In an age when Indian television meant simple stories, big laughs, and zero drama overload, Doordarshan served up gems that still make us smile. One such forgotten treasure is the 90s/early-2000s DD National comedy serial Kabhi Saas Kabhi Bahu – a show that cleverly flips the classic “saas-bahu” equation on its head.
Now, thanks to the channel Doordarshan Best Old Serials, we can relive the magic. Episode 1, titled “Car Loan Hema Ki Galatfahmi” (Hema’s Misunderstanding About the Car Loan), dropped on YouTube back in 2019 and has already crossed 1.2 lakh views. If you grew up on DD National, this one will hit straight in the feels.
The Awasthi Family: Three Generations of Pure Chaos & Laughter
At the centre of the show is the Awasthi household – a typical middle-class joint family headed by the ever-smiling Mallu Awasthi (played by the legendary comedian Abhijeet Lehri). Living with him are:
- His wife Sujata Awasthi (Shama Deshpande)
- Son Viru (Iqbal Azad)
- Viru’s wife Hema (Shushmita Mukherjee)
- Grandson Mohit (Vije Bhatia)
- And Mohit’s wife Kaajal (Sonica Handa)
The real twist that makes the show stand out? Hema was never the submissive bahu who slaved for her saas. In fact, she ruled the roost and made sure her own daughter-in-law Kaajal did all the heavy lifting. But now the tables are turning – Sujata and Kaajal have quietly teamed up against Hema, and she has to fight tooth and nail to keep her “queen of the house” status intact.
Every episode is packed with relatable family banter, classic one-liners, and that warm, clean humour only Doordarshan could deliver.
Episode 1 Spotlight: Hema’s Epic Car Loan Mix-Up
The very first episode wastes no time in diving into the comedy. Titled “Car Loan Hema Ki Galatfahmi”, it revolves around Hema’s hilarious misunderstanding regarding a car loan. What starts as a simple financial discussion quickly spirals into classic household confusion, misunderstandings, and laugh-out-loud moments that only a joint family can produce.
Expect:
- Hema’s over-the-top reactions
- Sujata and Kaajal’s sneaky teamwork
- Mallu Awasthi trying (and failing) to keep peace
- That signature slow-burn comedy style where one small lie or mix-up snowballs into full-family drama
No over-the-top melodrama, no item songs, no villains – just pure, clean entertainment that feels like sitting in your grandparents’ living room watching Sunday evening DD.
Why This Episode (and the Whole Series) Still Feels Fresh in 2026
- Role-reversal saas-bahu magic – Finally a show where the bahu is the boss and the real saas-bahu war is reversed!
- Timeless family issues – Money matters, ego clashes, generational gaps – all wrapped in comedy.
- Brilliant cast chemistry – Abhijeet Lehri’s comic timing, Shushmita Mukherjee’s fiery Hema, and the entire ensemble make every scene memorable.
- Nostalgia overload – The sets, the clothes, the dialogues – pure 90s-2000s Doordarshan vibes that transport you back instantly.
Where to Watch
Watch the full Episode 1 right here: YouTube
The entire series playlist is also available on the channel Doordarshan Best Old Serials – perfect for a weekend binge when you want to escape today’s noisy web series and return to simpler times.
Final Verdict
Kabhi Saas Kabhi Bahu is proof that great comedy doesn’t need big budgets or star power – it just needs relatable characters and clever writing. Episode 1 is the perfect entry point: light, funny, and leaves you craving the next episode.
If you miss the days when Doordarshan was appointment viewing, do yourself a favour and click play. Share it with your parents or grandparents – they’ll thank you with a big smile and probably start narrating their own “saas-bahu” stories!
