People get shocked when I say this… but I never watched cartoons growing up.Yes, zero. Nothing.Not even Chhota Bheem. Not even Mickey. Not even Doraemon asking anybody ‘kya hua Nobita?’

I grew up in a rural village where we had a color TV but only one channel: DD National. There was no concept of changing channels or choosing what you wanted to watch. Whatever came on screen became our world. The only decision we had was when to sit in front of the TV.

So whenever kids’ programs like Shaktimaan or Shakalaka Boom Boom appeared, we would finish all our chores and rush to the TV, fully prepared, fully excited, turning into Olympic athletes. Running from outside. Because if you missed the timing…That’s it. Shaktimaan gone.No repeat. No playlist. No YouTube.Just suffering.Kids These Days Will Never Understand. Kids today have Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar, YouTube, 100 apps…

By the time I finally had access to actual cartoons, life had already shifted into adulthood. Responsibilities had replaced playfulness. During graduation, I watched Tom and Jerry for the first time at a friend’s house and I loved it. But that was also the last time. Life moved forward, and cartoons never became a part of my routine.

I never really thought about this again…until this question came up and suddenly, all those memories returned, wrapped in simplicity and nostalgia.

So yes…While other kids grew up with Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network…I grew up with DD National and self-respect.And honestly? 10/10 childhood.