Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan transformed Doordarshan's fortunes. Made at an estimated cost of Rs 9 lakh per episode, the series reportedly earned around Rs 40 lakh per episode, making it one of the biggest television successes of its time. Budget and earnings of Ramanand Sagar's RamayanWhen Ramayan first aired in 1987, it was viewed by millions of households across India. The makers reportedly earned nearly Rs 40 lakh per episode, taking the show's total earnings to around Rs 31.4 crore. Ramayan was telecast in 55 countriesRamanand Sagar's Ramayan became one of Doordarshan's most-watched programmes and was later telecast in 55 countries.