A look at the diverse narratives aired on COLORS for the year 2019

Varied content is the need of the hour and COLORS has strengthened their content offerings by narrating tales across a range of subjects that offered viewers a wide variety of emotions and managed to strike conversations around socially relevant subjects in the past year. COLORS has always believed in the ‘content-first’ philosophy and continues to sharpen their creativity, concepts, and initiatives that embodies the same vision.

This year, COLORS tugged at every heartstring through cohesive viewing. With deep-rooted storytelling at the core, COLORS launched a series of shows across ages with varied diversities blending different cultures into one entertaining mix.  The relevance of the shows not only connected with the viewers and engaged them, but also introduced faces that popularized and became a part of every household.

A look back at what has been the year of innovative and path-breaking content which cemented COLORS’ position as an ineffable member of the television industry-

2019 - The year gone by

Unconventional Love stories

(Bahu Begum, Shubharambh, Bepanah Pyaar)

Love and friendship often go hand-in-hand, but what happens when you are obligated to choose between the two most prized possessions of your life?  Tracing the journey of three individuals Azaan (Arijit Taneja), Shayra (Samiksha Jaiswal) and Noor (Diana Khan), who were entrapped in a web of love, revenge, and penance is COLORS’ royal show, Bahu Begum. The story focusses on drama, and how destiny can turn things overnight. While the story is fresh and new out of the entertainment oven, the cultural beauty and intricacy that reflected on the television screen encapsulated the audience’s heart and mind.

Another captivating love story, that has re-defined romantic thrillers is Bepanah Pyaarr. The story about Raghbir (played by Pearl V Puri) meeting with his dubious fate after the mysterious death of his soulmate Baani (essayed by Aparna Dixit) has been entertaining viewers across the country.  Unlike the older times, Bepanah Pyaarr rerouted the genre with a mix of mystery and added newness to an otherwise traditional love story giving the viewers an off the edge entertainment experience.

Empowering through Storytelling

(Choti Sarrdaarni, Vidya, Shakti, Kesari Nandan)

Breaking set notions, questioning societal stereotypes and striking hard-hitting conversations among people, the launch of Choti Sarrdaarni aimed to break preconceived notions about love, motherhood, and relationships. The show, with its unique concept, featuring Nimrit Kaur (Meher) and Avinesh Rekhi (Sarabjit), stands true to the fact that there is no greater warrior than a mother protecting her child from all evil. Connecting with viewers across, the show has been one of the leading shows on the time band.

Known for content that truly embodies societal upliftment, COLORS’ social drama, Vidya strongly focuses on the gaps in the public educational systems. The show brings to light, an illiterate army widow’s plight, leaving her no choice but to accept a compensatory government job that requires her to teach children English, a subject she herself has never known. The story sends out a strong message of how it’s never too late to pick up from where you left, it’s about Vidya’s journey of self-learning to teach the needy, her fight against malpractices that could hamper the growth of the children in public schools.  #VidyakiPaatshala a campaign that took over social media focused on empowering women to take up education irrespective of age.

Old is Gold

 Shakti...Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki has been a viewer’s favorite since 2016. The heart-warming tale of a transgender Saumya (Rubina Dilaik), who struggles to lead a normal life despite the discrimination she faces at every juncture has tucked into the viewer's hearts. The show opened on a strong note and continued to be in the list of Top 10 shows for most of its run.  Narrating the brighter side of a social taboo, Saumya’s character connected with the masses and was widely accepted. Empathizing with her battles, she became a part of everyone’s life and where viewers empathized with her as she fought all odds and supported the story that narrates a tale of a sect that is still considered to be Taboo.  

Timeless Tales

Time and again, our religious texts from Vedas and Puranas have influenced our lives and have proven to be a guiding light in times of uncertainties or to seek answers. These timeless narratives still bear relevance in today’s day and age for a pragmatic approach towards life. Elucidating the transcendental knowledge of the most profound spiritual literature, Bhagwat Mahapuran, with Lord Krishna (Rajniesh Duggall) and Radha (Shiny Doshi) as sutradhars, COLORS launched a new finite mythological series, titled Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran. Presenting new stories every week, the show explored many cultural connections and answered questions through the divine discourse given by the Supreme Lord Krishna himself.

A magnum-opus that recounted an artistic rendition of our very own revered Hindu scripture Ramayana, COLORS’ magnum-opus Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush, recounts the journey of Goddess Sita who raised her sons, Luv & Kush against all odds. The epic has immersed viewers in Luv and Kush’s quest to unravel their lineage and know their father’s identity.

The show became the talk to the town for its grandeur and high-end production value that has been giving them a cinematic experience that is rare. From costumes being sourced from the far east to the magnificently created sets that boast of the intricate detailing across, the show has been appreciated by viewers.

