Long before we were smitten by the charm and awesomeness of Sherlock aka Benedict Cumberbatch, we loved watching the desi versions in the many detective shows that ran in the 90s. From Byomkesh Bakshi to CID, the Indian television had a a lot to offer when it came to the genre of mystery and suspense.
Here are some of our favourite detective shows that we loved watching:
1. Byomkesh Bakshi
Adapted from a Bengali fictional character of a detective with the same name, the TV series began in 1993 and Rajit Kapoor played the protagonist. So popular was the show that a movie with the same name starring Sushant Singh Rajput is in the pipeline.
2. Karamchand
Pankaj Kapur as the sunglass-clad, carrot-eating detective was too cool for the ’80s. The serial, which began in 1985, had a loyal fan following. Kapur, who went on to do iconic roles in Bollywood later, wasn’t very popular before the show, but managed to carve a niche for himself thereafter.
3. CID
The longest-running TV show, CID completed 16 years on Indian television this year, and is still going strong. The audience has just not had enough of ACP Pradyuman, Daya and Abhijeet. We have grown up watching the show and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it has become an integral part of our lives.
4. Tehkikaat
Another popular investigative series, the crime show had a hint of humour added to it. Vijay Anand played Sam D’Silva while the role of Gopichand was portrayed by Saurabh Shukla. Although only 13 episodes of the show were telecast, it was well received. The John Pereira episode was the biggest highlight of the show.
5. Raja Aur Rancho
Who can forget Raja and his adorable monkey Rancho? The duo was our favourite on-screen jodi for a long time. Ved Thappar, who was last seen in 24, effortlessly played the detective’s role.
6. Jasoos Vijay
Jasoos Vijay was made for the noble cause of spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS. At the end of each show, Om Puri addressed the issue by visiting villages and talking to people and answering their queries received by letters. It was an interactive show in which viewers were asked to write to the show and solve the mystery even before Jasoos Vijay did.
7. Suraag – The Clue
Suraag was released in the late ’90s and featured Sudesh Berry in the lead role. Berry portrayed the role of CID inspector Bharat.
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8. Karan The Detective
Another detective series aired in the early 2000s, this one featured Kiran Kumar in the lead role.
9. Saboot
Another favourite crime show, Saboot had a female CBI Inspector KC, played by Anita Kanwar of Buniyaad fame. The show was telecast on Star Plus and later on DD under the name of Inspector KC. One of the first female detectives on Indian television, KC was clumsy but was a genius too!
