Youth Incorporated Magazine

There’s something so comforting about reminiscing; it brings us a sense of peace. As our lives have undergone changes over the years leaving us unsettled and in need of adjustment we’ve turned to the embrace of nostalgia that we all share. The world of pop culture has consistently delivered doses of nostalgia catering to our yearning for moments. Ahh, the 90s were a time gone by! It was an era when technology was still in its infancy, life was simpler and Indian pop culture was bursting at the seams with melodious songs, vibrant colours and quirky fashion. For many the 90s represented a period of enchantment. An age of youth and growing up. So let’s dive into a nostalgic journey to the trends of Indian pop culture, in the 1990s!

This was the decade of grunge and glitter, where our biggest worries were running out of VHS tape and missing an episode of our favourite TV shows. It was the peak of Indian TV. Before streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar etc. and satellite TV, there was the glorious Doordarshan and a handful of channels that brought families together every evening. To date, the iconic tune of Doordarshan rings in our ears. With the sweet smell of cereal and the glow of the TV screen, the excitement was all about to tune in an endless line-up of cartoons and shows. From the antics of Tom and Jerry to the Mysteries of Scooby-Doo, to watching our own superhero Shakti man these were core stones of our childhood. In addition to this, shows like ‘Dekh Bhai Dek,’ ‘Hum Paanch’ And ‘Hip  Hip Hurray’ kept us entertained, leaving us in splits with their relatable characters and hilarious situations. 

The 90s were also iconic for the masala magic of Bollywood, from the intense ‘Romance of DDLJ ‘to the melodious charm of ‘Hum Apke Hai Koun…?’ These movies set the bar for romantic tales and family dramas. Who can forget Govinda’s colourful outfits and unparalleled dance movies like ‘Coolie No.1?’ and of course the evergreen patriotic movies like ‘Border’, giving goosebumps till date. The dialogues, the songs, the fashion- all had an everlasting impact on our minds. 

It was groovy back then and the rhythm still sweeps us off our feet. The 90s was the golden era for Indi-pop, with artists like Alisha Chinai, Baba Sehgal and Daler Mehdi bringing a new wave of music that was catchy, fun and irresistible. There were also bands like Bombay Vikings, Silk Route, Euphoria And Indus Creek with their electrifying beats serving the vibes. Music channels like MTV and Channel V were our go-to for top chart hits and music videos which were often mini-dramas in themselves.

The idea of bold and beautiful was propagated throughout the 90s; it was all about bold choices and vibrant styles. From high-waisted jeans, crop tops, chokers, overalls, athleisure clothing and Mary Janes, they were the order of the day. Denim on denim was a common sight along with oversized sunglasses and loud colourful windcheaters. The fashion trends back then were also heavily influenced by every hit movie, remember the craze for Madhuri Dixit’s purple saree From Hum Apke Hain Koun Or Urmila Matondkar’s outfits In Rangeela, they collectively inspired new looks. 

The 90’s entertainment was gloriously mechanical before the invention of cell phones and tablets. Playing video games on large consoles, such as Road Rash, Mario, And Contra, was the ultimate delight. Outdoor sports like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and Gully Cricket kept us socially and physically captured. It was serious business to collect Tazos from chip packets, trade WWF cards, battle Beyblades and create the ideal Lego structure. Who could forget the Tamagotchi mania, where keeping a digital pet alive was a matter of pride? But as the 90s came to a close, there was a dawn of the new millennial and the world was abuzz with the Y2K bug. 

From its treasure trove, another lasting memory supplied by the 90’s era was advertisements with catchy jingles and eternal catchphrases.  From heart-warming ‘Washing Powder Nirma’ to energetic ‘Vicco Turmeric’ And Nahin Cosmetics, these ads have become a part of our daily lives. they weren’t just marketing strategies, they were creating memories such as the little girl in the Rasna ad with her innocent smile made us all want to say, “I love you, rasna!” to date. 

While TV and music were big, the 90s was also a time when tales shaped our imagination through engaging comics like Tinkle, Champak and Amar Chitra Katha. Famous characters like Suppandi, Shikari Shambu and the Valiant Heroes of Indian Mythology sparked our imagination. Meanwhile, Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and Secret Seven Series made us long for our own adventure-filled holidays. 

Doing nostalgia well, let’s not forget ’90s were a time when snacks were more than just food, they were tiny packets of happiness each one a trip down memory lane. Picture this: you’re unwrapping a Cadbury Dairy Milk, the creamy chocolate melting in your mouth as you recall the iconic “Kuch Meetha Ho Jayee” that made every occasion sweeter. Remember for adding some vibrant bubbles and pepping fizz to our mundane life how we used to chuck down a Chilled Gold Spot, Campa Cola or just some homemade Roohafza to cool down in peak summers. They all used to add a burst of joy to our day. Other most loved snacks which are still spotted in the market Are Tiny, Tangy Tablets Of Fatafat and the scrumptious, Spicy Crunchy Uncle Chipps. With their each bite a riot of flavours would make our taste buds tingle with delight. 

Wrapping up the pop culture trends that take us back to the 90s; they were a unique blend of simplicity and innovation. So, dust off those old photo albums, fill in your slam books or pop in a cassette tape and relive the magic of the 90s as we reminisce about this iconic decade. The best way to honour the past is to keep its spirit alive in our hearts.