Indian television drama

Not to be confused with Bollywood.

Indian television dramas (commonly referred to as Indian series or serials) are dramatic television programs written, produced, and filmed in India, featuring Indian actors in the lead roles, with episodes broadcast on Indian television.

India's first television drama, titled Hum Log (Hindi), aired from 1984 to 1985, and concluded with 154 episodes. Ekta Kapoor's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000–08) became the first Indian television drama to surpass 1,000 episodes. The show entered the Limca Book of Records with 1,833 episodes. The Marathi series Char Divas Sasuche (2001–13), concluding with 3,200 episodes, was the first Indian series to produce over both 2,000 and 3,000 episodes, making it into the Limca Book of Records. The Telugu series Abhishekam (2008–22) became the first Indian series to reach 4,000 episodes, ending its run on 1 February 2022. The television drama Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (2009–present), with over 4,500 episodes, is the longest-running Hindi TV show in India, as well as the longest-running soap opera, having aired for 15 years as of 2024.

Indian series are produced in nearly all major languages spoken in India, though many incorporate a mix of the predominant regional language and English. These dramas are also broadcast in other parts of South Asia, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Western Europe, Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, North America, Latin America, North Africa, Southeast Africa, and Francophone Africa.

History and significant development in Indian television from 1984-2020

India's first television drama, Hum Log, aired in 1984–85 and concluded with 154 episodes. At the time of its conclusion, it was the longest-running serial in Indian television history. Hum Log garnered an of 60 million viewers, with each episode running for approximately 25 minutes, with the series finale extending to approximately 55 minutes. Notably, at the end of each episode, veteran Hindi film actor Ashok Kumar engaged with the audience, discussing the ongoing story and situations through Hindi couplets and limericks. In later episodes, he introduced the actors portraying the characters and concluded his monologues with Indian language versions of the words "Hum Log."

1985-2003

Years	Themes	Types of serials	Notes
1985-1990's	Novel based and Novel type stories such as Social issues Social evils(social problem.) Social injustice and pain Social systems Civic issues Crimes Income issue Classical arts (musical,dance)related dramas such as Noopur TV Series 1990–& Phoolwanti Family loss	Rajani Nukkad Kissa Kathmandu Mein Doosra Keval Trishna	(Drama genres) Social drama Novel type dramas i) Trishna inspired by Jane Austen's 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice ii) Malgudi Days (TV series) based on R. K. Narayan’s 1943 work Sitcom (Wagle Ki Duniya)from 1988 to 1990. Classic dramas
1990's and Mid 1990s(1995,1996,1997)	Romantic Dramatic ,Emotional series,Friendships,Relationships ,Family loss(story line based) Particular Individual life story and perspective	Shanti Junoon Hasratein Tara Swabhimaan Beta Sneha Ek Raja Ek Rani Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai	First Romantic serial Phir Wahi Talash Melodrama with intense plots, heightened emotion and Emotional dramas,Tragic-drama,Legal Drama (Kannoon) Hum paanch,Tu Tu Main Main well known comic drama
1998-2002	Family drama relationships (story line based) Rise and Popularity of Family Dramas which dealt with sensitive relationships strained relations,stigmatized Relationships	Kora kagaaz Heena Kanyadaan Kavita AAshirwaad Dollar Bahu Hum Pardesi Ho Gaye Rishtey Babul Ki Duwayen Leti Jaa Mehndi Tere Naam Ki Tu Kahe Agar	Rise after Family dramas popularity after Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi CID first Indian police procedural television series Suraag – The Clue is an Indian television first detective-crime drama series
After 2002&2003	Family Tv Dramas created to attract younger generation audience in fashionable manner	Kasautii Zindagii Kay Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand Kyun Hota Hai Pyar Kutumb Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai Dishayen Tumhari Disha Kasamh Se	In 2005 Integration episode(Mahasangam), Tv star Guest appearances ,Film actor Guest appearances for Promotion of film started to begin in serials and reboot, spin off of more seasons were made for serial popularity. Sahara One launched novel based serial Sahib Biwi Gulam series is based on the 1953 Bengali novel Saheb Bibi Golam by Bimal Mitra which starred Actor Raveena Tandon was directed by Rituparno Ghosh with 104 episodes Grihdaah Tv drama based on the one of the best novel of Sharatchand Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's epic novel. Saraswatichandra which was produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali inspired on Saraswatichandra by Govardhanram Tripathi. Karishma The Miracles Of Destiny,Virrudh,Shikwah had been critically acclaimed for its story and power packed performances. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai,Khichdi,Shararat – Thoda Jaadu, Thodi Nazaakat best sitcoms.

