Ramayan

Ramayan is an Indian epic television series that initially aired on Doordarshan's National Channel from 1987 to 1988. The series is an adaptation of the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana composed by the sage Valmiki devastated over millennia across the Indian subcontinent. It was brought to life on television by the noted filmmaker Ramanand Sagar under the banner of Sagar Art Enterprises.

The shows plot intricacies echoed the narrative of the sacred text of Ramayana, presenting the life of Rama, the Seventh Avatar of Vishnu. The series is woven around his birth, his youthful adventures, his life in exile, and his final confrontation with his adversary Ravana.

Ramayan broke national television records and became a cultural phenomenon, using television as a medium to render the Indian epic's grandeur. Its weekend morning slot cemented a ritualistic television arising across homes in India, transcending all barriers of caste, creed and religion. The beauty of the show lies not just in the story, but also its portrayal which ingrained moral and societal values, thus striking a chord with audiences of all age groups.

The series starring Arun Govil as Rama, Deepika Chikhalia as Sita, and Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, Rama's loyal and loving brother, became household names. Govil's gentle portrayal of Rama and Chikhalia’s spiritual embodiment of Sita left an enduring impression on viewers. Rama's devoted disciple Hanuman was portrayed by Dara Singh, who brought a certain strength and loyalty to the character that resonated deeply with fans.

Ramayan not only tells the story of good versus evil but also represents the societal and moral standards of an ideal person, including the concept of perfect son, perfect king, and a perfect husband. Each episode was a melange of impressive set designs, colorful costumes, and emotive background scores which eloquently created an atmosphere of devotion, bravery, and sacrifice fostered by the characters.

The series’ enduring appeal laid not only in its religious or philosophical imports but was also a reflection of a simpler, ethical lifestyle that found deep resonance with viewers longing for a moral anchor. Its emphasis on dharma (duty/obligation), karma (action leading to future consequences), and yoga (path towards realisation and self-discovery) was a refreshing exposure for an audience that was largely urban bent and new to television.

Ramayan was a breakthrough in the television landscape in India. It pioneered mythological storytelling, paving the way for numerous epic sagas that later gripped Indian Television. The show's mass appeal broke viewership records, cementing its place in the annals of Indian television history as one of its highest rated shows.

The mastery of Ramanand Sagar’s storytelling skills ensured that the series was not just appreciated for its authenticity, but also for the way it brought the story closer to the people, encapsulating the core theme of good triumphing over evil, and the power of faith and devotion. It gracefully transcended the barrier of being just a religious show, and reached into the hearts of millions across the country, creating a unique space for itself in popular culture.

Its importance was reestablished when it was re-telecast during the global lockdown amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and yet again turned out to be a viewership magnet thirty-three years after its first broadcast.

The series graduated from just being a phenomenally successful show to a societal event, due to its unique storytelling, grandeur, and the moral lesson it imparted. While entertaining millions, Ramayan also managed to impart life lessons and moral values, drawing people more inwards spiritually, and lighting the path of righteousness for its vast audience. No wonder the epic series Ramayan is fondly remembered and continues to remain in people's hearts even decades after its original telecast.