Sony Television’s Chittod Ki Rani Padmini Ka Johur, which is based on Rani Padmawati and her love for Rana Ratan Singh, has been on air since May. NDTV Imagine will bring to us the childhood and growing years of India’s only ‘jogun’ with Meera and the well known Jhansi Ki Rani is also to be aired on Zee TV this month.

“The best part about historicals is that everyone knows that the stories are true, so the level of curiosity is always higher,” says Ajay Bhalwankar, programming head, Zee TV. “Viewers will surely enjoy watching the details of a middle-class woman who grew up to be such a great warrior and politician. We didn’t choose Jhansi Ki Rani because we wanted a woman from history, but because we wanted a strong and gripping story from our country’s history. It happened to be the story of a woman.”

While Jhansi Ki Rani will showcase one of India’s greatest warriors, Meera will tell us about one of our greatest lovers. “Historical and mythological shows provide for great family viewing. Meera’s is one of the most passionate yet pure love stories of our culture. In her time, she defied social norms while pursuing her devotion for Lord Krishna, hers is definitely a timeless story,” says Shailja Kejriwal, EVP Content NDTV Imagine. “There have been many women in history who have done something out of the ordinary and it’s time that we celebrate these women,” she adds.

And if you’re wondering how the audience will react to this string of woman-based historicals, the success of Chittod Ki Rani Padmini Ka Johur indicates nothing but a positive response. “I’m actually shocked at the amazing response that we have got. People have been raving to me and my family about how gripping the story is,” gushes Tejaswini Lonari, who plays the role of Rani Padmini. “I feel so proud and responsible on the sets every day. Not many people had heard of Rani Padmini before and this is a great way to make people aware of the great history of women that our country has had.”

Apart from the entertainment in the evening, people are actually looking at learning a thing or two from the telly now. “I don’t let my seven-year-old daughter watch television in the nights because of the reality shows that are a bad influence for her. But these shows like Jhansi Ki Rani and Meera will teach her about our history and culture so I’m looking forward to them,” adds housewife Usha Ramaswamy.