Anita Kanwal says 1993 show 'Banegi Apni Baat' changed face of Indian TV, recalls working with late Irrfan Khan
Mumbai, June 9
Veteran actress Anita Kanwal took a trip down memory lane as she revisited her iconic television show 'Banegi Apni Baat' on Monday evening .
She also remembered late actor Irrfan Khan, with whom she shared screen space in the popular series.
Taking to her social media account, Anita shared a video snippet from the 1993 show and reflected on the impact it had on her career. The video clip also featured the late Irrfan Khan.
The actress called it an "epic show," and credited 'Banegi Apni Baat' for changing the landscape of Indian television and bringing her immense recognition as a performer.
Sharing the clip, she wrote, "Another Manic Monday! Lets go back Memory lane every Monday coz for me this is a beautiful lane which I would like to tread again. I start with the epic show, BANEGI APNI BAAT! an epic show, which changed the face of Indian television! It brought The New Changing face of Indian society to people's drawing rooms. It gave me new found respect and recognition as an actress. (sic)"
Anita further recalled working alongside several acclaimed actors, including the late Irrfan Khan. She wrote, "Working with stalwarts like @Irfankhan, @divyasethshah, @riturajksingh, @ramantrikha and so many other wonderful actors was unforgettable."
The actress also praised the creative team behind the show and admitted that revisiting it left her emotional. "I will admit that watching the show, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions, and a longing to do something like this again," she added.
Talking about 'Banegi Apni Baat' the show even after 30 years of its initial release, remains one of Indian television's most remembered youth-oriented dramas.
Produced by Tony and Deeya Singh under DJ's Creative Unit, the series premiered on Zee TV in 1993 and ran until 1997.
The show, for the uninitiated, explored the lives, ambitions, friendships and relationships of young urban Indians. The theme was considered extremely progressive for its time.
The ensemble cast included Irrfan Khan, Divya Seth Shah, Rituraj Singh, Raman Trikha, Anita Kanwal and many other actors who later went on to establish successful careers across television, films and theatre.
Talking about Anita Kanwal, over the years, the actress has appeared in many popular television shows, including 'Shanti', 'Kittie Party', 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii', 'Ssshhhh...Koi Hai' and 'Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani'.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Anita ji is absolutely right! 'Banegi Apni Baat' was a game-changer. It showed that Indian TV could be meaningful and not just saas-bahu sagas. The show's treatment of topics like friendship, ambition and love felt so authentic. I wish we had more such quality content today instead of endless reality shows.
As someone who studied abroad, I can see why this show was so revolutionary. It captured the aspirations of a generation navigating between tradition and modernity. Even today, rewatching it gives me a sense of nostalgia for that era. Irrfan Khan's subtle brilliance was evident even then.
Just watched the video she shared! It's incredible how fresh the show still feels after 30 years. Anita Kanwal looks so dignified and her tribute to Irrfan Khan was heartfelt. However, I wish the TV industry today would invest in such meaningful content again instead of just formulaic dramas. Progress should mean better stories, not more of the same nonsense.
I didn't grow up in India but my parents used to talk about this show. After reading this, I feel like checking it out on YouTube! It's fascinating how a show from the 90s could have such a lasting impact. RIP Irrfan Khan - what a talented actor he was. 😇
A true blast from the past! I remember watching reruns of this show during my college days in Delhi. The production quality was remarkable for its time. Anita Kanwal's reflection on how it gave her "new found respect" as an actress shows how rare such meaty roles were for women back
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