In the golden era of Doordarshan, when Indian television was just beginning to explore grand family sagas, one show quietly laid the foundation for a production empire that would later dominate prime-time TV. That show was Itihaas — and thanks to a dedicated uploader, Episode 1 of Ekta Kapoor’s early masterpiece is now available for a new generation to discover.
The YouTube video titled “Itihaas Ep-1 Balaji Ekta Kapoor’s First Show” (uploaded by Rajkumar Gupta in June 2025) brings back this rare 1996 gem. With just over 4,600 views so far, the upload has already sparked nostalgia among fans, who are flooding the comments with requests: “Please upload all episodes!” and “Nice serial… from 1998 to 2025, so many days have passed.”
The Birth of a TV Empire: Ekta Kapoor & Balaji Telefilms
Before Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kundali Bhagya, or Naagin, Ekta Kapoor (then in her early 20s) and her mother Shobha Kapoor took their first major steps into television production under the banner Balaji Telefilms. Co-created by Nirmala Sood and developed by Balaji, Itihaas aired on DD National from 6 May 1996 to 17 September 1998 — a staggering 488 episodes that proved a young producer could deliver gripping, high-stakes drama.
The series was directed by Gogi Anand, with screenplay by Vinod Ranganath and dialogues by B.R. Ishara. Ekta herself contributed to the story alongside Vinod Ranganath. This wasn’t just another show — it was the blueprint for the emotionally charged, twist-filled sagas that would define Indian television for decades.
The Story That Still Captivates: A Princess’s Quest for Justice
At the heart of Itihaas is Rajkumari Ambika (also called Shivani), a strong-willed princess from a royal family devastated by tragedy. After her husband’s mysterious death, Ambika embarks on a relentless crusade for justice. The narrative spans two generations of the royal family and dives deep into themes of greed, dishonesty, murder, and the ruthless lust for the throne.
Episode 1 sets the stage for this epic tale. Viewers are introduced to the opulent yet treacherous world of the royal household, the key family members, and the first hints of the dark secrets that will unravel across nearly 500 episodes. Ambika’s journey is one of courage against overwhelming odds — a classic underdog story wrapped in palace intrigue that feels as fresh today as it did in the 90s.
Stellar Cast That Brought the Drama to Life
- Joan David as Shivani / Rajkumari Ambika (the fiery protagonist)
- Priya Tendulkar as Sunita (Ambika’s sister)
- Prabha Sinha as Sheetal (another sister)
- Smita Bansal as Padmini (Shivani’s daughter in later arcs)
- Supporting powerhouses: Poonam Narula, Ali Asgar, Benjamin Gilani, Savita Prabhune, and many more familiar 90s faces.
The performances were grounded yet dramatic — perfect for Doordarshan’s daytime slot, where families gathered around the TV.
Why Watch Episode 1 Today?
In an age of instant streaming and high-budget web series, returning to Itihaas Ep-1 feels like stepping into a time capsule. The costumes, the melodious title track, the slow-burn storytelling — everything screams classic Indian television at its finest. Fans of modern Balaji shows will be amazed to see where the “saas-bahu” and royal intrigue formula truly began.
The upload is a gift for nostalgia lovers and TV historians alike. Viewers are already demanding the full series — and with comments praising it as “Ekta Kapoor’s first TV series,” this YouTube release is helping preserve a vital piece of Indian pop culture.
Itihaas isn’t just history — it is the history of modern Indian television. One episode at a time.
