The era of the 1980s, for those who grew up in the decade, continues to be fascinating. Both a link to the old, almost sleepy India of the decades preceding it and a bridge to the new India of the 90s when liberalization changed everything, the 80s occupy a special place in India’s socioeconomic, political and cultural space.
Be it hosting the Asian Games, India’s World Cup cricket victory, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement or the Mandal agitations, the 80s are engraved in our collective consciousness.
If you are excited to revisit the thrill of the 1980s, ‘Romancing The 80s’, by Seema Sethi is the perfect keepsake, beautifully capturing the essence of this unforgettable era in India’s history.
‘Romancing the 80s’ brings back the 1980s to life with striking images and insightful commentary, showcasing the decade’s influence on India’s culture, society, and politics. Through a carefully curated collection of photographs and stories, Sethi highlights the fashion, cinema, and daily life that still resonate today.
Seema Sethi, a student of Applied Arts, began her journey with the design teams at Oberoi and Satish Sud Graphics. In 1992, she founded her own studio, Seema Sethi Design. Her extensive experience in communication design spans across various industries, including India’s leading think tanks, policy-making institutions, and trade chambers.
‘Romancing the 80s’ author Seema Sethi
In order to know more about ‘Romancing the 80s’, Sonakshi Datta of GoaChronicle posed a few questions to Seema Sethi.
What makes the 1980s a fascinating decade in the history of India?
Growing up during that era, I witnessed first-hand how India was on the cusp of change- where tradition tangoed with modernity, and everything—be it culture, technology, or economy—was in flux. I remember how Sundays were reserved for Ramayan and Mahabharat on Doordarshan, turning living rooms into sacred spaces. It was more than just entertainment; it was a shared cultural experience that brought people together in a way that is hard to replicate in today’s world of on-demand content. The black-and-white TV era gave way to color, thanks to the 1982 Asian Games, and suddenly, life seemed brighter—literally and metaphorically.
The 80s also saw the rise of Bollywood as a larger-than-life phenomenon with Sridevi and Amitabh Bachchan ruling hearts and closets alike. Disco beats ruled the airwaves, and Bappi Lahiri’s tunes were impossible to escape. The air was filled with an exciting fusion of Indian melodies and Western influences, signaling a shift in cultural tastes.
Meanwhile, the streets buzzed with excitement when the Maruti 800 hit the roads, signalling that aspirations were now within reach. It was not just about style and cars; the winds of economic change were blowing too. Rajiv Gandhi’s push for liberalization set the stage for the big economic leap India would take in the 90s.
Politics, of course, made its mark—the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984 left the nation shaken, and yet, amidst the uncertainty, India marched on. The 1983 Cricket World Cup victory was a defining moment, uniting the country in joy like never before. I can still remember the excitement that gripped the nation—the streets erupting in celebration, with people huddled around radios and televisions, cheering for Kapil Dev and his team. That win was not just about cricket; it was a statement of India’s growing confidence on the global stage.
Fashion was bold, experimental, and delightfully over-the-top. Polka dots, puffed sleeves, and high-waisted pants were everywhere, and Western influences blended with traditional styles in a way only India could pull off. Brands like Nirma and Bajaj became household names, marking the rise of the great Indian middle class.
The 80s were a rollercoaster—nostalgic yet forward-looking, chaotic yet full of promise. Looking back, it was a time when India found its rhythm, dancing between the old and the new, much like the beats of that unforgettable disco anthem.
What are your most cherished memories from the 1980s and why?
For me, the 80s were my coming-of-age years—a time of discovery, dreams, and an unshakable belief that anything was possible. It was a decade that shaped who I am today, teaching me lessons that still resonate. There was an undeniable charm in the way we lived—everything felt fresh, exciting, and larger than life.
But the 80s were also a time of frugality. Choices were limited, and indulgences were rare, yet that very scarcity made us appreciate things more deeply. A bottle of Campa Cola was not just a drink; it was a treat to be savored. Unwrapping a new cassette tape was not just about music; it was an experience filled with anticipation and joy. Life was simple, yet rich with meaning, because we truly valued what we had.
Everyday moments carried a sense of magic—the excitement of gathering around the TV for a Sunday evening movie on Doordarshan, the thrill of recording songs off the radio onto blank cassettes, or the sheer joy of handwritten letters exchanged with friends. Life moved at an unhurried pace, and we embraced it wholeheartedly, finding joy in things that seem trivial today.
Music played an integral role in those years. From Lata Mangeshkar’s timeless melodies to the disco beats of Bappi Lahiri, to the global rhythms of Madonna and Michael Jackson, every song felt personal, like it belonged to us alone. while the rise of MTV revolutionized the way we experienced music, turning artists into icons overnight. We shared music, we lived music—it was the soundtrack to our friendships, our heartbreaks, our dreams.
