TV shows based on best-selling novels: Tumhaari Paakhi, Chandrakanta and more.

Over the years, Indian television has given us some amazing storylines. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, CID, Bade Acche Lagte Hain, Yeh Hain Mohabbatein—the list is endless. Whether you wish to watch a thriller, a family drama or laugh out loud at the end of a bad day, there is a serial for everyone. But did you know that some of your favourite popular serials were bestselling books before they were reimagined for the small screen?

Based on the weekly column Duniya Ne Undha Chasma by journalist Tarak Mehta, this television sitcom was one of the longest-running shows in India. Set in Mumbai’s Gokuldham society, the storyline focuses on the daily lives of its residents. The show’s protagonist, Jethalal, played by Dilip Joshi, is a businessman who owns a venture named Gada Electronics. Jethalal’s secret crush on Babita Ji and his naive approach to life often get him into trouble. How Jethalal manages to escape challenges coming his way with the help of his best friend, Taarak Mehta, is interesting to watch. Jethalal’s daily banter with his stringent father, Garba enthusiast wife Daya, rebellious son Tapu and his work associates Natu Kaka and Magan is sure to leave you in splits.

Starring Madhurima Tuli and Vishal Aditya Singh as the lead pair, the fantasy drama is based on the novel of the same name by Devaki Nandan Khatri. Chandrakanta, played by Tuli and Veerendra Pratap, played by Singh, represent the royal family of Suryagarh and Vijaygarh. Irrespective of the political tensions existing between the kingdoms, they wish to build a life together. What awaits them is a cruel shock when they discover there is more to the age-old enmity between the two kingdoms, a long-buried secret which leads them to the Hindu God, Vishnu.

Delhi-based Raman Bhalla is a single father trying to raise his kids, Roohi and Aditya. Things have been tough for him ever since Raman’s ex-wife Shagun deserted him for her boss, Ashok. Now, all that Raman wants is the custody of his kids. He regains hope when he meets a divorced Tamilian dentist, Ishita, who rekindles his hope of reuniting with his kids. Based on the famous novel, Custody, by Manju Kapur, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein will surely leave you misty-eyed. It deals with the flaws of familial relationships, the unexplored side of marital life and the complexities of second-chance romances and co-parenting kids in today’s world.

Naina, a small town girl, is obsessed with the idea of settling abroad. She is over the moon when her family arranges her marriage to NRI Raghav. However, a cultural shock awaits Naina after marriage, which leads her to question her identity and her self-worth. Based on the novel Immigrant, also by Manju Kapur, Naina’s reluctant metamorphosis will definitely tug at your heartstrings. Apart from the themes of identity crisis, racism, emotional labour and privilege, the storyline also touches upon the themes of endurance, loss and betrayal.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 'Saraswatichandra' is based on the novel by the Gujarati writer, Govardhanram Tripathi. The aristocratic Saras and the docile Kumud find solace in each other despite their class divide. Saras, who is navigating through his own childhood trauma, finds it difficult to reveal his feelings for Kumud, which leads to a series of misunderstandings. Apart from love, loss, treachery and betrayal, Saraswatichandra also sheds light on the themes of class divide, envy and societal stereotypes.