Sudden growth & emerging trend during early 2000s

In 2002, StarPlus broadcast the period drama TV miniseries Asoka, based on the 2001 film of the same name, with a limited run of five episodes.

During the late 2010s, the popularity of daytime dramas and noon slot dramas gradually declined, and today, there are no daytime dramas on any mainstream channels. Currently, the four major networks that air prime time television dramas with a nationwide following are Colors TV, Star Plus, Sony Entertainment Television, Sun TV, and Zee TV. In 2017 in order to expand viewership all networks are bringing noon slot and day time slot shows. Star Plus, one of the leading Hindi general entertainment channels, has reintroduced the afternoon slot but ended after September 30, 2017

Biographical dramas

Biographical dramas based on historical figures also became popular, with notable examples such as Chanakya, Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan, Veer Shivaji, Jhansi Ki Rani, Chittod Ki Rani Padmini Ka Johur, Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Rudramadevi bringing Indian history to life through television.

Historical series

Porus, a historical drama based on the life of the Indian king Porus, premiered on Sony Entertainment Television on 27 November 2017 and concluded on 13 November 2018. It is currently the most expensive show in Indian television history, with a budget exceeding 500 crores.

21 Sarfarosh – Saragarhi 1897,Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap,Bharatvarsh,Swaraj,Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani – Jhansi Ki Rani are Popular historical series.

Crime dramas and Thriller series

Crime dramas also became a staple of Indian television or TV. C.I.D. (1998–2018) followed a team of detectives from the Crime Investigation Department in Mumbai and became the longest-running crime TV series in India, spanning 20 years. Other notable crime-thriller and professional series include, Suraag – The Clue, Jasoos Vijay, Special Squad, Monica Mogre – Case Files, Adaalat, C.I.D., 24, CIF and Zindagi Badal Sakta Hai Hadsaa

Science fiction television series

An Indian science fiction television series which was considered to be a famous late 1990s show called Captain Vyom.

Super hero shows

Some of the Superhero television shows were Shaktimaan and Aryamaan – Brahmaand Ka Yodha of late 1990's & early 2000's.

Fantasy television series

Son Pari,Arslaan,Savitri – Ek Prem Kahani,Shaka Laka Boom Boom,Hatim, Antariksh- Ek Amar Katha are one of the known Fantasy shows of 2000's. Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga show was one of the profound television series of Sony SAB from 2018 to 2021

Comedy shows

Khushiyan,Soni Mahiwal,Baa Bahoo Aur Baby,Bhaskar Bharti,Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale,Chintu Chinki Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story,Maddam Sir were Best Comedy shows

Comedy sitcoms

Hum paanch, Hum Saath Aaat Hain, Tu Tu Main Main,Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani,Malini Iyer,Shararat,Kabhi Saas Kabhi Bahu,Kadvee Khattee Meethi,Hari Mirchi Lal Mirchi,FIR, Kya Mast Hai Life,Best of Luck Nikki,Chidiya Ghar,Jeannie Aur Juju,Sumit Sambhal Lega,TV Biwi Aur Main,Sajan Re Phir Jhooth Mat Bolo were successful Comic sitcoms Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah are famous sitcoms and one of the longest-running television series in India.Sarabhai vs Sarabhai,Khichdi,Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey sitcoms continue to be considered some of the best sitcoms in India.