Even the inconveniences of the era—power cuts, long queues, and rationed treats—had their own charm. They taught us patience and gratitude, making us resourceful and creative. Looking back, I realize how much those years influenced my perspective on life. They taught me to see beauty in the ordinary, to cherish simplicity, and to make the most of what’s available.
What I miss most about the 80s is not just the nostalgia of old songs, classic movies, or familiar scents—it is the way we approached life with wide-eyed wonder. Those years instilled a mindset that shaped me into who I am today—resilient, appreciative, and forever nostalgic for a time when less truly meant more.
What one thing or aspect of the 80s do you think should be revived in the current period, and why?
If I could bring back one thing from the 80s, it would be the beautiful simplicity of life—the ability to truly live in the moment without the constant distractions of today’s hyper-connected world. Back then, everything felt more intentional. Whether it was waiting patiently for a letter from a friend, recording your favorite song off the radio with perfect timing, or gathering around the TV for a scheduled show, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation in even the smallest things.
Unlike today, where everything is instant and disposable, the 80s taught us to cherish what we had. We valued conversations without the interruption of notifications, and friendships were built on shared experiences rather than shared screens. There was a slower, more thoughtful rhythm to life that allowed us to truly savor it—whether it was a Sunday family outing, a handwritten note, or the sheer joy of discovering a new song.
I often feel that if we could revive this sense of patience and appreciation, we would find a deeper connection to ourselves and to those around us. The 80s had this magical ability to turn even the mundane into something meaningful, and in today’s fast-paced world, I think we could all use a little bit of that magic again.
What influence of the 80s, do you reckon, could still be seen in India’s society, culture, and politics?
The 1980s were India’s coming-of-age story—a time of breaking free and finding our voice.
The influence of the 80s is still deeply woven into India’s society, culture, and politics in ways that often go unnoticed but remain undeniable. It was a decade that laid the groundwork for the rapid modernization we see today. It was the decade that set the stage for the rise of the middle class—a force that continues to drive India’s consumer-driven economy. Back then, aspirations were just beginning to take shape, and today, it is this very middle class that still ‘calls the shots and rules the roost,’ shaping consumer trends, political choices, and cultural conversations.
Culturally, the 80s instilled a collective sense of resilience and resourcefulness—traits that remain evident in the way Indians approach challenges even today. Politically, it was a period that saw the seeds of economic liberalization being sown, shaping the pro-reform policies that define India’s growth story now. The political narratives and leadership styles of that era also continue to echo in contemporary discourse, influencing how leaders connect with the masses. Technology tiptoed in with computers, and liberalization cracked open a window to modernization. The 1980s revolutionized technology, introducing iconic devices like the Walkman, Macintosh, and Game Boy, alongside the debut of Windows, Excel, and CDs. These innovations laid the groundwork for modern tech, from smartphones to gaming and digital media.
In many ways, the 80s were India’s stepping stone into a more ambitious, globalized future. Its influence lingers, reminding us of a time when optimism and grit went hand in hand—qualities that still define the Indian spirit and continue to steer the country’s progress.
What makes ‘Romancing the 80s’ a must-read for all, no matter what the age group?
Romancing the 80s is not just a book; it is a time machine wrapped in nostalgia, a love letter to an era that shaped hearts, dreams, and destinies. It invites you to step into a world where life was simpler, yet richer—where every sip of cola was savored, every melody was a story, and every friendship was built to last.
For those who lived through it, the book is a warm embrace, a tender reminder of a time when patience was a virtue and joy came in the form of handwritten letters and shared laughter. And for those who didn’t, it’s an irresistible glimpse into a world where waiting held its own charm, and every experience was lived with wide-eyed wonder. It’s a keepsake for future generations—an archive of a time that will soon be a lost world, tucked away in fading memories and yellowed photo albums.
A world where..
Paper planes soared, carrying dreams so high,
Doordarshan ruled, and Sundays passed by.
Cassettes rewound to that one perfect song,
Friendships were real, and they lasted long.
No screens to divide, just stories to share,
Life had a rhythm, an unhurried flair.
Whether you’re a dreamer yearning for a taste of a bygone era or a seeker looking to understand the roots of today’s culture, Romancing the 80s bridges the past and present with effortless grace. It speaks to every soul, reminding us that in the whirlwind of progress, the magic of simplicity and the romance of the everyday are treasures worth holding onto.
This book does not just recount the 80s—it makes you feel them, taste them, and long for them. No matter your age, it pulls you in, whispering stories of a time when life was lived, not just scrolled through. Once you open it, you won’t just read it—you will romance it.
