We grew up in glorious times. Times when Indian Television actually meant something more than kitchen politics and cheating husbands. Slowly but surely, TV made a paradigm shift to the Ekta Kapoor school of television and that’s seemingly something we are still subscribing too. But that’s another concern for another day. Today, I list out, in no particular order, not the iconic shows of our generation but the most iconic title tracks!
1. Malgudi Days
There’s something about the Malgudi Days theme song that takes you right back to childhood. This television adaptation of the book by RK Laxman is a class apart alright, but the title track composed by Sri Lakshminarayana Vaidyanathan and sung by Sankar Nag is bloody brilliant too.
2. The Jungle Book
I can’t speak of childhood and not bring up this Jungle Book gem by Gulzar, now can I?
3. Mahabharat
The theme song of Mahabharat could be heard in the streets on every Sunday morning in the year ’88 as families gathered to watch the epic unfold. Also, how can you forget “main samay hoon?” Thank you, B R Chopra!
4. Zaban Sambhalke
It may have been a rip off of an English series Mind Your Language, but Pankaj Kapur, with an array of equally talented actors, breathed life into Zabaan Sambhalke! And the catchy title track was just cherry on the cake.
5. Dekh Bhai Dekh
My love for Dekh Bhai Dekh is eternal and the show’s title track was philosophical, to say the least. “Is ranng birangi duniya mein, kya tera hai kya mera hai… har shaam ke baad savera hai…”
6. Filmy Chakkar
The Indravadan-Maya Sarabhai chemistry that you’re so crazy about today actually originated with Filmy Chakkar! I’m not even embarrassed that I still remember the entire song word by word.
7. Hum Paanch
Anand Mathur’s woes with the many women in his life could not have been said in a better way!
8. Just Mohabbat
Just Mohabbat was a super cool show and the lyrics of its theme song can make motivational posters: “Don’t darro-fy, simply karo-fy, just mohabbat!”
9. Shaktimaan
After all, Gangadhar hi Shaktimaan hai!
10. Hip Hip Hurray
Why can’t we have shows like these anymore? *sobs*
11. Woh
Clowns STILL give me the shivers thanks to this show!
12. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was iconic in many ways…the theme being one of them.
The entire K-brigade deserves a special mention here: Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki with its hands covering the diya moment and Kasautii Zindagii Kay with its under the red dupatta moment. Apparently the sequel to Kutumb was based on A Walk To Remember and Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai‘s title track is turning half of Team MissMalini (I’m looking at you Rashmi, Sheefa, Aayushi and Shreemi) into balls of mush. Check it out!
13. Khichdi
“LO AA GAYI! Sabko lubhaane Khichdiiii….!“
14. Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin
Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin was amazing, man… and the title track in Shaan‘s voice has such a feel good factor to it, no? Also, did you know Nandu and Jassi are still BFFs? AWWW!
15. Family No. 1
I LOVE this song! If anyone finds the video for Family No.1‘s title song, please post it in comments below!
16. Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai
Is there anything that’s not absolutely epic about Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai? Anything? No? Didn’t think so!
17. Remix
Remix hai apna jahaaaan!
Which is your favourite TV show title track of all times? Tell me in comments below!