No one can deny that Indian TV has been a huge letdown for many years now. With substandard TV shows, many have moved over to OTT platforms that offer intelligent web series and shows with progressive storylines and characters. But, many of us still miss the old TV shows that showcased progressive content – the kind we hope to once again see on Indian TV.
In today’s time, when shows make us cringe with their idiotic and WTF moments like Gopi Bahu washing laptops with soap and water, we still miss the progressive shows like Saans, Shanti, Aarohan and so many more. One such progressive teen show was ‘Hip Hip Hurray’. (Also Read: 9 Progressive 90s Shows With Strong Female Leads That Will Put Current TV Soaps To Shame)
For the unversed, “Hip Hip Hurray”, the show that aired in 1998, revolves around the lives of a group of high school students and their teachers, exploring the various challenges they face as they navigate their way through adolescence. The show was well-received for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and its themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Decades later, a scene from the show has gone viral, leading many to question the extent to which TV content has declined in the past 20 years.
Viral Hip Hip Hurray scene dissing Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Here’s why people are mocking Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor after a scene from Hip Hip Hurray went viral online.
Though Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was a superhit movie when it was released in 1998. With time, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai has faced a lot of criticism for being regressive and promoting problematic stereotypes. But do you know Hip Hip Hurray, even in the 90s spoke about how regressive and stereotypical KKHH was?
In one particular scene from “Hip Hip Hurray,” friends discuss Kuch Kuch Hota Hai where Cyrus (Shah Rukh Barucha) praises the protagonist’s attractiveness. Mona (Nilanjana Sharma) finds it ridiculous, as the protagonist was initially portrayed as a tomboy with short hair, jeans, and t-shirts, leading to her receiving no attention from her best friend. However, in the movie’s second half, she undergoes an unnecessary makeover, donning traditional sarees and makeup to convey beauty. Suddenly, even her best friend starts developing feelings for her. Here’s the famous clip:
Hip hip hurray was so ahead of its time..#90skid pic.twitter.com/9M1SAlyDj4
— 90skid (@memorable_90s) March 28, 2023
As the clip of the scene from Hip Hip Hurray criticizing KKHH went viral, many people came forward to praise the show written by Nupur Asthana, Vinay Choudary, and Vinay Pathak for tackling important issues.
While sharing his thoughts about the viral clip, screenwriter Apurva Asrani said, “This is exactly what I thought of #KuchKuchHotaHain when it released. We made #Satya the same year & were neck to neck at all awards. Never thought KKHH would be so celebrated one day–especially by the ones who had hated it then. Power of money, muscle & marketing?”
Also Read: 12 Best English TV Shows From 90s That Made Every Indian Kid’s Childhood Special
Even national award winner director Onir said, “Was a small part of this beautiful contemporary series directed by the lovely @nupurasthana. Edited a little bit when Editor was not available. That is how I came to think of #Purabkohli for #MyBrotherNikhil. BTW me and my sister too always thought the same of KKHH.”
Was a small part of this beautiful contemporary series directed by the lovely @nupurasthana .Edited a little bit when Editor was not available. That is how I came to think of #Purabkohli for #MyBrotherNikhil .BTW me and my sister too always thought the same of KKHH 😋 https://t.co/EINyjK3i96
— iamOnir (@IamOnir) March 29, 2023
Many people came forward to express their thoughts on social media. Here’s what they said:
TV was way more progressive in 90s. All these K series put us back by 20 years.
— Mayank (@mayanknagar26) March 28, 2023
Ekta Kapoor came and Indian generation regressed beyond repair
— DoctorSid (@SidhaantNangia) March 29, 2023
Most shows in India in the 90s were quite progressive.
— PowerPoint Panda (@Adi_183) March 29, 2023
Probably because they catered to a niche audience, as not many people had access to cable TV, or even a TV.
As penetration of cable TV increased, shows started to be made for the least common denominator in society.
Also Read: Reasons Why Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Isn’t About Love, But Toxic People Ruining Each Other’s Life
Btw, it’s crazy to think that the outlook these kids (& makers) had about the movie back in 98 or something, has only recently become popular.
It took 20 odd years for people to understand that Rahul was toxic yada yada. These guys yelled it right then & no one paid attention!— Gauri Tanushree Rane (@RevolverRane) March 28, 2023
SRKtards show boycott kar dete uss zamane me💀💀
— Daniel Plainview (@brown_cunt) March 29, 2023
Isme se kisi ko KJ ki movie me chance nahi mila hoga 😂
— Vaibhav Singh (@vaibhav330) March 29, 2023
Roasting KJO and how! 🤣
— Sonam (@SonamAhuja1234) March 28, 2023
I think Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is also the only movie where Salman Khan plays a decent normal likeable character. Sadly he still gets turned down for a man-child. Imagine a Bollywood movie being that bad. https://t.co/P3jA5qvYDZ
— Garima (@gar_i_ma) March 29, 2023
People don’t even realize indian tv used to be so progressive 25 yrs back..before Ekta Kapoor’s cringe and regressive hootiyapa began and it turned to idiot box! https://t.co/DSOjhuDUhv
— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) March 29, 2023
KKHH ki dhajjiyan udata ek 90s show.
— Shaily Singh (@ShailySinghP) March 29, 2023
I don’t remember watching this show, now I wish I had. I would have been able to see the BS of this movie and others too. https://t.co/MT9CRITcwo
Also Read: 10 Annoying Moments In Kuch Kuch Hota Hai That We Missed 23 Yrs Ago
KJo fanarmy destroyed in one scene.
— Shivam (@imrozed) March 29, 2023
90 percent of diaspora Bollywood think-pieces are based on his drivel 🤢 https://t.co/eVX1hXVSvN
Indian progressive television, the Golden Era before @EktaaRKapoor started cringe shows with her production diarrhea ! #KaranJohar #kkhh #TVshows https://t.co/JAyH6uGHBh
— Woke Indian (@woke_indian_) March 29, 2023
What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.