Bid Farewell!

As they say, all good things come to an end, two of the most popular and long-running shows of COLORS - Udann and Ishq Mein Marjawaan signed off this year.  Udaan enjoyed a good run of five and a half years and was appreciated for its socially uplifting message, strong narrative and the star cast. Similarly, Ishq Mein Marjawaan, the romantic thriller that ensured the viewers were captivated by the mystery kept the audience glued to their content while on air.

Starting the year with a bang! COLORS launched an unconventional story that championed a fresh perspective, #FromAangantoAkhada. Kesari Nandan, an inspirational tale of a little girl wanting to fulfill her father’s dream of bringing pride and glory to the nation through wrestling. With an aim to inspire many young girls to not give into gender-based stereotypes and to stand their ground and fulfill their dreams. The show also discussed how a father’s set belief, that women are only meant for the kitchen was challenged and how his daughter helped in breaking this chain of thought.

Vish - A poisonous love story, narrated a very edgy and bold story that revolves around Sabrina fighting all odds to save her sect and Aliya who is saving her lover from Sabrina and her vicious plans. The intriguing twists enticed the audience and kept them engaged through the episodes.

Breaking away from the typical saas-bahu narrative, Gathbandhan explored the extraordinary love story of a Gujarat ni chokri Dhanak (Played by Shruti Sharma), an honest, upright individual, who had the zeal to become an IPS Officer with a gangster, Marathi Mulga, Raghu (Played by Abrar Qazi), Son of Savitri Bai Jadhav, a Bollywood fan with no aim. Legal drama, conflicting lives, opposing value systems, family tussles, etc. proved to be just another obstacle in their lives.

Celebrated for her bravery and patriotism, the Queen of Jhansi, Rani Laxmibai’s name glitters in the pages of Indian history as one of the first instances of female heroism in nationalist uprising. But the saga of her journey from a free-spirited child into an independent young leader remains obscure to many. With Khoob Ladi Mardaani Jhansi Ki Rani, the channel presented this relentless transformational journey of Manikarnika to Jhansi Ki Rani and featured an excavating story of one of India’s most formidable female warriors, Rani Laxmibai. The show traced the emotional yet inspiring journey of a girl, Manikarnika, who was wise and sensitive when it came to her people and astute in dealing with her enemies.

Reigning Reality shows 

(Kitchen Champion, Khatra, Bigg Boss, Rising Star, Dance Deewane)

Set on the philosophy, ‘Jab Awaaz Ko Milega Janta Ka Pyaar, Tab Uthegi Har Deewar’, the third edition of Rising Star reiterated the age-old truth that artistes’ stardom lies in the support of their audience. The hunt for India’s next Rising Star was once again spearheaded by music maestro Shankar Mahadevan and the singing sensation Diljit Dosanjh. Along with them, this season introduced singing diva Neeti Mohan who joined the panel of experts and singer-actor Aditya Narayan hosted this season. Rising Star 3 concluded with the announcement of its winner Aftab Singh from Punjab's Faridkot. The show gave a platform to people from all walks of life who have been passionate singers. (Off-air)

Letting aside kitchen politics as shown in dramas, COLORS’ ‘Kitchen Champion’ was all about televisions famous celebrities donning the hat of chefs and whipping up the most delicious cuisines featuring the ‘ingredient of the day’. A jury of children, the hardest to please, were to decide their fate. The show connected with millions of mummies, gorgeous grandmas and wonderful children; this afternoon show was a special tribute to all those who add that special ingredient of love in every dish they whip up.  The show was hosted by the very suave and talented, Arjun Bijlani and featured celebrities like Karanvir Bohra, Surbhi Jyoti, Rashmi Desai, Debina Bonnerjee and many more – this ultimate cook-off between celebs to win the coveted title of ‘Kitchen Champion’. (Off-air)

Living by the fact that nothing can lift your spirits during a bad mood, like a well-played prank. COLORS’ launched a first of its kind prank show titled ‘Khatra Khatra Khatra’. Taking fun and frolic to another level were the fun and fabulous gang comprising of Bharti Singh, Harsh Limbachiyaa, Vikas Gupta, Ridhima Pandit and Aly Goni who outwit each other through a series of pranks to emerge as the ultimate prankster. Khatra Khatra Khatra, a fun competitive show, had viewers glued to their screens as a series of embarrassing practical pranks were performed. Challenging each other to bizarre dares, failing to which would lead to punishments of strange proportions.  This shows huge popularity and viewers gave it an extension and was later called The Khatra Show. (Off-air)

The new season of Bigg Boss has been a powerplay and has given viewers for the first time, the experience of two seasons packed into one with host Salman Khan at the core.  Jostling emotions and combating tasks and the constant fight to make their connections stronger to be able to survive all odds and emerge victoriously, the current season has become a massive success. From setting a benchmark in disruptive and voyeuristic content, Bigg Boss tedha has become one of the best seasons in the history of the show.   Every season, the show boasts of unpredictability and makes the content entertaining as well as cohesive to appeal to all. As part of the show’s philosophy, the moment the contestants enter inside they end up drawing more traction and raking up multiple debates and discussions that intensify with each passing day. The shows hysteria has won it an extension which is a great achievement in the history of Bigg Boss.

