Malgudi Days To Shaktimaan, Timeless Indian TV Shows From The 90s You Must Rewatch

These shows, filled with relatable characters and emotional depth, became part of daily life — leaving a legacy that still touches hearts today.

Throwback to some of the most iconic and unforgettable Indian TV shows from the 90s.

Source : IMDb

Before the OTT era took over, Indian television in the 1990s was all heart. Families gathered around their TV sets to watch shows that offered simple yet powerful storytelling. These shows, filled with relatable characters and emotional depth, became part of daily life — leaving a legacy that still touches hearts today.

Here’s a throwback to some of the most iconic and unforgettable Indian TV shows from the 90s:

Malgudi Days
Based on R. K. Narayan’s short stories, Malgudi Days brought the fictional town of Malgudi to life. Directed by Shankar Nag, the show captured everyday emotions through charming characters, especially young Swami, played by Master Manjunath. Its soulful title track is still unforgettable.

Byomkesh Bakshi
India’s own Sherlock Holmes, Byomkesh Bakshi was a brilliant detective show based on stories by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. Directed by Basu Chatterjee and set in 1940s Kolkata, it followed the truth-seeking “Satyanweshi” Byomkesh, who solved crimes with intelligence and logic.

Buniyaad
A powerful drama on the Partition of India, Buniyaad focused on how one family’s life was torn apart by history. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and Jyoti Sarup, it portrayed the trauma and resilience of people forced to leave everything behind.

Shaktimaan
India’s first superhero show, Shaktimaan, aired from 1997 to 2005 and starred Mukesh Khanna. The character, who drew power from the five elements, became a national icon. Children eagerly awaited each episode, chanting “Sorry Shaktimaan!” if they ever strayed from good behavior.

Dekh Bhai Dekh
This lighthearted sitcom revolved around the lovable Diwan family and their joint household chaos. Full of love, laughter, and quirky characters, Dekh Bhai Dekh made audiences smile every week and remains a favorite even today.

Swabhimaan
Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, Swabhimaan was India’s first daily soap. It followed Svetlana, a bold woman fighting for her identity and rights after her wealthy partner’s death. With themes of betrayal, pride, and power, the show broke new ground.

Hum Paanch
This hilarious sitcom told the story of Anand Mathur and his five eccentric daughters — and their witty late mother who talked through a portrait! With a young Vidya Balan and a perfect mix of chaos and comedy, Hum Paanch was a family drama like no other.

Hip Hip Hurray
One of India’s first teen dramas, Hip Hip Hurray captured school life with all its ups and downs. From friendship and crushes to exams and real-life issues, it showed teenagers just being themselves — awkward, funny, confused, and growing up.

Chanakya
A historical epic, Chanakya was a gripping political drama that told the story of the brilliant thinker Kautilya and his role in establishing the Mauryan Empire. Its thoughtful storytelling and powerful performances made it one of the best Indian TV shows ever made.

Flop Show
Created by Jaspal Bhatti, Flop Show was a satirical gem. It poked fun at social problems, corruption, and government red tape — all with clean humor and smart writing. Even today, its jokes feel relevant and fresh.