AUDIENCE MEMBERS TALK ABOUT THE ICONIC TELEVISION SERIAL AND WHAT MADE IT SO SPECIAL
by ASJAD NAZIR
SMASH hit TV serial Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon ran from 2012 until 2014 and entertained audiences around the world for 648 episodes.
The ratings winner revolving around the Indian film industry had stunning turns from TV superstars Vivian Dsena and Drashti Dhami in the lead roles. The romantic drama recently made a triumphant return with Colors TV re-running the series for audiences. Although new audiences are now forming a connection with Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, the strongest bond remains with fans who turned it into an iconic show during the original run.
With that in mind, Eastern Eye asked some of the most die-hard fans on Twitter what makes the timeless show so special. There were a flood of replies and here are some of the best, which capture the essence of a magical series.
@17aakansha: Madhubala made me fall in love with Indian TV at a time when I didn’t watch any serials. Madhubala was just something else and the chemistry between the leads was mind-blowing.
@alku_par: Shows like Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon are made once in a decade. Shows come and go, but none can replace the charm and uniqueness of Madhubala.
@ayshahabib11: Well, I only joined Twitter for this show. I remember my craze for this serial. Drashti Dhami and Vivian Dsena delivered iconic performances in this one. The storyline, acting, one-liners, on-screen chemistry, music and everything was perfect.
@ArthiRavi11: The unique concept of exploring films on TV attracted me to this show. Madhu’s determination, perseverance and undying faith in her partner moved me a lot. I still miss the show.
@ChahatAv: The uniqueness of this story and Vivian Dsena makes it an iconic show of Indian TV. No one can replace his character RK from our hearts. His charm, acting, dialogues, style, looks, performance and screen presence are the life of this show.
@CobanNecla: The most beautiful series that I have seen, the most beautiful couple and the best chemistry. I love them very much. The series is very different in terms of quality.
@DrashtiDhami_AF: Drashti Dhami was the perfect choice to be Madhubala. Her acting was just super amazing. She is the heart of the show. No one can beat her acting level. Her chemistry with her co-actor was epic. Her high-level emotions and everything was wonderful.
@GauriiPawar: I loved the sizzling chemistry in this epic show! I think no one can beat them. I was mesmerised by Drashti’s acting in Madhubala. The way Drashti put emotions into Madhu’s character was just wonderful. She is the real Madhubala and queen of Indian TV.
@love_my_DD: It’s a real ‘hate’ turning into ‘love’ kind of story. The leads’ chemistry was unbeatable. This was my first fiction show in many years and Drashti amazed me in the lead role and displayed every shade of Madhubala.
@ manalvivo: Solid storyline with great tracks that built up brilliantly. It had outstanding dialogues, though most of the time not necessary, due to the hero and heroine’s legendary expressions. The iconic characters of RK and Madhubala showed beautiful immortal love that lasted till that last breath. The flawless harmony and sizzling chemistry between Vivian and Drashti have no parallel.
@mayra_thakur94: This show is something else. The lead couple had sizzling and passionate chemistry, which was really unbeatable. They had amazing performances and Drashti as Madhubala was exceptionally fantastic in the show.
@MemmedovaZara: The reason I watched my first Indian series is because of the wonderful chemistry between Vivian Dsena and Drashti Dhami. This duo reflected their feelings very well to the audience with super performances. Love them both.
@ NanRanee1: I watched Madhubala for the first time from Thailand. The role of Madhubala fascinated me and I felt every emotion. She did so well and so did Vivian in the role of RK. Drashti, especially, attracted me to watch without getting bored.
@nesbeth_rani:Madhubala was a masterpiece. Vivian Dsena and Drashti Dhami were excellent actors who made audiences feel their love, passion and chemistry. Their dances were enchanting. Madhubala was like a complete movie consisting of romance, drama, action and comedy. It lacked nothing. It was truly an outstanding love story that gained millions of fans around the world.
@Nisreen_N7: The perfect performance presented to audiences. The unique harmony and mesmerising on-screen chemistry of the leads made everyone fall in love with this couple.
@PatiPraja_:Madhubala was such a beautifully written character. Her unwavering love and solidarity for her close ones, sacrifice, maturity, fighting spirit and compassion, all made her a very special character for us.
@sarbari643: This unique show was different to the typical serials on Indian television. What I loved most was the unpredictability of Vivian Dsena’s character RK. Almost all heroes were ideal sons and husbands, but his rude ruthless egoistic role smashed that ideology. RK proved grey heroes can be irresistible.
@scor_vir_nacci: The vintage touch, larger-than-life characters, special nuances in episodes, bang on dialogues and intense chemistry between the lead characters RK and Madhubala. I loved the way Late AK Hangal sir’s cameo introduced Madhubala.
@Viviandsena125: This series is marvellous and engraved in my heart. The chemistry between Drashti Dhami and Vivian Dsena is wonderful. His style and manner of speech was charming. I thank everyone who contributed to the production of this terrific series.