Historical comedy drama

Tenali Rama which is a Popular historical comedy drama based on the life of the legendary Telugu poet Tenali Ramakrishna aired on Sony SAB on 11 July 2017

Revenge series

Revenge-thriller series also gained attraction with Kasamm, Ek Hasina Thi,Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 3, Naagin, Vish Ya Amrit: Sitara, Ishqbaaaz, and Beyhadh are among the most Well-known examples in this genre.Nagin - Vaadon Ki Agnipariksha played by Sayantani Ghosh was the earlier First popular Revenge related show launched in 2007 and telecasted during weekends

Fashion related series

Main Banoongi Miss India,Lipstick (TV series) series are one of the best Fashion related series.

Flight attendant related series

Air Hostess series launched on DD National Produced by Rupesh Gohil is one of the series related to Flight attendant

Aviator(Pilot) related series

Airlines - Har Udaan Ek Toofan which was produced by Miditech with Actors Tulip Joshi and VJ Yudhishtir as main roles.

Aviation related series

Saara Akaash and Chhoona Hai Aasmaan related to Air forces.

Legal dramatic series

In 1993 DD Metro launched Kanoon which was courtroom drama/crime series. with 111-episodes Hindi series. It was produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by his son Ravi Chopra.

Another popular series, Adaalat (2010–16), revolved around a defense lawyer, Advocate K. D. Pathak, played by Ronit Roy.

Army Training Academy related series

Left Right Left aired on SAB TV is about the 6 cadets in an Indian Army academy face many obstacles, yet stand together.

Social drama

Serials addressing societal issues, such as child marriage, gender inequality, and dowry, include Balika Vadhu (focused on child marriage),Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo (exploring gender discrimination), Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar ( dealing with societal prejudice), Bidaai (highlighting skin color bias), Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann (centered on women's empowerment), and Dahhej (addressing the dowry system),Godh Bharai(Life of a childless couple who suffer in silence),Reth(battles the stigma despite being ostracised).

Mythological series from 2011 -2020

• The famous Mythological series of 2011-2014 the Indian mythological drama Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev achieved a record-breaking TRP of 8.2 for a single episode, marking it as one of the highest-rated shows in its genre.The Best Actor in a Negative Role won by Mohit Raina (Jalandhar) from Devon Ke Dev... Mahadev Serial at the 13th ITA Awards 2013.
• Namah show which started on 23 September –20 December 2019,where Raviz Thakur played the role of khaliyug asura anti-character became prominent among the viewers.
• Mahakali – Anth Hi Aarambh Hai which is a Colors TV show had international reception and show gained a lot of popularity among audiences
• Mahabharat one of the famous series in Star plus from 2013 to 2014

Parental conflict series

Rishton Ka Chakravyuh & Maya these series were best series about parental conflict but ran for short span

Evolution of TV serials from 2001-2020

Daytime family dramas, including noon slots and prime-time retelecasts during the daytime, were highly popular throughout the 2000s to 2010s. Best shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii,Kasautii Zindagi Kay, Kaahin Kissii Roz, Kahiin to Hoga, Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki, Kkusum, Poovilangu,Waaris, Dishayen,Roja Kootam, Ganga Kii Dheej, Kolangal,Aanandham,Doli Saja Ke,Chithi,Behenein, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya,Maayka,Sanskar,Kohi Apna Sa,Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?,Kasamh Se and Banoo Main Teri Dulhann were immensely popular and maintained a strong viewership.

Dishayen,Banoo Main Teri Dulhann,Kolangal,Viraasat dealt about most bitter sibling rivalry which has worst impact on their own families.

Koshish – Ek Aashaa,Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat,'Kkavyanjali,Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na,Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, Kehta Hai Dil,Durgesh Nandinii,Aisa des hai mera,Sasural Genda Phool,Hitler Didiare Popular dramas of 2000's

Noon slot family dramas gained particular prominence in the mid-2000s, with shows like Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, Woh Hue Na Hamare,Shikwah,Bhabhi, Kesar, Karam Apnaa Apnaa, Meri Doli Tere Angana, Hamari Devrani, Chotti Bahu,Kasak ,Adhikaar: Ek Kasam Ek Tapasya, , Diya Aur Baati Hum, Rakhi – Atoot Rishtey Ki Dor, Gharana,Stree Teri Kahani ,Tere mere sapne,Hamari Devrani enjoyed as much success as prime-time shows.

