK Laxman
Hum Log: The 1984 saga of Basesar Ram and his family revolved around the struggles of a middle-class family
Wagle Ki Duniya: The 1988 comedy was based on characters created by RK Laxman and his muse — the common man
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