Sitcoms- a genre, the present generation relates with English episodes. The American Episodes of ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’, ‘HIMYM’, ‘The Big Bang Theory’ etc. are there in hard disks of every teenager. Watching them again and again is a common habit. To come to think of it we all love the English sitcoms basically.
And before we laughed on the fluent English jokes of Star World, we couldn’t stop our laughter while the telecast of some Hindi TV Serials as well. Since the start of Doordarshan, Indian Television has produced sitcoms of comparable level. Indian Television industry has had its share of great sitcoms as well. They are there in our childhood memories but westernisation has put them in the farthest corner of the brains. Bringing them to the forefront, we assure that these Indian Comedies have tickled your bone at some point. Have a look at our selection of the best TV shows Indian production houses have given us (not in any order). Do tell us if you agree to us.
- DEKH BHAI DEKH
A classic Indian comedy, Dekh Bhai Dekh is a must watch for the ones who love to laugh. Story based on Diwan joint family, 3 generations living together and facing problems yet solving them united. A satire on sibling rivalry, business problems and generation gaps, this show never failed to win hearts of the audience even after re runs on DD and SAB.
- SARABHAI VS SARABHAI
Could Saas – Bahu serials be tolerable in India? ‘Hats Off’ Productions took Indian comedy to a new level with this family sitcom. High class typical mother-in-law always unhappy with her middle class kanjus daughter-in-law, a bechara husband sandwiched between his mother and wife, scared father-in-law and a childish younger brother; these characters surely are a treat to eyes. You can’t get enough of Sarabhais ever. After those 70 episodes, we still wait for some more.
- TU TU MAIN MAIN
Yet another Saas – Bahu rivalry, Tu Tu Main Main, challenges you to remain normal while watching it. The show ran for a long 11 runs without even being a dragged one. Every new episode was a new bickering between the mother and daughter in law. But the nokjhoks made the real saas-bahu jodis at home laugh out loud.
- OFFICE OFFICE
After RK Laxman’s common man, Mussadilal symbolises the Indian aamaadmi. Pankaj Kapur rules the hearts of the audience with his timing in this comic caper. A satirical take on the corruption and laziness of the government offices, this series was a hit even when its sequel hit the TV again. Inspired from the success of this sitcom, Chala Mussadi Office, a film was even made starring Pankaj Kapur only.
- FLOP SHOW
Quality matters more than the Quantity. A 10 episodes show, still etched in our memories. Flop Show ironically was never a flop. Even after years of its airing, the characters, the dialogues and the scenes remain relevant in the present society. Jaspal Bhatti became the King of Comedy with this show and will be always remembered for his great comic timing.
- Hum Paanch
“Soap Queen” Ekta Kapoor also started her successful career with this comedy based on five sisters, each with a different talent and passion. The crazy Mathur family were the most popular people on the idiot box at that time. Ranging from a tom boy Kajal to the biggest SRK fan Sweety, the show had everything needed for a perfect Masala comedy TV show. And yes none of the dragged episodes, like those of present Balaji Telefilms: p
- ZABAAN SAMBHALKE
An engineer forced to teach Hindi to people from all backgrounds. The characters and the setting are the highlight of this show. Although it was an adaptation of British Serial ‘Mind Your Language’, the Indianess of the sitcom garnered more applause. The innumerable classroom discussions were the highpoint of this TV air.
- SHRIMAAN SHRIMATI
Husband & Wives since ages have been the basis for many jokes. This classic sitcom is still the favourite of many. Husbands flirting with their neighbours wives in vain, make a great comic view. The comic timing and expressions of the actors are par excellence.
9. KARAMCHAND
Okay! So this was not basically a sitcom, but the subtle humour involved with the detective minds makes this a must watch. A decade before CID solved the cases; we had Karamchand and Kitty helping the clueless. Kitty’s silly questions and Karamchand’s carrot love leave each and everyone in awe when they suddenly solve the mystery with so evident logic. Castle sprinkled with Indian spices!
