In the golden era of Indian television, when Doordarshan ruled the airwaves and families gathered around their TVs every Sunday evening, one serial stood out as a true game-changer: Chandrakanta. The 1994 mega-budget fantasy series, transports viewers back to a world of forbidden royal love, deadly kingdom rivalries, shape-shifting spies, and mind-bending magic.
If you grew up in the 90s, the mere mention of “Yakoo!” or the sight of aiyyars leaping across rooftops with superhuman agility will give you instant goosebumps. This is where it all began.
The Story That Captivated a Nation
Based on Devaki Nandan Khatri’s groundbreaking 1888 Hindi novel of the same name, Chandrakanta is the timeless tale of eternal love set against the bloody feud between the kingdoms of Naugarh and Vijaygarh (also referred to as Chunar Garh in some contexts).
Prince Virendra Vikram Singh of Naugarh and Princess Chandrakanta of Vijaygarh are deeply in love — but their families are sworn enemies. What started as friendship between the two kings turned into bitter hatred after Virendra was falsely accused of murdering Prince Shakti Singh of Vijaygarh. The rivalry escalates with palace intrigues, black magic, and ruthless ambitions.
The first episode masterfully sets the stage for this epic saga. It introduces the opulent yet tense royal courts, the simmering hatred between the kingdoms, and the secret longing between the star-crossed lovers. You immediately feel the grandeur of the palaces, the weight of royal duty, and the looming threat of war and sorcery.
Iconic Characters You’ll Meet Right From Episode 1
- Princess Chandrakanta (Shikha Swaroop) — The graceful, courageous heroine whose beauty and intelligence make her the prize every king desires.
- Prince Virendra Vikram Singh (Shahbaz Khan) — The noble, valiant prince caught between love and loyalty to his kingdom.
- Shivdutt (Pankaj Dheer) — The scheming King of Chunargarh whose thirst for revenge drives much of the conflict.
- Kroor Singh (Akhilendra Mishra) — The unforgettable villain whose signature cry “Yakoo!” became a cultural phenomenon. His cunning and magical tricks make him one of Indian TV’s most loved antagonists.
- Supporting gems: Mukesh Khanna (in dual roles), Irrfan Khan (early appearance in twin roles), Rajendra Gupta as Pandit Jagannath, and many more stellar actors who brought the fantasy world alive.
Why the 1st Episode Feels Revolutionary Even Today
Chandrakanta wasn’t just another period drama — it was Doordarshan’s most ambitious production ever. Created, written, produced, and initially directed by Nirja Guleri, the series boasted:
- State-of-the-art (for 1994) visual effects — flying aiyyars, disappearing acts, magical tilisms (enchanted traps and fortresses).
- Lavish sets built at Film City, Mumbai.
- A gripping narrative that blended romance, action, suspense, and Indian mythology-inspired fantasy.
- An unforgettable title track composed by Usha Khanna and sung by Sonu Nigam and Vinod Rathod.
The first episode wastes no time hooking the audience. You see the grandeur of the courts, the first hints of aiyyar espionage (master spies with supernatural abilities), and the emotional pull of the central love story. By the end of the episode, you’re already invested in the fate of Chandrakanta and Virendra — and dying to know how the kingdoms will clash.
A Cultural Phenomenon That Defined the 90s
Aired on DD National from 1994 to 1996 (133 episodes across two seasons), Chandrakanta achieved massive popularity. It was one of the earliest Indian shows to successfully mix high fantasy with desi sensibilities — think Game of Thrones meets classic Indian folklore, decades before anyone coined the term.
Reruns on Star Plus and Sony further cemented its legendary status. Even today, when people talk about “old Doordarshan serials,” Chandrakanta tops the list alongside Mahabharat, Ramayan, and Hum Log.
Why You Should Watch the 1st Episode Right Now
Whether you’re a 90s kid craving nostalgia or a younger viewer discovering classic Indian television for the first time, this YouTube upload is pure gold. The print quality is surprisingly good, the dialogues are crisp, and the storytelling still holds up beautifully.
Pro tip: Watch it with the whole family — the kids will be mesmerized by the magic, while the elders will relive their Sunday evenings.
Watch here: Chandrakanta Doordarshan 1st Episode
Once you finish the first episode, you’ll find yourself searching for the next one… and the next… until you’ve binged the entire saga.
Yakoo! The adventure has just begun.
