The legendary 1994 Cinevista production Junoon (also known as Craze), which ran for a record-breaking 510 episodes on Doordarshan, returns in stunning remastered glory on YouTube. Directed by A. Salam and starring powerhouse actors like Parikshit Sahni, Mangal Dhillon, Archana Puran Singh, Kishori Shahane, Sarita Joshi, and many more, Junoon weaves a gripping tale of rivalry, passion, family honor, and forbidden love between the mighty Rajvansh and Dhanraj clans.
Episode 1, titled simply “Episode 01,” serves as the perfect hook—setting the grand stage in the opulent Rajvansh haveli while introducing the raw emotion that will fuel 500+ episodes of drama.
The Iconic Title Song That Defines “Junoon”
The episode opens with the unforgettable theme song (composed by A. Salam, sung by Vinod Rathore in the original):
“Some are obsessed with love… some with enmity
Some are penniless… some obsessed with wealth…
Junoon… Junoon… Junoon…”
The haunting melody immediately pulls viewers into a world where obsession rules everything—from power and wealth to desire and revenge.
The Wild Horse & The Taming of Rajvansh Pride
We cut to the sprawling Rajvansh estate near the banks of the Gomti River. The formidable Rai Bahadur Bharat Kumar Rajvansh (Parikshit Sahni) is attempting to tame a ferocious, untamed horse. His loyal friend and right-hand man, Thakur Diwan (Ravindra Kapoor), and other men struggle while the Rai Sahib watches with steely calm.
One bold attempt fails spectacularly until the Rai Bahadur himself mounts the horse. With masterful control, he breaks its spirit, turning it into an obedient servant. The crowd erupts in applause. This scene is pure symbolism—Rai Bahadur rules his world with an iron fist, and no one dares defy him.
The Dramatic Rescue & Arrival of the Courtesans
Evening falls. A desperate cry echoes through the wilderness: “Bachao! Bachao!” (Save me!)
Ranibai (Sarita Joshi) and her beautiful daughter Chandni (Kishori Shahane) are returning after a performance when their trusted servant Harib turns traitor. He attempts to dishonor Chandni in the isolated forest. Just in time, Rai Bahadur’s men appear and chase Harib away.
Grateful and shaken, the mother-daughter duo are invited to the Rajvansh haveli for safety. Rai Bahadur personally offers them protection and a horse ride back.
Back at the haveli, preparations are in full swing for the Rai Sahib and Rani Sahiba’s wedding anniversary celebration. The entire household buzzes with excitement. Diwan ji handles the feast list while subtle conversations hint at underlying tensions—even within this seemingly perfect family.
The Mesmerizing Mujra Performance
The highlight of Episode 1 is the grand mujra by Ranibai and Chandni, performed especially for the anniversary.
The soul-stirring songs fill the courtyard:
“Paayal mein ghoonghar, junoon sar pe
Behosh ho gaye hum…
Tumhare mehfil mein aaye hain anjaan…”
The lyrics speak of passion, heartbreak, and surrender—perfectly mirroring the “Junoon” that will soon consume the lives of Sumer Rajvansh (Mangal Dhillon), Rekha, Aditya Dhanraj, and others in the coming episodes.
The performance ends to thunderous applause. Chandni’s grace and Ranibai’s veteran poise leave everyone spellbound.
Why Episode 1 Still Feels Fresh in 2025
Even after 30+ years, this episode captures everything that made Junoon unforgettable:
- Grand haveli sets and period costumes
- Powerful dialogues about honor, loyalty, and control
- The first glimpse of the legendary rivalry that will explode later
- Unmatched acting—every expression, every glance carries weight
Viewers in the comments are losing it with nostalgia: “Watched this on Doordarshan with my entire family!” “The title song still gives goosebumps!” “Cinevista, please upload all 510 episodes!”
Watch Junoon Episode 1 here: YouTube
If you grew up in the 90s, this episode will transport you straight back to Sunday evenings glued to DD National. The craze has officially begun.
Next Episode Teaser: The Rajvansh-Dhanraj rivalry starts simmering… and Chandni’s life is about to intertwine with the Rajvansh legacy in ways no one can imagine.
Stay tuned for more episode recaps, character deep-dives, and hidden facts from this Doordarshan masterpiece!