It was also common for prime-time shows to be retelecast during the afternoon slot, further boosting their popularity.In 2007 Hindi general entertainment channels re aired old serials during Non prime time hours. StarPlus made reteleacast of past hit shows like kyun hota hai pyaar,Shararat,Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand,Kehtha hai dil and other previous completed shows aired in morning(Non-Prime Time hours) from 7.00AM to 11.00 AM.Sony aired its old popular completed TV soaps Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai,Kkusum,Ye Meri Life Hai in Morning hours and Non-Prime Time hours.DD channel aired Meher serial at Non-Prime Time 4pm in 2009 during Sundays

Weekdays shows were made during early 2000's as more different serials were launched.Kehta Hai Dil,Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand,Meher, Dil se door Dil ke paas,Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar,Sanjivani, Devi were the most hit shows of 2000's.

In mid 2000 Romantic serials were started to made instead of regular family dramas. It started from Kasautii Zindagii Kay,Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand and then followed as trend.

Kaajjal,Kitni Mast Hai Zindagi,Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai,Hongey Judaa Na Hum,Tere liye,Dill Mill Gayye,Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani,Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin,Teri Meri Love Stories,Bade Achhe Lagte Hain,Ye Meri Life Hai,Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag,Meri Awaz Ko Mil Gayi Roshni,Miley Jab Hum Tum,Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar,Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani,Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani,Kutumb,Pavitra Rishta,Pavitra Bandhanwere one of the successful serials which started to add romantic themes and chemistry which were well received a mix of reactions from viewers especially from youths

Popular series such as Choti Maa: Ek Anokha Bandhan,Jeete Hain Jiske Liye, Sujata, Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan, Karishma – The Miracles Of Destiny, Kolangal,Kucchh Pal Saath Tumhara, Yathumagi Nindrai,Amber Dhara,Hello Pratibha, Manshaa,Ladies Special gained popularity for their portrayal of strong female protagonists during that period.

Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon,Kya Huaa Tera Vaada, Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, Pandian Stores,Gupta Brothers,Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti,Bepannah,Woh Apna Sa,Shaadi Mubarak,Saraswati chandra,Khwabon Ke Darmiyan were popular dramatic serials were well appreciated from viewers for strong screenplay & stellar performances.Virrudh,Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi Niyati,Maharani,Thirumagal are based on how daughters role is important being a pillar support as well as with emotional bond and play a significant pivotal role to their families as well as society and how their significant decisions are best in worst situations.

Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Ye,Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar,Yeh Hai Mohabbatein,Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki,Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa,Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?,Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi,Thodi Khushi Thode Gham,Kuchh Is Tara,Office,Nisha Aur Uske Cousins,Dosti... Yaariyan... Manmarziyan,Bade Bhaiyya Ki Dulhania,Aek Chabhi Hai Padoss Mein,Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji had mixed combination of romance, drama, emotions and light comedy which had good impact from viewers.

Concept related serials

Parenting related shows

Though these serials had stipulated run but it had strong emotional theme related to parent hood.Few tele-series were created with a focus on parenthood and the complexities of parent-child relationships, such as

• Basera (How old couples are treated with disregard)
• Thalattu(Separation of mother and son through circumstances)
• Tera Yaar Hoon Main (Father's longing to receive son's affection)
• Sautela(Father and son emotional bond),
• Mere Papa Hero Hiralal (Father and daughter bond)
• Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi,Parvarrish – Season 2 (Struggles of upbringing which explored the struggles of parents and their evolving dynamics with children).
• Thangamana purushan(season 2) (A person whose wife is mentally sick for losing her child therefore searches his child which is adopted in some other family )
• Santaan (challenges of a parent)&Swaran Ghar(Parents face struggle to provide the best things for their children) dealt with emotional challenges and experiences of a parent.

Sports related shows

Kesari Nandan and Palampur Express are one of the Indian TV serials that dealt with the challenges of a sports player.