@VivianDsena_Tm: The storyline was new and it was not the typical boring drama, which are repeated millions of times on Indian television. All the actors were the right choices and Vivian smashed the role.
@ VivianFanPage01: Vivian Dsena was a driving force of the show as RK. His grey shades and dialogues made us go crazy. He was the perfect anti-hero. His love, passion, madness and attitude had no bounds. Everything was epic. RK is a ‘once in a blue moon’ made character.
Ed Sheeran’s latest single, Sapphire, is out now, and it marks a new chapter in his musical journey. With the Indian rhythms, rich storytelling, and unexpected star power, Sapphire is a big cross-cultural leap for the British singer-songwriter.
A musical journey through India with Arijit and SRK in the spotlight
Bringing together the soulful voice of Arijit Singh, choreography by Bollywood icon Farah Khan, and a surprise appearance by Shah Rukh Khan, the song celebrates global connection. Recorded during Sheeran’s visit to India earlier this year, Sapphire captures the spirit of collaboration and joy. From a sitar-laced melody to Arijit's vocals, the track has the feel of a summer anthem rooted in shared sounds and stories.
Shah Rukh Khan makes a special appearance in the Sapphire music video
The music video, directed by Liam Pethick, traces Sheeran’s journey across India, starting on a rooftop at sunrise and winding through beaches, bustling markets, and backlot film sets. There is even a stop at A.R. Rahman’s music school, where he jams with young musicians. One standout moment was a studio session with Arijit and a bike ride around his hometown.
In his own words, Ed says, " Sapphire was the first track that really gave me direction for the album. I finished it in Goa with some amazing Indian musicians. Getting Arijit on board was the missing puzzle piece. We even recorded a Punjabi version that drops soon; it’s one of my favourites on the record."
Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh in India
New album Play coming this September and live shows sell out instantly
Sapphire is part of Sheeran’s upcoming album Play, releasing on 12 September 2025. After closing the Mathematics era, this album sees him experimenting with sounds from India and Iran.
In other exciting news, Sheeran’s homecoming gigs in Ipswich, his first UK headline shows since 2023, sold out immediately. Taking place at Portman Road Stadium in July, the three-night run will feature guests like Tori Kelly, James Blunt, and Busted. A portion of ticket sales will go to The Live Trust, a new fund aimed at supporting grassroots music professionals.
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Badshah reacts to backlash over controversial Dua Lipa comment
Rapper Badshah found himself in hot water after a social media post about global pop sensation Dua Lipa. What started as a simple tweet, her name with a heart emoji, quickly spiralled into chaos when a fan asked if they were collaborating. Badshah's response? "I'd rather make babies with her bro."
Badshah's viral response to the comment under his tweet Twitter Screengrab
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Honey Singh joins the fray with a sarcastic jab
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Badshah had previously expressed a desire to end their feud, but Singh's latest comment suggests the tension isn't fading anytime soon. Meanwhile, the rapper continues to make headlines, whether for his dramatic weight loss, rumoured romance with Tara Sutaria, or this latest controversy. One thing's clear: Badshah knows how to stay in the spotlight, but not always for the right reasons.
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Kashyap takes aim at Netflix’s shift to mass-market content
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Kapoor, without naming Kashyap, responded via Instagram by accusing unnamed artists of being classist. She defended soap operas, claiming they gave a voice to Indian women and were even studied by international researchers. Her post ended with a call for inclusivity and “graciousness.”
Ekta Kapoor's story Instagram screengrab/ektakapoor
A clash of content ideologies in India’s OTT landscape
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Ted Sarandos talks about Sacred Games for Netflix IndiaGetty Images
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A long-rumoured connection comes into focus
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Fans react as Billie and Nat’s long-rumoured romance takes centre stageGetty Images
In past interviews, Wolff described their connection as one of shared understanding, particularly around living with Tourette syndrome, a condition both have spoken about. “It’s rare to find people you don’t have to explain yourself to,” Wolff once shared, adding that he and Eilish could just “be” around each other.
Keeping it private until now
Eilish has openly said she regrets how much she’s shared about her personal life in the past. In an interview, she stated she wanted to keep her dating life and sexuality out of the spotlight going forward.
A kiss in Italy sparks fresh buzz around Billie Eilish’s love lifeGetty Images
“I wish no one knew anything about my dating life,” she said. “And I’m never talking about who I’m dating ever again.”
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From Seoul to Broadway: A story born in two languages
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A cultural shift, decades in the making
With this win, South Korea joins the rare club of nations with major victories across all four major American entertainment awards, including the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and now Tonys. From Parasite to Squid Game, and now Maybe Happy Ending, Korean creators are no longer breaking into the global scene, they’re leading it.
The success also validates years of quiet work in South Korea’s theatre scene. Original musicals like Marie Curie and The Great Gatsby have made appearances in the West End and on Broadway, but Maybe Happy Ending marks the first time a Korean musical has truly swept the Tonys.
As one critic noted, more than awards, it’s about shifting global perspectives. Korean musicals are no longer export hopefuls. They’re now centre stage.