In the mid-1980s, Doordarshan was the only channel in India. When the government decided to bring mythology to the state broadcaster, the pressure was immense. Ramanand Sagar took on the Herculean task of adapting Valmiki’s Ramayana for television.
When "Ramayan" first aired on Doordarshan in 1987, the response was unprecedented. Life in India literally came to a standstill on Sunday mornings. Streets were deserted, shops were shuttered, and families gathered around their TV sets—often performing 'aarti' before the screen. Sagar’s "Ramayan" wasn't just a show; it was a communal spiritual experience. ramanand sagar
Before his name became synonymous with television epics, Sagar was an accomplished writer. He wrote short stories, novels, and plays, often under the pseudonym "Pashan." His literary flair naturally led him to the film industry. He started as a clap boy and worked his way up to becoming a successful screenwriter and director. In the mid-1980s, Doordarshan was the only channel in India
In the mid-1980s, Ramanand Sagar made a gamble that would change history. He decided to adapt the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, for television. At the time, television was a nascent medium in India, and the idea of a religious serial was met with skepticism. When "Ramayan" first aired on Doordarshan in 1987,