Musical drama related series

Meri Awaz Ko Mil Gayi Roshni is about the ambitions and passions of Musical singer Sudha Malik and her personal love raj and how she balanced her conflict of her personal and musical professional life.

Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai which is Musical drama television series played by the Jannat Zubair Rahmani,Amrita Rao Mehnaaz Maan and Aditi Vasudev along with Deepti Naval and Zarina Wahab played the lead roles. The story continues with three generations of two sisters whose lives revolve around music which results in misunderstanding and stiff competition

Tu Aashiquia theme about musical-romance television show with combination and chemistry between Singer Paaki & Musician Ahaan

Medical related shows

Dhadkan Zindaggi Kii,Sanjivani, Sanjivani 2 are one of the Indian medical drama television series that dealt with their social, professional-dedication & emotional life

Adventure related shows

Everest revolves around the mountaineer Anjali Singh Rawat who successfully climbs Mount Everest, created by Ashutosh Gowariker and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker Productions Private Limited (AGPPL). A. R. Rahman composed the music for this television show.

Shows Had Portrayed related to work place rivalry & toxicity

• Kokila Enge Pogiraal which was a Tamil-language soap opera that aired on Sun TV from 1999 to 2000 and produced under the banner by Sivaji Productions revolves around the life of Kokila played by ActorEaswari Rao who works in office as employee where she develops rivalry through evil colleague who is a rich business man and she gets framed for wrong reasons in fake case but actually was done by same colleague with the influence of a politician and help of a lawyer as they want to escape the case.
• Karam Apnaa Apnaa season2 which had portrayed toxic work place cultures for few episodes as Gauri (Pallavi Subhash) as single mother who works in her deceased husband's Takeover partnership Firm which was acquired by distant brother in law Moksh(Arbaaz Ali Khan)
• The season 3 of Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi 3 where Sanjana played by ActorSana Amin Sheikh as Negative lead where she works in Dev's communication business company as a Self-proclaimed fake interior decorator & Plagiarist designer.
• Deivamagal serial had Actor Rekha Krishnappa played the role of Gayathri anniyar as Autocratic authoritarian Hotel supervisor possessing Superiority complex attitude

Shows Had Portrayed related to Office humor

one of the best series related to workplace humor

• Rishta.com series (A show about Partners who run matrimonial agency)
• office series (A show about friendships of four employees in their company.)
• Dosti... Yaariyan... Manmarziyan (A show about 4 people who work in Advertising Agency)

Business rivalry related shows

Kolangal mainly revolves around the rivalry between Abinaya who is selfless person and Aditya is her Business rival and half brother.

Life related series

Aati Rahengi Baharein which revolves around the happy life of Dr. Amar Sanghani where his life takes an unfortunate turn when he finds out that he is suffering from a deadly disease which is incurable and has short span of life and how he deals the trauma .

Current trend from (2020 to present)

From 2015, the Hindi television industry has been striving to create new contents due to OTT platform saturation and other foreign TV dramas & Asian dramas. Zindagi had syndicated diverse shows from various countries including Brazil, Pakistan, South Korea, Turkey and Ukraine. That was the turning point where viewers made different choices to watch shows from various countries.

Presently, Na Umra Ki Seema Ho, Woh Toh Hai Albelaa,Pashminna – Dhaage Mohabbat Ke,Shaadi Mubarak Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti,Tera Mera Saath Rahe,Hamari Wali Good News,Kahaan Hum Kahaan Tum are one of the most lovable shows one of the romantic shows during its time and received positve response from the audience

Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi,Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2,Chellamma Yeh Hai Chahatein are one of the popular dramas.

Anupamaa, Meet: Badlegi Duniya Ki Reet,Tu Chal Pudha,Sreemoyee,Sevvanthi, Dhadkan Zindaggi Kii, Ethirneechal,Bas Itna Sa Khwaab,Intinti Gruhalakshmi,Maddam Sir, Corporate Sarpanch, Appnapan – Badalte Rishton Ka Bandhan, Dheere Dheere Se, Main Hoon Aparajita,Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal are one of the different kind of shows based on Women protagonist centric.Ekk Nayi Pehchaan a Women protagonist centric show which was dubbed in regional languages and was remade in Telugu Version as Maa Atta Bangaram.

