Indian television has delivered several timeless classics, but few have left as profound an impact as Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan. First aired in 1987, the mythological series quickly became a national phenomenon. With Arun Govil portraying Lord Ram, Deepika Chikhalia as Sita, and Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, the show not only dominated the television ratings but also established a deep emotional connection with its audience.
From Empty Streets to National Devotion
When Ramayan aired every Sunday, the streets across India would fall silent, shops would close early, and families would gather around their TV sets. The show captivated nearly 80 to 100 million viewers each week, reaching up to 85% of the total television-owning households at its peak. Alongside the central trio, the show featured iconic performances from Lalita Pawar as Manthara, Arvind Trivedi as Ravana, and Dara Singh as Lord Hanuman. These portrayals became deeply etched in the collective memory of the nation.
Record-Breaking Return During Lockdown
Decades later, in 2020, India witnessed history repeating itself. As the country went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Doordarshan re-telecasted Ramayan. Once again, the epic show dominated TRP charts, drawing in 170 million viewers for just the first four episodes. It became the most-watched television show globally during that period and re-established its legendary status.
The series, based on Valmiki’s Ramayana and Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, aired a total of 78 episodes. It not only topped Indian television ratings during its original run from 1987 to 1988 but also earned a spot in the Limca Book of Records as “the most watched mythological serial in the world.”
Today, Ramayan holds a 9.1 rating on IMDb and continues to resonate with audiences old and new. It stands as a shining example of storytelling that transcends time, language, and generations—proving that faith, tradition, and cultural values still have the power to unite millions.