10 TV Shows that are BASED on novels or literary works!

It can be termed to be a double-edged sword where one can be happy about literary works being adapted and being the source to be transpired on celluloid. On the other hand, one would say it deteriorates the already-declining reading habits amongst people.

A written classic often goes unnoticed as it isn't a 'massy' element, but the visual allure can be detrimental to the joy of reading. This debate can go on and on! But, on our beloved television, we have witnessed this amazing trend of books and short stories being the base of many shows since a long time. From the nostalgic 80s and 90s till today, the trend just gets bigger!

On World Book Day, we know there are shows in abundance in this category, but, we list the most memorable ones. Get ready to have a journey down the memory lane and experience how books aren't just important to a reader, but also to an inspiration for celluloid viewing.

Malgudi Days

We still love this, don't we? The heart-touching scenes, the innocence of Swami and the simple yet powerful storylines in 'Malgudi Days' made an irreplaceable place in our hearts! This cult show was was based on RK Narayan's short stories, 'A Horse and Two Goats', 'Malgudi Days', 'Swami and Friends' and 'The Vendor of Sweets' and directed by Shankar Nag. Of course, how can we forget the legendary tune, 'tana tana tanana na na, tanana tanna tanna tanna na nana na.'

Byomkesh Bakshi



Often touted as the Indian 'Sherlock', 'Byomkesh Bakshi' was a fictional character in the legendary writer, Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay's short stories. And soon, it was adapted into a television show with the same name which turned out to be one of the most applauded and loved show of all time. India finally had a thumping answer in the detective genre and thanks to Rajit Kapoor's brilliant performance, the show is dearly missed.
Chandrakanta



Not every today's kid may remember this series, but this one was certainly a popular show back then. In the 90s, 'Chandrakanta' was one of the most ambitious projects which was based on Devaki Nandan Khatri's novel of the same name. The stellar performances of the cast made it a favourite where it enjoyed reruns on several channels many years later. Of course, now everyone talks about this, as not one but two channels decided to adapt it, where, Life OK has already presented 'Prem Ya Paheli? - Chandrakanta' and Colors is coming up with one soon.
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah



Its not that common when an Indian sitcom runs successfully for almost eight years and is still being viewed on television. The epic comedy show, 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' is based on the veteran writer, Taarak Mehta's columnar stories in Gujarati weekly magazine, Chitralekha, 'Duniya Na Oondha Chasma'. Not everyone thought of this adaptation to be as successful as it is today. And just to remind you, not only is it running in its eighth year, it is still running strong.
LapataGanj



With the success of 'Taarak Mehta...', SAB TV continued the trend of adapting shows from literary works and thus launched the show, 'Lapataganj' which was based on writer Sharad Joshi's novel of the same name. A village background fighting issues with a smile made a roaring entry into several hearts and ran for almost five years spanning two seasons.

Papad Pol-Shahabuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya



SAB TV marked a hattrick with 'Papad Pol' in terms of adaptations as this show was adapted from writer Shahabuddin Rathod's fictional stories. Of course, when something is clicking with the audience, you ought to continue it. The show wasn't as successful as its counterparts but still managed to run over a year with a certain fan-following.
Pyaar Kii Ek Kahaani



This fantasy supernatural saga was a career-changer for its leads, Vivian Dsena and Sukirti Kandpal where they were loved as the vampire and the docile sweet belle respectively. However, as much as the makers denied this being an adaptation, the uncanny resemblance and obvious similarities made it evident that it was inspired' from the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer and the Twilight Saga film series.
Saraswatichandra



Even before it was launched, 'Saraswatichandra' became one of the most awaited shows, courtesy its lead cast including Gautam Rode and Jennifer Winget and of course, marking the production debut of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It was one of the most critically acclaimed shows and was actually based on the writer, Govardhanram Tripathi's novel of the same name.
Tumhari Paakhi



'Tumhari Paakhi' was widely appreciated for it's unique storyline and the maximum chunk of that credit goes to the fact that it was based on the novel, Naba Bidhan by writer, Saratchandra Chattopadhyay. A rich and arrogant man who is unable to connect with his son and is on the verge of his third marriage is forced to bring back his first wife! 
Yeh Hai Mohabbatein



One of the most popular shows in today's age of television, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein' is now three and a half years old and is still running strong. However, not many knew that the show is actually based on the novel, Custody by Manju Kapur where the protagonists, in fact, have the same names as the characters in the novel. The celluloid version of the story starring Karan Patel and Divyanka Tripathi has certainly made it popular than ever.