What BTV meant for me, a 90s kid
Do you remember the iconic series 'Alif Laila', the fantasy drama that transported us to a magical world filled with Jinns, fairies, magic lamps, and flying carpets? Every Friday evening, I would eagerly sit in front of the TV, waiting for the 8 pm news to end on Bangladesh Television (BTV), so I could discover the latest antics of Princess Gulafsha in the new episodes.
BTV wasn't just a channel for us; it was more like an emotion. During my childhood, it was the primary means through which I connected with the rest of the world. My mornings began with my favourite cartoons, and my nights concluded with my preferred foreign dramas.
Today, the younger generation might not comprehend the allure of this once-popular channel, but for us, the '90s kids, BTV gifted us a treasure trove of brilliant serials that continue to hold a special place in our hearts. Who could forget Baker bhai from "Kothao Keu Nei" or the quirky yet endearing family from "Aaj Robibar?"
Even now, I get goosebumps when I recall Baker bhai's introductory scene. With "Hawa Mein Udta Jaye" playing in the background, our beloved gangster, sporting oversized black sunglasses, savoured his coffee while sharing a laugh with his two close friends. Baker bhai, portrayed by Asaduzzaman Noor, became a cherished member of our family. I can vividly remember the streets coming to a standstill when Baker Bhai met his fate on screen.
On the other hand, the eccentric psychiatrist Asgor and the love triangle involving Titli, Konka, and the young tenant, Anis, tickled our funny bones. Anis' obsession with memorising math equations and his iconic line, Meyeta Rege Gelo Keno, have resurfaced in recent years as a hilarious meme.
While my family was engrossed in Humayun Ahmed dramas, I found solace in the adventures of "Captain Planet," "Sinbad," and "Robin Hood." Every Sunday at 3:30 pm, BTV aired "Woody Woodpecker," whose zany antics never failed to brighten my day. The channel featured various cartoons scheduled for different days, including "Godzilla," "Jumanji," "Captain Planet," and "Mogli," all of which captured my imagination.
Amongst the foreign cartoons, I had a soft spot for the evergreen "Meena." I always wished for a talking parrot like Mitthu and a wonderful friend like Meena, who encouraged me to chase my dreams. The "Murgi Chor" episode, where Meena and the villagers chased a thief, was so comical that I couldn't help but burst into laughter. I remember shouting, 'Go, Meena! Go,' in front of the screen while my sister looked at me in bewilderment.
In the '90s, kids, often referred to as Generation X, were greatly influenced by characters like Robin Hood and MacGyver. Young boys would play-fight while imitating them, and young adults attempted to emulate Matthew Porretta's look in "Robin Hood" by growing long hair and sporting a French beard.
During that era, it was trendy to have stickers and pencil boxes adorned with images of your favourite characters. I, for instance, had a "RoboCop" pencil box because I was captivated by his shiny metal armor and laser-beam eyes.
My younger cousins were enamored with "Mr Bean" and his hilarious adventures. His lifelong companion, Teddy, might be an inanimate object, but their friendship demonstrated that the strongest bonds can form in the most unexpected ways.
Last but certainly not least, Hanif Sanket's "Ityadi" was something I wouldn't miss for anything in the world. I eagerly awaited the skits, featuring foreigners attempting to speak Bengali gingerly and the magical performances by Subir Nandi and Sabina Yasmin. These segments on "Ityadi" were undoubtedly the highlight of the show.
While the glory days of BTV may have faded with time, its presence still resides deep within our hearts. A significant portion of our childhood will forever be grateful to BTV for bringing us one step closer to the outside world.