Various programmes come and go on television but there are only few which make you wait for the next episode, which is often because of the characters.

Presenting a list of characters from Hindi and English serials, who carved a niche in people’s hearts right from the time they appeared on screen.

Heroes from Yesteryears

Vicki

Even though it’s been years since Small Wonder was aired, the robot Vicki is strongly etched in our memory. Dressed as a little girl and passed off as an adopted daughter by her family, she never failed to elicit a laugh with her robotic speech, extraordinary capabilities and her antics to fit into the human world. 

Shaktimaan

Every Indian kid in late 90s fantasized about being this superhero, or being rescued by him. India’s first and original superhero, not only did Shaktimaan have amazing powers, but he also gave good advice to kids which they listened to with rapt attention.

Mihir

He was the one who set the trend of getting people back from the dead. So much was his popularity on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi that there was a public outrage, when he was killed off. Due to the immense pressure, he was then bought back to the serial with his absence explained with coma and memory loss.

Joey

While all the characters of F.R.I.E.N.D.S are equally unique, your heartbeat immediately increases when you see this handsome guy with a heart gold say ‘How you doin’?’ He’s cute, funny, loving and a riot to watch,  it’s no wonder that he is on this list.

Tulsi and Parvati:

Tulsi and Parvati of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii respectively literally redefined the image of an ‘ideal bahu.’ They were sacrificing, loving, hard-working, pretty, good mothers, obedient – and many such other perfect things. They were so popular that various mothers who were looking for their potential daughter-in-laws would compare the girl with these two!

Current Favourites

Barney Stinson

Obnoxious, arrogant, womaniser, Barney Stinson of How I Met Your Mother has all the qualities that we love to hate. Yet, this character is hilariously funny and there’s something about him that compels you to fall in love. His epic line, ‘It’s gonna be legen…wait for it…dary!’ has become very popular amongst the fans of the show.

Sheldon

A geek to the core, Sheldon is one of the main reasons for The Big Bang Theory’s popularity. Calling him intelligent is an understatement and he knows it! Although he has an IQ of 187 and razor sharp memory, he simply fails to understand basic social protocols and sarcasm. Arrogant and self-centred, you still end up waiting for him to appear on the screen and put the ‘average intelligent’ guy down.

Homer Simpson

Sarcastic, lazy and a fat drunkard, Homer Simpson has barfed his way into the hearts of people.  With his favourite phrase ‘D’oh!’ he is easily one of the most popular characters of all time. He has all the typical American traits and he displays even the little ounce of decency he has in the crudest way possible! Why does everyone love him? Watch The Simpsons and you’ll know.

Anandi Singh

Be it the chirpy and gutsy, small Anandi, or the sweet and strong adult one, Anandi Singh from Balika Vadhu is the current favourite in all households. Being a victim of child marriage, she simply won over everyone’s hearts as a sweet 10 year old caught in a bad tradition, and also as a strong woman who went on to achieve heights as an adult.