Indian television series inspired from films

• Dil Se Dil Tak was loosely based on the 2001 Bollywood film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.
• Another adaptation was Seeta Aur Geeta, was based on the popular Bollywood film of the same name (1972), written by Salim–Javed.
• Bhaskar Bharti is an Indian fantasy comedy-drama television series loosely inspired by from the Hindi film Mr Ya Miss
• There was speculation the negative role essayed as Maya dangerously obsessive lover from original first season of Beyhadh loosely based on that of role of Isha Diwan played by Actor Kajol in Gupt: The Hidden Truth.
• Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani is a supernatural television series produced Balaji Telefilmsby Ekta Kapoor inspired by Twilight
• Do Hanson Ka Jodaa was inspired from the film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.
• Love U Zindagi - Geet Ke Funde is an Indian television series which premiered on 29 January 2011 on STAR Plus is loosely based on the Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor starrer Jab We Met.

Social impact

See also: Socio-economic issues in India

TV dramas have had a significant impact on Indian society, influencing issues related to national integration, identity, globalization, women, ethics, and social issues in rural areas.[18] The first Indian television drama series, Hum Log, originally began as a family planning program but quickly shifted its focus to entertainment. Despite this, it continued to incorporate pro-development messages, serving as a model for utilizing television serials as an "edutainment" method—a practice that has been adopted by countries around the world.

A 2007 study examining the introduction of cable television in rural India revealed that it led to "significant decreases in the reported acceptability of domestic violence towards women and son preference, as well as increases in women's autonomy and decreases in fertility." The study also provided "suggestive evidence that exposure to cable television increases school enrollment for younger children, possibly through the increased participation of women in household decision-making."

Television rating point and rankings

After 2000's Indian television serials are based on Target rating point as an indicator and benchmark that signifies a TV programme's success & measures people's interests/viewership . Story line changes based on TRP and sometimes most of the serials have to wrap up soon with quick end due to decrease in the level of TRP's.

TRPs are calculated using the denominator as the Total Number of People in the Target Audience, and the numerator as the Number of People Who Watched the Program in the Target Audience multiplied by 100.TRP's can also be calculated

• TRP = (Number of viewers in the sample audience / Total target audience) * 100.

International reception

Afghanistan

Indian soap operas gained immense popularity in Afghanistan during the 2000s, building on the pre-existing popularity of Bollywood cinema in the region. In 2006, a Reuters article highlighted the airing of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, dubbed into Dari, captivating a broad audience.

Men, women, young, and old—anyone with access to television—became enthralled by the family drama.

According to reports, during the war in Afghanistan, armed militants may have even paused their fighting to watch Indian dramas.

However, the strong popularity of Indian dramas faced opposition from conservative hardliners who viewed them as a threat to the country's religious and national values. In response to conservative pressure, the government of Hamid Karzai ordered broadcasters to cease airing Indian dramas in April 2008. Broadcasters, however, refused to comply, arguing that the order violated the country's media law.

Afghanistan's first homemade television drama serial, Palwasha, produced by Aina Afghan Media, began airing on November 25, 2007. Though shot in Kabul and in Dari, the series was directed by an Indian director, with several key contributors hailing from India. Additionally, the main character was portrayed by Indian actress Sonal Udeshi.

Brazil

Caminho das Índias India: A Love Story, a popular Brazilian soap opera, was themed around Indian culture and became widely popular in Brazil.

Dubai

Khwaish, which aired on Sony Entertainment Television and ARY Digital, became a hit show in Dubai in 2007. In 2016, due to high audience interest, A-Plus TV dubbed the popular romantic Hindi Colors TV serial Jeevan Sathi - Humsafar Zindagi Ke into Urdu, further increasing its appeal.

