Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story

Set against 1980s and 90s Bombay, Scam 1992 follows Harshad Mehta as he rises from a relatively obscure broker to a force that sends the stock market soaring, and then unravels under intense scrutiny. The series tracks his inventive trading methods, the banking loopholes he exploits, and the growing media and regulatory attention that turns his success into scandal. Journalist Sucheta Dalal functions as a steady narrative presence, explaining investigations and legal fights as they unfold. The show stays focused on how personalities, ambition, and weak systems interacted to produce a dramatic boom and sudden collapse, without giving away later surprises.

Released in 2020, the series was created by Hansal Mehta, Saurav Dey and Karan Vyas and directed by Jai Mehta. It adapts the investigative book 'The Scam' by Debashis Basu and Sucheta Dalal, and features standout performances from Pratik Gandhi, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Anjali Barot, Hemant Kher and Chirag Vohra.

The show struck a chord across India, bringing renewed attention to the 1992 securities scandal and sparking widespread online conversation. It propelled its lead actor into mainstream recognition, inspired memes and commentary across social media, and pushed financial history back into public debate, especially about market rules and media power.

Critics lauded the series for its careful handling of complex financial mechanics, sharp pacing, period detail and strong acting, particularly from Pratik Gandhi and Shreya Dhanwanthary. Audience ratings reflect that positive reception, with user scores like 8.319/10. Major themes include unchecked ambition, gaps in regulation, the role of media in investigative reporting, and how institutional weaknesses can amplify individual actions.

The show received multiple awards and nominations across Indian streaming and television award events, earning recognition in acting, writing and technical categories. Its success raised expectations for long-form, detail-oriented dramas and influenced how real financial stories are adapted for streaming audiences.