From featuring 40 plus Sreemoyee’s remarriage to presenting Young Sheldon as Bodhiswatto: Recent shows that brought refreshing change on Bengali TV

Bengali television that was once known for adapting literary works of eminent writers for TV shows and telefilms, and airing cult shows like ‘Tero Parbon’, ‘Tithir Atithi’, ‘Ek Akasher Neeche’, is more concentrating on saas-bahu stories filled with high-octane drama. One hit show prompted the makers to launch similar soap operas, mythological shows or reality TV series, by making Bengali television a fertile field for ‘predictive stories’, where kitchen politics play a crucial game and antagonists are keen on brainstorming a perfect formula to make the adarsh bahu cry. Interestingly, barring only a few shows, mostly relied on such tried and tested formula, where although the occupation of the female protagonist changed her ‘fate’ remains the same within the periphery of her household and pati parameshwar’s grace. Now that Bengali television is set to welcome two shows, ‘Love Biye Aajkal’ and ‘Tomader Rani’ that promises to bring some changes, Tolly Para is abuzz with speculation whether these two shows can actually sustain in the rat race of saas-bahu saga or whether these two eventually starts replicating the same formula. Let’s take a look at some of the recent shows that were refreshingly different... (Photo: Facebook)

highlighting the issues faced by senior citizens: The show, which also has a second season, highlighted the issue of elderly people, their loneliness and other problems. Veteran actress Lily Chakravarty played the character Yashoda, who lives in an old home with other inmates. Annwesha Hazra played Roshni’s character, who takes care of the elderly inmates. Briddhashram’s story revolved around the old home ‘Shesher Kobita’, where the senior citizens live together. Late director Debidas Bhattacharya directed the show. (Photo: Facebook)

Yes, Leena Ganguly's 'Sreemoyee', starring Indrani Halder in the titular role was a family-drama that often made headlines for its melodramatic moments. But protagonist Sreemoyee is and will remain fresh in the minds of Bengali viewers for a number of reasons. While the show had a stellar star cast and a story that’s easy to relate to, Sreemoyee will also be remembered for narrating the story of a 40 something protagonist from her perspective. Be it her midlife crisis, or problems relating to empty nest syndrome or constant sacrifice despite being taken for granted, Sreemoyee reminded Bengali viewers of the lady they see everyday in their household. But what made Sreemoyee closer to mass is her zeal and never say never attitude that prompted her to start afresh after being battered by hubby. That’s not all, she also showed that age is just a number and dared to get married to her college senior standing at the wrong side of 40s. And not just the central characters but characters like Sreemoyee's househelp Mithu Di, friend Antara and not to forget Mr. Rohit Sen are unforgettable. The show featuring Tota Roy Choudhury, Sudip Mukherji, Ushasie Chakraborty, Chitra Sen and others in prominent roles, has been remade in 7 languages including in Hindi as Anupamaa. (Photo: Facebook)

Bengali viewers saw a reflection of Young Sheldon in Bodhi from the show ‘Bodhisattwor Bodhbuddhi’. The show was about a young boy who isn’t good at social skills but highly intelligent. His curiosity and eagerness to learn make him different from kids of his age. Bodhi’s parents often landed in trouble because of his innocent yet intelligent questions. The show had its own fan following for bringing smart, intelligent storytelling back. Young artist Rayan Deneogy played Bodhi’s character while Biswanath Basu and Sonali Chowdhury played his parents. When asked, the makers made it clear that the show isn't inspired by sitcom 'Young Sheldon' but if Sheldon was a Bangali he wouldn't have different from Bodhi! (Photo: Facebook)

'Phirki' is definitely worth a mention. The show caught the attention of Bengali audience with its hard-hitting storyline. Actress Aarja Banerjee essayed the role of a transgender mom, who adopts a baby girl Phirki. Lakshmi proved motherhood doesn’t depend on gender. Unfortunately, the story finally took a different turn with Phirki’s married life and eventually wrapped up its journey sooner than expected, but viewers won't forget the show so easily! (Photo: Facebook)

The show is yet another project that stands apart in the queue of repetitive soap operas with saas-bahu dramas. The show revolved around a young girl who waits for a jackpot that can take away all their financial problems. Maa Lakshmi grants her wish and what follows next made the major crux of the story. Bijoylakshmi Chatterjee played the female lead while Krushal Ahuja made his debut with this. Ranu Pelo Lottery had a successful run on Bengali small screen. (Photo: Facebook)

It was 'Bhutu' who showed Bengali TV audience how to fall in love with a ghost. And then, the elderly ghost Panna, with her typical Bangal accent also proved that ghosts aren't that bad. Chuni Panna's story revolved around an overenthusiastic girl whose only mission in life was to meet a ghost, a guy named Nirbhik who is absolutely darpok, and an old ghost who lives in his (Nirbhik's) mansion. Annwesha Hazra and Dibyojyoti Dutta played the lead roles while senior artist Tulika Basu played the resident ghost. Thanks to its light-hearted comedy and strong performance by the star cast, the show not only enjoyed huge popularity in India but also in Bangladesh. (Photo: Facebook)

This on-going TV drama also enjoys its own fan following because of its interesting storytelling, strong star cast, and light-hearted comedy. Its simple yet witty story filled with cheerful moments makes Komola O Sreeman Prithviraj worth a mention in this list.Notably, starring Ayanna Chatterjee and Sukrit Saha in titular roles the show, tickled the memories of all-time favourite movie of cine lovers, ‘Shriman Prithviraj’, directed by legendary filmmaker Tarun Majumder, released in the year 1973. (Photo: Facebook)

This TV show starring young actors Sushmili Acharjee and Adhiraj Ganguly was not like any other daily soap. It was one of a kind and enjoyed huge popularity for its light-hearted comedy and crisp narration. The show had a strong cast and beautifully blended different eras in its story (Photo: Facebook)