Indonesia

Indian TV dramas such as Uttaran and Balika Vadhu performed well in Indonesia, where they were dubbed in Indonesian and aired multiple times until their conclusions. Saath Nibhaana Saathiya was also popular and was dubbed under the title Gopi (after the main character). It aired from 15 September 2016 to 19 April 2017 and was rebroadcast from 2021 to 2022, with the Indonesian version reaching 600 episodes. Other serials like Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Ishq Mein Marjawan, Kumkum Bhagya (in Indonesian under the title Lonceng Cinta), Anupamaa, Imlie, Naagin, and Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka also achieved good TRP ratings in Indonesia. Additionally,Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke,Jabb Love Hua,Kumkum Bhagya and Punar vivah were aired in Zee Hiburan, its 24/7 General Entertainment Channel in Indonesia, following the success of their original Hindi channel Zee TV. Dastaan-E-Mohabbat Salim Anarkali was dubbed in their Indonesian language and telecasted on ANTV.

United Kingdom

Rab Se Sohna Isshq from Zee TV a love triangle story aired in London. This was the first ever cross continental show in Indian television.The show was dubbed into English as Eternal Love and broadcast on Zee World & its sister channel Zee TV UK.

Ivory Coast and Senegal

Vaidehi – Ek Aur Agni Pareeksha gained significant popularity in Ivory Coast and Senegal. In 2010, due to high demand, the serial was dubbed into Arabic for broader viewership.

Nepal

In the mid-2000s, Indian dramas such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kasautii Zindagi Kay gained massive popularity in Nepal, attracting large audiences. This surge in popularity led to the production of more Nepali serials, such as Sindur, Maiti, and Ghat Pratighat, which were created to cater to the growing viewership.

Pakistan

Indian dramas have been widely popular in Pakistan, with Indian shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi becoming number 1 against Pakistani Serials. Indians shows were extensively watched due to the mutual intelligibility between Urdu and Hindi. However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has banned the broadcasting of Indian films and TV shows. Despite this, the BBC reported that many cable television operators in Pakistan continue to violate the ban, airing Indian television serials due to their high demand. Indian TV shows make up nearly 60% of all foreign programs broadcast in Pakistan.

In June 2006, Pakistani comedian Rauf Lala won the Indian comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, but Pakistanis could not follow the show as it was not allowed to air in Pakistan. An official remarked that "Bollywood and Indian TV drama have invaded our homes".

Indian TV dramas have become so popular in Pakistan that mainstream newspapers, such as the Pakistan Tribune, often feature articles about the shows. Many viewers have resorted to satellite connections to enjoy uninterrupted coverage of Indian programs.

Despite the historical anti-Indian sentiment in Pakistan and the fact that the two countries have fought four wars over a span of about 50 years, Indian TV shows and Bollywood have led to a shift in perception, with many ordinary Pakistanis viewing India and Indians more favorably. Indian tourists visiting Pakistan have noted that people tend to be particularly friendly when they discover that the visitor is from India.

On October 27, 2018, the Supreme Court of Pakistan reinstated the ban on Indian content on local channels. Channels such as Filmazia and Urdu1 subsequently shut down Indian content for a period.

Russia

The Indian serial Dishayen was dubbed in Russian and gained popularity in Russia in 2005.

Sri Lanka

The Hindi serials Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kasautii Zindagii Kay were dubbed in Sinhala and received a great response in Sri Lanka. Another popular show, Kindurangana, which was a remake of the Hindi serial Kasamh Se, also garnered a positive reception from Sri Lankan audiences.'Shanti'serial which was popular during 90's was dubbed in Sinhalese and aired in Sri Lanka .

Turkey

Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon was dubbed in the Turkish language.

Africa

Tu Tevha Tashi the Marathi daily soap dubbed into English as 'Never Too Late for Love’ for African viewers & aired on Zee Africa.

Other countries

The series The Iron Handed Phantom – Mayavi was dubbed in Mandarin and Korean, and also aired in Europe and Australia. Additionally, several popular Colors TV dramas, such as Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, Balika Vadhu, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Chandrakanta, Udaan, Naagin, Shakti, Ishq Mein Marjawan and Bepannah, were dubbed in Thai to cater to viewers in Thailand and other key South Asian markets.

See also

• Tamil television drama
• List of longest-running Indian television series