“But in this serial, the cultural context is entirely Afghani, made just for this audience,” he adds.

In fact, the popularity of Indian serials have taken many in Afghanistan by surprise, especially considering the trouble viewers go through just to switch on their TV sets. Says Deputy Minister of Energy, M Sediq Ashan: “Only 10-15% of Afghanistan has electricity. This is mainly through hydroelectric power. For those who don’t have supply, homes and TVs are run by diesel generators.”

Yet, “Kabul stops when Indian TV serials come on air,” says Ramika Ahmad, executive director, Meco Construction and Road Building Company, and a member of the erstwhile royal family which was exiled during Taliban rule.

“This is our favourite form of entertainment,” says Ahmad, adding, “My personal favourite is Heena. I bought a TV for my cook as he insisted on watching Tulsi on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. We love Indian family dramas, as we have large families too. We can identify with the traditional values endorsed in these serials. Like Indian women, Afghan women also love to dress up.”

Apparently, USAID will also help in producing DVDs of Palwasha. And as for Aina, which also has offices in Washington DC and Paris, the next project is already around the corner: a 30-part serial on law and justice.