Why Sarabhai vs Sarabhai flopped initially? Producer JD Majethia blames “mediocre people” for seeking “light-hearted stuff”; says, “They don’t want to use their brains”

July 9, 2024 - 2:28 PM IST

Remember the hilarious Indian sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai? Today, it's considered a comedy gem, but did you know it wasn't always a hit? Producer JD Majethia recently shed light on the show's surprising initial reception. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, featuring the iconic duo of Satish Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, premiered on Star One in 2004. Despite its stellar cast and witty writing, the show didn't garner widespread popularity during its initial run. So, what went wrong?

Why Sarabhai vs Sarabhai flopped initially? Producer JD Majethia blames “mediocre people” for seeking “light-hearted stuff”; says, “They don’t want to use their brains”

JD Majethia's Take on Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’s Failure

In an interview with Siddharth Kanan, Majethia offered an interesting explanation. He suggested that the show's intelligent humor and vocabulary-driven script might have been a barrier for some viewers. He stated, "There is a lot to learn there. India is a country of mediocre people, especially in TV viewing." Here, he clarifies, "mediocre" doesn't imply negativity, but rather a preference for lighter content. "Many viewers," he elaborated, "come home after a long day seeking something light-hearted or a feel-good drama, not something that requires deep thinking."

Despite the initial lack of mainstream success, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai found a loyal audience who appreciated its clever humor. However, its true explosion in popularity came much later.

Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Gaining Cult Classic Status

The show's fortunes changed with the advent of repeat telecasts on Life OK and the rise of the internet. Daily broadcasts on Life OK allowed viewers to consistently engage with the show, while platforms like YouTube introduced it to a whole new generation. "By then YouTube had come and was gaining prominence," Majethia noted. "It was there where people actually discovered the show."

Today, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai is widely regarded as one of the best Indian sitcoms ever made, often ranking alongside international shows like Friends. While the second season on Disney+ Hotstar in 2017 didn't achieve the same level of acclaim, the show's initial struggles haven't tarnished its legacy. "The show didn't work in the first season, but till today is rated as one of the best comedy shows of India," Majethia concluded.

Also Read: Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Season 3: Filmmaker JD Majethia reveals third season of Ratna Pathak Shah and Rupali Ganguly starrer is ‘very much on the cards’