Bringing back a viewer’s favorite, conveying to all that age is just a number, Dance  Deewane Season 2, was launched with great fanfare, – Play, Pause and Rewind was newly introduced. It is curated as a nationwide hunt to scout for India’s truest dance deewane with the three-age category format that is Children, youth and adults.  The show elevated the level of dance performances over that of previous year and created spectacular jaw-dropping acts, enchanting audiences with style and techniques. Picking up from where they left, the terrific trio of Madhuri Dixit Nene, Shashank Khaitan and Tushar Kalia with their distinctive personalities and resplendent synergy, made the second season more enthralling. (Off-air)

Glamorous Gala Nights (Sitaaron Ki Vijayadashmi, Shaadi ho to aisi, IIFA, Filmfare, Miss India) or Celebrations Galore!

This year, COLORS celebrated the auspicious day of Vijayadashami through a grand and colorful Mela that brought the entire COLORS family together to continue entertaining viewers. The special segment called ‘Sitaaron Ki Vijaydashmi’ doubled the festive fervor with dance, drama, celebration and the will to fight over evil.

COLORS also geared up for a big fat, star-studded wedding event titled ‘Shaadi Ho Toh Aisi’. Taking up a topic of social relevance and highlighting the fight against social evils like dowry and casteism that is unfortunately still prevalent, the special show gave out a strong message against malpractices.

A Bollywood extravaganza that completed two glorious decades, IIFA Awards, proudly celebrated the momentous occasion with the who’s who of the entertainment world in Mumbai. Power-packed performances mesmerized viewers as the ever-energetic Ranveer Singh followed by the stunning Katrina Kaif, debutant star Sara Ali Khan, the effervescent Aayush Sharma, National Award-winning actor Vicky Kaushal, the Dancing Diva Madhuri Dixit and India’s most adored hose, Salman Khan set the stage ablaze. The awards presentation ceremony was hosted by the very talented duo Ayushmann Khurrana and Aparshakti Khurrana.

The finale of the Miss India pageant 2019 was a star-studded affair, with Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal performing on Bollywood's greatest hits to being hosted by Bollywood's favorite producer, Karan Johar and comedian par excellence Manish Paul, the show was a massive hit. Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar also showcased her anchoring skills. There were 30 beautiful women competing for the crown and representing their states. Suman Rao, from the state Rajasthan was crowned the Miss India 2019 title.

The most awaited awards night, Filmfare Awards 2019 witnessed the best of Bollywood stars together under one roof.  A great blend of glamour, style, music, magic and some larger-than-life performances. Viewers witnessed all the madness only on COLORS. Shah Rukh Khan who played the perfect host for the big night, yet again stunned viewers with his humor and extempore comments. Vicky Kaushal, Jhanvi Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Kriti Sanon were the obvious highlights that got the audiences hooked during the show as they performed to feet tapping music. The memorable moment of the event was when Vicky Kaushal paid his tribute to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan at the celebration.

The world of fantasy

Kawach Mahashivratri, the supernatural thriller witnessed evil energies taking center stage while the goodness of love was tested in all its glory. An extension of its supernatural franchise Kawach, Kawach Mahashivratri featured the journey of Sandhya as she fought to protect her family from the clutches of unknown mystic forces from supernatural realms. (Off-air)

Naagin - Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel

A show that has been breaking records season after season, a franchise that has become synonymous with entertainment, Naagin is back with another captivating season. Fighting to avenge her father’s death, the story will focus on Nayantara (Jasmin Bhasin) and how the past brings her and Brinda’s (Nia Sharma) life on crossroads.

Make way for 2020

With 2019 coming to an end, COLORS is gearing up for a stronger year of captivating stories, progressive narratives and another great year of celebrating content that connects. Excited to welcome the new year, an unconventional love story Naati Pinky will transcend the barriers of age, life stages, and background giving viewers a refreshing story that is sure to touch their hearts.  The much-awaited season of Khatron Ke Khiladi will be back and will feature action-packed stunts along with intensifying acts that will have viewers hooked on.  With Barrister Babu, COLORS will bring another heartwarming story that is set in the pre-independence era that will defy set stereotypes and showcase societal battles which we continue fighting.  

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