Imagine it’s 8 pm on a Wednesday in the 90s, and the neighborhood seems empty. The streets are sparsely populated, and the vibe feels slightly spooky. The entire family is in a single room, glued to the large television set. The much-anticipated program being aired is Chitrahaar. The older members of the household secretly admire Wahida Rehman, while the younger ones are captivated by Madhuri Dixit’s charm. The scenario is a typical 1990s setup. The entire country patiently waits for the telecast of Chitrahaar. It features both old and new 1990s Bollywood video songs. The slow romantic songs and old melodic ballads are blended perfectly. This blend creates unique entertainment for ’90s kids and their parents.
It’s been a long time since the telecast ended. ’90s kids are now accustomed to party songs, rap music, and EDM. This TV program still resonates with me, and the DD National logo evokes an emotional connection. Waiting for the telecast of the preferred songs was heart-touching. The Friday repeat telecast was funny, too. Announcing the names of those who requested their favorite songs added to the humor and nostalgia. Looking back, we see how watching the show solidified the bond between siblings and cousins. Arguing over the song selections further strengthened these ties. Sometimes, the entire colony would gather at a single opulent house with an extensive television set.
Back in the 90s, there were no Instagram Reels, Facebook, YouTube, or other internet and social media platforms. Instead, 90s TV programs provided a wholesome mix of education and entertainment for young viewers. The likes of Surabhi, Ramayan, Mahabharat, and, later, Mano ya na Mano, fostered a sense of learning. While discussing the spooky serials of all time, Aahat comes to mind in the number 1 position. Hum Log, Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai, Vikram Aur Betaal, Malgudi Days, The Jungle Book, and Byomkesh Bakshi were remarkable TV programs of the ’90s. They enchanted kids and adults with dry humor, witty storylines, and exceptional acting.
The world of ’90s songs was highly occupied by Bollywood fever. The romantic songs and the ’90s choreography are still benchmarks for how it’s done. The dancing duo of SRK and Malaika Arora performed on a moving train. Their performance on the track “Chaiyan Chaiyan” still lingers in the vivid memories of 90s kids. The Perfect Bollywood songs gave the wannabe lovebirds a sense of purpose and belongingness. And the singers were the superstars of the ’90s. Sonu Nigam, KK, Shaan, Alga Yagnik, Lucky Ali, and other singers became icons. They made the ’90s kids love music and its craftsmanship. If you ask any classy ’90s kid what peace is, they will talk about the experience and the vibe. It involves listening to Lucky Ali’s husky voice through a borrowed headset. This happens on a rooftop, watching the star-filled sky on a winter night.
The economic reforms of the 1990s paved the way for middle-class families to afford new entertainment devices. They now buy a television set, a radio, a gramophone, or a VCR. Those were the trademarks of a wealthy household. The mental imagery and vivid experiences persist and are stored in the memory lane. Watching and enjoying TV programs or listening to 90s music are the true wealth that any 90s kid possesses today.
One would wonder what has happened to the quality of entertainment over the years. Many commercial TV channels were on the scene, alongside the DD Nationals, and created a series of senseless soap operas. Sadly, many Indian audiences continue to consume these soap operas and find them entertaining. Even reality TV programs are popular among TV viewers. Autotune has significantly affected the quality of Indian music. Still, many talented singers and actors make meaningful TV serials, cinema, or music. In the era of Autotune, EDM, and social media followers, excellent-quality content still thrives. It evolves to stay in tune with the new generation of audiences.
Will the ’90s kids wake up to the soulful singing of Lucky Ali or Rafi on weekend mornings? Will there be a poignant scene in the TV serial that deeply moves the whole family? Will it make them cry, as in the Ramayana or the Mahabharata? Will Sadhana Sargam give those classic notes to enthralled music lovers? There are many questions, but the answers lie in the hearts of the ’90s kids. Those moments will never return, but we can still cherish them through YouTube or old television broadcasts.
The Witty Stride 