The golden era of Vividh bharati and Doordarshan tv: Shows and programmes
This article refreshes the old memories of the golden era, when, on the radio people had to tune into only two stations like the Vividh Bharati and All India Radio, whereas on the television one had to be content by watching only the doordarshan channel.
Tunning the radio
I still remember fondly, how being a kid in the late 70,s, we had just 2 channels Vividh bharati and All India radio to tune our radio,s to. The Vividh Bharati Radio Station
A programme named Binaca geet mala was a major hit and favourite amongst the listeners of vividh bharati. This programm was actually a countdown show of the top 20 superhit songs at that time. The host of the show Mr. Amin Sayaani is well remembered for his beautiful and unique voice, which made the programm even more popular. Jaimaala, Venus sangeet sandhya and T-series sangeet sarita were some famous programmes that gained poularity amongst the listeners on vividh bharati.All India Radio Station
This radio station was tuned mainly by listeners who were mainly intersted in getting the latest news and those who followed cricket closely. It was the only station that used to broadcast ball to ball live commentary of cricket matches being played in india. As a result very often cricket fans would be seen carrying small pocket size transistors close to the ears, listening to the live commentary.Introduction of FM channels
The first FM channel was started in the mid 90,s and thus the change was evident amongst the listeners too. With a variety of fm channels coming up later, channels like Vividh Vharati and All India Radio began to loose their listeners. Today, in major cities where a listener has a variety of choice to select from the fm stations, Vividh Bharati and all india radio have very few listeners left. It is only in the remote places that people still tune to these 2 stations as there is no availability of fm channels there.The era of Doordarshan: Popular shows
It was the only channel available for viewing on tv those days. Programmes
usually started at 6 p.m. Kilbil, Santakukdi, Aamchi Maati Aamchi Maansa were some regular programmes to start off with. Mondays ,Tuesdays and Wednesdays had almost nothing to offer for the viewers. Hindi music lovers had to wait until thursday as Chaayageet was the only programme showing hindi songs. Come friday and we had a programme called Phool khiley hai gulshan gulshan in which a beautiful lady named Tabbassum used to interview
film stars from the hindi cinema irrespective of hero or villain and producer or director. Saturday evening was a slot for the regional marathi film.Super Sundays
Sunday was the only day, everyone was enthusiastic about. A few serials like Rajni, Star Trekk to begin with and then was the time for Saaptahiki, a programme which was a guide to the entire weeks schedule on tv. Sunday evening was the most anticipated of all as it was the time for a hindi feature film to be telecast. A moment every bollywood fan would wait for irrespective of whether the movie shown was old or new. Once the movie was over by 9 p.m, it was then time for a programme called focus based on current topics. By 10 p.m as the programme got over, it was then time to switch off the television set and go to bed.The TV and radio journey
From the late 70,s to the present day 2013, there has been a vast change in the source of entertainment. Whether tv or radio, both have a lot to offer for the generation today by means of entertainment. Unlike those days, generation today have variety of channels to view when watching tv by virtue of cable tv or set top box systems. Same can be said of the radio too. They can tune into any of the numerous fm channels available.
Generation today are lucky enough as they have plenty of options provided by the source of entertaintment.
Thank you, Mr Sameer, for this post. I too was thinking of posting a thread on the same topic. 'Doordarshan', the one and only channel of earlier times have helped us in many ways. As you mentioned a few programs, I remember they had class and conveyed good values. During school vacations, they had 'FUN TIME' with He-man, Giant Robert, Ek Do Teen Char etc. Every Sunday, 'Ramayan' and 'Mahabharat' were telecasted which all would watch. All the programs very hilarious, well-scripted and family oriented.
I remember, there were very few houses who could afford TV at that time and all would gather at one house to watch the programs. All would share their thoughts, gossip and be very caring. Now everyone is looking for private space.