Embrace these strong women.
For years, strong women have been at the heart of Indian television shows.
They are portrayed by talented actresses who dominate the screen with their energy and brashness.
As they navigate through challenging stories and captivating plots, these characters imbue the shows with relatability.
This leads to the programmes achieving longevity in the annals of Indian television.
DESIblitz invites you on a thrilling journey, where we present 12 Indian TV shows that contain strong women.
Ramayan
In 1987, Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan began airing and quickly became a sensation among fans.
The series is a narration of the titular epic from Indian mythology and chronicles the saga of Ram and Sita.
While Arun Govil portrays Ram, a radiant and talented Deepika Chikhalia brings Sita to life.
Although Sita is kidnapped by the demon king, Ravan (Arvind Trivedi), Deepika infuses her with resilience and strength.
Whenever Sita stands up to her captive, she spreads inspiration within the audience.
The BBC reported: “[When the series aired], streets would be deserted, shops would be closed, and people would bathe and garland their TV sets before the serial began.”
Deepika’s strong portrayal of Sita certainly contributed to the show’s popularity.
Ramayan reran during the COVID-19 lockdown in India and became the most-watched television show in the world, with an audience of 77 million viewers.
Dharti Ka Veer Yodha: Prithviraj Chauhan
If one wants to see a strong female character in a historical drama, Dharti Ka Veer Yodha: Prithviraj Chauhan is a great choice.
The series dives into the story of the titular king of Ajmer and his love story with the beautiful princess, Sanyogita.
Across the series, Sanyogita is played by several different actresses, including Mugdha Chaphekar and Sheetal Dabholkar.
They bring their own dose of sensitivity and nuance to Sanyogita, underlining her feisty demeanour yet tender heart.
When Sanyogita stands up for herself, proclaims her love despite the adversaries, or simply dances vivaciously, the viewer is instantly hooked.
The character’s chemistry with Prithviraj is the beating heart of the show, which is created by one of the most strong women ever seen in Indian television.
Baa Bahoo Aur Baby
This rousing family drama is headed by the unshakeable Godavari ‘Baa’ Thakkar (Sarita Joshi).
She lives with her clan, which includes six sons and two daughters. One of her sons, Gopal ‘Gattu’ Thakkar (Deven Bhojani), is mentally disabled.
Deven is also the creative director for the show, which illustrates his passion, which in turn translates into his marvellous portrayal of Gattu.
Meanwhile, Baa’s younger daughter Radhika ‘Baby’ Mehta (Benaf Dadachandji) has polio.
Despite these challenges, the family faces trials and tribulations with a smile, and Baa is a key player in moulding this happiness.
The title song encapsulates the family’s togetherness. Some of the lyrics go: “We are in love with life”.
This love is underscored in every episode of Baa Bahoo Aur Baby which makes the show a continued treat to watch.
Sapna Baabul Ka…Bidaai
This classic drama introduces us to Sadhana Rajvansh (Sara Khan) and Ragini Rajvansh (Parul Chauhan Thakkar).
They both marry into the Rajvansh family – headed by the matriarch Vasundhara Rajvansh (Seema Kapoor).
Sadhana marries the mentally unstable Aalekh (Angad Hasija), while Ragini marries the charismatic Ranveer (Kinshuk Mahajan).
Sadhana and Ragini showcase an unbreakable bond of sisters.
Sadhana is always there for her sister and thrives on thinking about others.
Meanwhile, Ragini champions self-acceptance and belonging. Vasundhara has her ethics and principles, which sometimes drive her away from her family.
But underneath her strict persona lies a heart of gold for which family is the most important.
Sapna Baabul Ka Bidaai was telecast again in 2020. Enthusing this, Sara said:
“I feel really great that my evergreen show is back. People have always really appreciated the show.
“For them, it’s like a treat.”
Saath Nibhaana Saathiya
Continuing with the theme of sisters, we arrive at Saath Nibhaana Saathiya.
Gopi Modi (Gia Manek/Devoleena Bhattacharjee) and Rashi Modi (Rucha Hasabnis) are contrasting personalities.
Gopi is kind and thoughtful, while Rashi is sly and cunning. Gopi’s illiteracy also drives a wedge between her and her husband, Ahem Modi (Mohammad Nazim).
However, Gopi displays her strength in her determination to overcome her weaknesses.
Gopi shares a mother-daughter relationship with her mother-in-law, Kokila Modi (Rupal Patel).
Kokila signifies female power in her undying resolve to protect and uphold her family’s honour.
Meanwhile, while Rashi is devious, she is unwavering in achieving her goals and suggests a headstrong personality.
Saath Nibhaana Saathiya is undeniably a tale of love, family, and values.
Diya Aur Baati Hum
In Diya Aur Baati Hum, Deepika Singh portrays the tenacious IPS Sandhya Kothari Rathi.
Sandhya yearns to be a police officer but gets married to Sooraj Rathi (Anas Rashid).
Sooraj supports Sandhya in her goal, but Diya Aur Baati Hum capitalises on her strength and resolve.
