Today, it is World Snake Day. Environmentalists declared July 16 as a day to recognise snakes and the important role they play in the ecosystem. India is home to close to 300 varieties of snakes and learning about them is a fascinating experience. Snakes also have a prominent place in Indian mythology. States like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu are dotted with temples dedicated to Nag Devta. World Snake Day: From Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Anaconda’ to Akshay Kumar’s ‘Hatya’, 7 Creature Movies To Watch if You Love Cheesy Thrills!

Indian Gods like Shiva, Vishnu and Kartikeya have a snake with them. We have heard stories about the Nagas, a race that was half-human and half-cobra. Myths, superstitions and folklore have found their way into many Indian shows where the Icchadhari Nag/Nagin (shapeshifter) is the prime character. Here is a look at some of them.

'Naagin'

In 2015, Ekta Kapoor started one of the most successful franchise shows in India. Mouni Roy became a household name playing an Icchadhari Naagin whose human form is that of an innocent, beautiful woman, Shivanya. Adaa Khan, Sudha Chandran and Arjun Bijlani, too, got a lot of love from the audiences for this show. Packed with romance, drama, emotions and intrigue, Naagin made for appointment viewing.

'Nagarjuna – Ek Yoddha'

The Pearl V Puri show was an action fantasy drama inspired by the story of serpent king Takshak and Rishi Astika, mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Bhagwad Puran. It came on Life Ok and ran for less than a year. Yash A Patnaik was the producer of Nagarjuna - Ek Yoddha.

‘Adhuri Kahaani Hamari’

Mahima Makwana, Laksh Lalwani and Suhani Dhanki were the main leads of Gul Khan’s show on &TV. Makwana played Manasvini, an Icchadhari Naagin who is reborn as Radhika. This was a story of the rebirth of an Icchadhari Naagin who seeks revenge for the death of her love interest.

‘Phir Laut Aayi Naagin’

Phir Laut Aayi Naagin aired on Dangal TV from 2019 to 2020. Nikita Sharma was the main lead of the show. She played a Naagin on the search for her Naagmani and lover. It was a very successful show for the channel.

'Neeli Aankhen'

This show came in the year 2008 on Sahara One. Rubina Sasihuddin played an Icchadhari Naagin who gets a boon to live as a human. She falls in love with Rahul who has a phobia of snakes.

'Main Bhi Ardhangini'

This 2019 Zee TV show was about a girl Mahamaya who is a shape-shifting serpent. She is on the hunt for Madhav whom she believes has killed her family. Main Bhi Ardhangini is streaming on Zee5.

'Kuch Toh Hai: Naagin Ek Naye Rang Mein'

This 2021 show made by Ekta Kapoor was a spin-off of the Naagin series. It starred Krishna Mukherjee and Harsh Rajput. It was an 'Icchadhari Naagin falling in love with a vampire' kind of plot. It was telecast on Colors. Kuch Toh Hai - Naagin Ek Naye Rang Mein failed to get TRPs.

‘Ishq Ki Dastaan – Naagmani’

Ishq Ki Dastaan - Naagmani on Dangal starred Aleya Ghosh, Pavitra Punia, Karam Rajpal and Aditya Redij. It aired from 2022 to 2023. It was about a Naagin who wants to know her past and defend the love of her life.

‘Icchapyaari Naagin’

This was a lighter take on the world of Nag-Nagins as Priyal Gor played the title role. Set in the mythical world of Naagistan, Iccha was a Naagin who wanted to alter the perceptions about Nag-Nagins. The show was seen on SAB TV.

'Nagin'

This is the OG 1998 show on Zee TV. Seema Kapoor played the lead role of a Naagin who was on a mission to hunt down the killers of her partner.

‘Naaginn – Waadon Ki Agnipariksha’

Naagin - Waadon Ki Agnipariksha had a run of two years on Zee TV from 2007 to 2009. Sayantani Ghosh, Sachin Shroff and Manav Gohil played the main roles in this fantasy cum vendetta drama.

We are sure you must have watched some of these shows based on snake avatars of humans. While the Naagin shows might be super entertaining and intriguing for TV buffs, the world of snakes may also be fascinating for some nature and wildlife lovers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2024 08:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).