Newly written and fact-checked at this article’s original address. Promotional photographs and media are not reproduced.
Key facts
- Channel: Sony Entertainment Television
- Aired: 25 March – 19 Sep 2013
- Lead: Sanaya Irani as Chhanchhan
- Mother-in-law: Supriya Pathak as Umaben
- Setting: Ahmedabad
Chhanchhan was a Hindi family drama that ran on Sony Entertainment Television from 25 March to 19 Sep 2013. Sanaya Irani played the title character, Chhanchhan Sarabhai, an outspoken young woman from Ahmedabad, and Supriya Pathak played her formidable mother-in-law, Umaben. The promotion presented Chhanchhan as a "modern bahu": a daughter-in-law who keeps her own opinions while trying to win over a traditional family.
This page replaces an old CareerMasti guide to the show's title song, story, cast and promo videos. ScoopWhoop linked to it in a list of unforgettable Hindi television characters. The original promos and stills belonged to the broadcaster and are not reproduced here.
The story
Chhanchhan lives in Ahmedabad with her lively family, the Sarabhais. At her friend Poorvi's wedding she stops the ceremony, accusing Umaben Borisagar of demanding dowry, and in doing so makes a lasting enemy. Chhanchhan then meets Umaben's son, Manav. The two start out disliking each other but gradually become friends and fall in love.
Umaben is determined that Manav will marry a traditional girl of her choosing, and she feigns illness to pressure him. After Chhanchhan saves Umaben's life in hospital, Umaben appears to accept the match while privately planning to wreck it. Once Chhanchhan and Manav are married, Umaben vows to drive her out of the house within 30 days. Much of the series follows the battle of wits between the two women, including Umaben's scheme to pair Manav with another woman, Sonali, and Chhanchhan's efforts to win her mother-in-law's respect without giving up her own values.
Cast
Sanaya Irani played Chhanchhan. She was already well known for the hit romance Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?, and Chhanchhan was her next major lead. Manav was first played by Farhan Khan and later by Anuj Sachdeva. Supriya Pathak, remembered by many viewers as Hansa in Khichdi, played Umaben, and Anang Desai, also from Khichdi, played Matilalbhai Borisagar. The supporting cast included Deepak Pareek and Anjali Mukhi as members of the Sarabhai family, and Charu Asopa as Simple.
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Sanaya Irani | Chhanchhan Sarabhai |
| Farhan Khan, later Anuj Sachdeva | Manav Borisagar |
| Supriya Pathak | Umaben Borisagar |
| Anang Desai | Matilalbhai Borisagar |
| Deepak Pareek | Member of the Sarabhai family |
| Anjali Mukhi | Member of the Sarabhai family |
| Charu Asopa | Simple |
Why the character stood out
Chhanchhan was a heroine who argued back, which set her apart from the self-sacrificing daughters-in-law common in Hindi soaps of the time. The Gujarati setting and the pairing of Supriya Pathak and Anang Desai gave the show a comic edge, and DNA's reviewer found its dialogue realistic and its pace decent. The series was short-lived, ending after about six months, but the character is still remembered fondly, which is why she appears on lists of favourite television heroines.
Frequently asked questions
When did Chhanchhan air?
On Sony Entertainment Television from 25 Mar 2013 to 19 Sep 2013.
Who played Chhanchhan?
Sanaya Irani played Chhanchhan Sarabhai.
Who played the mother-in-law Umaben?
Supriya Pathak.
Who played Manav?
Farhan Khan played Manav at first. Anuj Sachdeva took over the role later in the series.
Where is Chhanchhan set?
In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, among the Sarabhai and Borisagar families.
What is the story of Chhanchhan?
An outspoken young woman marries Manav, and his mother Umaben vows to drive her out of the house within 30 days. The series follows their battle of wits.