Before OTT and YouTube, there was Doordarshan — the original mood during monsoons.
Grew up in India during the 90s? There are high chances that the pitter-patter of rain meant beyond puddles and paper boats. It meant Doordarshan time — those glorious black-and-white or grainy colour screens lighting up with iconic shows, meaningful content with unmatched simplicity.
Today, monsoons might be synonymous to favourite webseries on streaming platforms, but many of us long for those quieter yet special 90s moments. So let’s rewind those monsoon afternoons when Doordarshan was our best companion, and everything felt a little more special.
In the 90s, Doordarshan wasn’t just a channel. It was an emotion. With limited content came unlimited anticipation. From opening tunes like “Sare Jahan Se Accha” to the national integration songs, everything felt magical.
During the monsoon, when outdoor play was impossible and power cuts were frequent, families would huddle around the TV. And who can forget the joy of adjusting the antenna — through open windows, often with someone shouting, “thoda right karo!”
Undoubtedly, every child’s favourite Indian superhero. The drama, the spinning transformation, and the famous line: “Sorry Shaktimaan!” The monsoon used to add a dramatic background score of thunder, making it even more thrilling.
Rain outside, suspense inside. This detective series was intelligent, atmospheric, and perfect for gloomy weather. Rajit Kapur’s portrayal still gives OTT detectives a run for their money.
The soothing music, Swami’s innocent face, and R.K. Narayan’s engaging narrative — watching this while sipping hot turmeric milk during a drizzle? Unbeatable.
This cultural delight brought Indians to drawing room. As cows mooed in the background and waves crashed on-screen, it made rainy Sundays even more enriching.
Who can forget these music shows? With no skip button, every song was watched (and cherished). During rains, even a Lata Mangeshkar number hit harder.
The experience wasn’t just about the content — it eventually became a ritual.
And grandparents dozing off to Krishi Darshan before the evening serial began
Remember those true Indian monsoon experience? The calm yet enriching time before WiFi and binge culture.
In today’s era of constant content, the charm of Doordarshan lies in what it didn’t have — no ads every two minutes, no skip buttons, no spoilers. Just stories told with heart, slow pace, and soul.
As you sit by the window watching raindrops slide down the window pane, it’s okay to feel a bit nostalgic. The monsoon has always been about reconnecting with old memories, and for millions of Indians, those memories are steeped in the timeless magic of Doordarshan.
So maybe tonight, light some incense, pour a cup of chai, and time-travel — back to a world where everything was slower, warmer, and full of heart.
Hope you enjoyed this raindrop-laced journey with beloved Doordarshan classics that defined our rainy days. Feeling nostalgic? You can re-watch them on YouTube and Prime Video.
