For every 90’s kid who grew up watching shows like Khichdi or Sarabhai, Television was not a source of entertainment but was an emotion. The TV characters were irreplaceable and unforgettable. These characters left a long-lasting impression on the minds of everyone watching Television in the 90s. We fondly remember them by their character name even today. Let’s have a look at some of the most memorable characters from Indian TV shows.
1. Supriya Pathak as Hansa Parekh | Khichdi (2002)
Supriya aced the role of Hansa- a dumb but lovable character. Her laziness, lack of cooking skills or any skills for that matter, and her low intelligence level was what made her iconic. Because we all have a “Hansa” inside us (Read- Main toh thak gayi Bhaishaabbb)
2. Ratna Pathak Shah as Maya Sarabhai | Sarabhai vs Sarabhai (2004)
The high society snooty Mother-in-law played by Ratna Pathak as Maya was truly one of a kind. Although this character was supposed to be the villain or someone with negative connotations, Maya was still loved by all. I mean memorable characters me Maya ko na add karna is just categorically middle-class.
3. Shivaji Satam as ACP Pradyuman | CID (1998)
CID was a household favourite at one point. It was the closest we could come to a good detective series. Of course, the titular characters is what made this serial so popular. Especially ACP Pradyuman and his famous “Kuch toh gadbad hai Daya”!
4. Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani | Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000)
Probably the trendsetter for “Sanskari Indian Bahu” type characters in serials. Although touted as regressive, the character was very popular among the masses and Smriti Irani is still considered Tulsi by many!
5. Dilip Joshi as Jethalal Gada | Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah (2008)
No one could have played Jethalal better than Dilip Joshi. This character is now a household name. Probably one of the most relatable characters whose life is always messed up and is currently surviving because of his ‘Param Mitra’. We feel you Jetha Bhai!
6. Gopi Bhalla as Gopi | FIR (2006)
One of the funniest characters on Indian television. It’s really difficult to portray a public servant like this and not be offensive, but Gopi’s character was one such non-problematic and funny police officer.
7. Devan Bhojani as Gattu | Baa Bahoo aur Baby (2005)
Probably many would have forgotten the name of the serial, but people still remember Gattu. Deven Bhojani’s versatility as an actor could be seen in this role of his. Even now people fondly remember this daily soap as the “Gattu Wala serial”.
8. Mona Singh as Jassi | Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin (2003)
The fact that even Mona’s co-actors didn’t know what she actually looked like, makes Jassi’s transformation even more epic. But we would say we loved Jassi either way!
9. Sanju’s Magic Pencil | Shaka Laka Boom Boom (2000)
Shakalaka Boom Boom would not have existed without the PENCIL! Anyone could draw things like Sanju but could any pencil be as great as the ‘magic pencil’? NO! We stan the actual main character.
10. Mukesh Khanna as Shaktimaan | Shaktimaan (1997)
Probably every 90’s kid’s favourite character. We actually learned good habits from Shaktimaan. He is not just a hero but an emotion for all Indian kids. Definitely one of the most memorable characters from Indian TV shows.
11. Sunil Grover as Gutthi | Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013)
The only caricature of a woman that is acceptable. The way the character delivers jokes and also how good Sunil Grover is at taking a joke on himself is why Gutthi is missed so much!
12. Rajeev Mehta as Praful Parekh | Khichdi (2002)
Playing a dumb character who is so lovable is difficult but not for Rajeev Mehta. The way he portrays the innocent and simple-minded Praful is truly amazing. The hand gestures, expressions, and comic timings is what make Praful so unforgettable.
13. Karan Singh Grover as Dr Armaan Malik | Dill Mill Gayee (2007)
Karan Singh Grover as Dr Armaan Malik was the national crush in the yesteryears. This was probably Grover’s best role till date. Only if we had a doctor like him!
14. Avika Gor as Anandi | Balika Vadhu (2008)
It’s like people have seen Anandi as well as Avika Gor growing up. We loved Anandi for her innocence, her zeal to do something for herself and of course her child-like behaviour. No one could play Anandi better than Avika Gor!
15. Farida Jalal as Nani | Shararat (2003)
The coolest Nani in town was Jiya’s Nani. The mischievous yet adorable Nani is what we all want. Although we believe that every nani can wield some magic for her grandchildren!
These were some of the most memorable characters from Indian TV shows that we love. This list cannot do justice to the plethora of characters we love from our favourite TV shows. But we can safely say that they do not make characters like this anymore.
Do let us know your favourite one.