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As Indians across the globe celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day, we take a look at five of Indian television’s characters that capture the essence of being Indian, inspiring the Indian diaspora far and wide.
Mangal – Mangal Lakshmi
Mangal Srivastav is a simple and hardworking woman living in Delhi, who is now balancing her home and work. Her career bloomed after she took her simple idea of preserving food for her children and turned it into a business idea that attracted investors on a reality show. She now heads her brand named ‘Pehla Swaad.’ Mangal is not only an inspiration but also captures the essence of taking inspiration from everyday activities and using it to better the lives of others, while also building a successful career out of it.
Sachin – Udne Ki Aasha
Sachin Deshmukh is an honest and passionate taxi driver in the country’s economic capital of Mumbai. He comes from a Maharashtrian background and dreams of owning a taxi business, and launching related businesses like a driving school and a travel and tours company. At present, he operates and earns from two cars, but his determination and freedom to dream have no limits. While he is often ridiculed for being a taxi driver, Sachin represents the common people who work hard to reach their dreams, and emphasises the fact that no work is too big or small.
Bhagyashree – Bade Achhe Lagte Hain (Naya Season)
Bhagyashree Iyer is a strong and compassionate woman heading the country’s top cosmetics brand. A proud Tamilian, Bhagyshree embraces her culture and ethnicity, reminding viewers that one does not have to lose their roots just because they work in a corporate set-up. Despite her past, she has not just moved on but thrived in a new environment and is an inspiration to everyone around her.
Arya – Tumm Se Tumm Tak
Arya Vardhan is one of the biggest businessmen in the world, with a company comprising telecommunication and saree brand subsidiaries, to name a few. Despite being an affluent man, he is humble and is always ready to acknowledge the common people. He openly embraces people’s love and efforts irrespective of their economic levels or backgrounds. Arya could easily be the most modern or highly sophisticated man, but he opts for simplicity and staying grounded.
Tulsi – Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Tulsi Virani may be one of the most recognisable characters across the globe, and the reasons for that are endless! Tulsi lives with her Gujarati family in Mumbai and has taught each generation how to preserve Indian values and embrace them. She is an example of blending tradition and modernity and also shatters various stereotypes which exist in Indian communities worldwide. Even with her return to our screens 25 years after the show’s original premiere, she has been doing the same. In fact, she says in today’s world, our values and culture play a bigger role than before!
These and many other characters on Indian television have become a symbol of India and the Desi spirit for viewers in India and the Indian diaspora worldwide. As we celebrate Independence Day, they remind us of the determination, resilience, and charm of being called an Indian!
Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!
[Please Note: This special is written by a writer at, and exclusive to Urban Asian. Any re-purposing or re-use is not permitted!]
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