She encourages Sooraj to stop accepting bribes and offers unflinching support when he participates in a cooking competition.
Sandhya also donates one of her kidneys and gives one of her children to a childless couple.
Her selfless acts of generosity and commitment to abolishing stereotypes make her one of the strongest characters ever seen on television.
Millions of girls and women should watch Diya Aur Baati Hum to gain an inspiring and essential message.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
This is one of Star Plus’ longest-running television dramas.
Beginning in 2009, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai started with the story of Akshara (Hina Khan) and Naitik Singhania (Karan Mehra).
Akshara and Naitik were one of the most popular couples on Indian television.
Hina portrayed Akshara with a rare sensitivity and talent.
Her ability to mould the character into a strong woman and a wonderful mother is a testament to her skill.
In an interview, Hina discussed her time on the show:
“It has been a wonderful learning experience.
“I have had a great time being a part of it, and I love every bit.”
This love is evident in Hina’s portrayal, which enabled her to give the audience one of the strongest characters in Akshara.
Sasural Genda Phool
Sasural Genda Phool chronicles the love story of Suhana Kashyap (Ragini Khanna) and Ishaan Kashyap (Jay Soni).
Suhana is strong-willed, gregarious, and courageous. Her love for Ishaan transcends the barriers that come her way.
However, she is also unafraid to confront her obstacles.
This is shown when Suhana bravely battles a benign brain tumour.
Suhana also helps Ishaan combat his memory loss and reunites herself with her husband.
Ragini’s portrayal is sublime and entertaining. It is the jewel that makes Sasural Genda Phool shine.
When a family member named Ishwar Kashyap arrives, having deserted the clan years ago, Suhana helps the family navigate the turmoil that follows.
Sasural Genda Phool is an Indian classic. Fans who haven’t seen it are in for a thrilling watch on Disney+ Hotstar.
Zindagi Ka Har Rang…Gulaal
This show did not run for as long as some other programmes on Star Plus, but Zindagi Ka Har Rang…Gulaal undeniably deserves recognition for featuring strong women.
The titular character is played by Mansi Parekh. She lives in the village of Rashipur.
Gulaal is charismatically effervescent. She possesses a unique power to unearth water in drought-stricken lands.
Gulaal goes on to marry Vasant (Rahil Azam), and she ends the hostility between feuding villages.
After tragedy strikes, Gulaal finds happiness again in Kesar (Neil Bhatt).
She does not succumb to the custom of marrying her brother-in-law after being widowed.
Strength is at the core of Gulaal’s character, which makes the show a rousing and gratifying watch.
Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii
This classic Indian soap opera began in 2000 and spanned eight years.
The main character, Parvati, is magnificently portrayed by Sakshi Tanwar.
Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii highlights the importance of doing the right thing.
Parvati must make challenging choices to allow morality to prevail, even if that means going against her family.
Known for her enigmatic characters on the small screen, Sakshi tailors her role to become one of the most memorable in television history.
In an interview, Sakshi revealed: “Nothing polishes you like television; it’s that daily polishing of your craft.
“It’s very demanding. But what I have learned is that there has to be a balance in everything, including your work.
“There was a time when my work was my everything.
“When I was shooting for Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, that was the only thing I was doing for those eight years.
“I did not attend any weddings, nothing. I wouldn’t get time.”
This level of commitment is there for all to see in the strong woman, Parvati.
Advocate Anjali Awasthi
This spellbinding series tells the story of the titular lawyer.
Anjali is played by Shritama Mitra. She is a struggling solicitor who is determined to build honour for her family and achieve recognition in her career.
Advocate Anjali Awasthi began in 2024 and showed Anjali taking on a challenging case.
The new case could be the big break she needs, or it could spell disaster for her.
Either way, the character’s determination cannot be underestimated.
Soon, Ramesh Patel (Shailesh Lodha) enters Anjali’s life. Could he be the guiding light that helps her?
Watch the show to find out more!
Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali
This television series, named after AR Rahman’s superb Bollywood song, follows the story of Pallavi Deshmukh Rao (Shivangi Khedkar).
A savvy businesswoman, she manages her deceased husband’s business, the Deshmukh Saree Emporium.
Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali is an ode to empowerment, solving conflict, and defending oneself.
Pallavi often finds herself at the centre of misunderstandings.
However, she manages to come out stronger on the other side.
Shivangi admits that her parents were against her working in television.
She says: “It was very difficult to convince my parents about this industry because they know the bad side of it.
“They were not ready for it. However, I convinced them to believe in me.
“After much debate, I completed engineering, and then my parents gave me the permission.”
Shivangi’s conviction arguably is one of the things that made her apt for the show.
When strong women are at the heart of Indian television shows, the programmes become brighter and relatable.
The courage and commitment of these characters continue to inspire the audience.
These aspects can also introduce us to talented actresses who prove their mettle in the industry.
These shows are essential watches for Indian television fans.
So, grab some snacks and embrace these strong women and all they have to offer Indian television.
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