ZEE5, India’s leading homegrown video streaming platform, has officially announced its latest original web series, ‘Shabad-Reet Aur Riwaaz’. This poignant family drama is set against the culturally rich backdrop of Punjab and promises to offer an emotionally authentic exploration of faith, tradition, and the clash between ancestral legacy and personal aspirations.
The six-episode series features a powerhouse cast led by the critically acclaimed Suvinder Vicky and rising star Mihir Ahuja, who portray a father and son caught in a generational tug-of-war. Supporting performances come from Mahi Raj and Taranjit Kaur, playing the roles of the sister and mother, respectively. The series is produced by Rusk Media and directed by Ameet Guptha, the creative mind behind ZEE5 Global’s acclaimed title Bakaiti.
‘Shabad-Reet Aur Riwaaz’ is deeply rooted in the daily life of a traditional Punjabi household. The narrative centers on Ghuppi, a stuttering teenager with an intense passion for football. His dream, however, stands in direct opposition to the wishes of his father, a respected Ragi singer. The father is determined to see his son carry forward the family’s sacred musical heritage, creating a profound emotional divide.
The series moves beyond a simple conflict of interests to explore themes of identity, fear, and resilience. As Ghuppi struggles with the physical vulnerability of his stammer and the psychological weight of inherited expectations, the story captures his journey to find his own voice in a world defined by spiritual discipline and sacred sound.
Kaveri Das, Chief Channel Officer of &TV and Business Head-Hindi at ZEE5, emphasized that this series represents the platform’s commitment to “slice-of-life” family dramas. She noted that the show aligns perfectly with ZEE5’s strategy to provide content that is emotionally authentic and relatable to diverse audiences.
Producer Mayank Yadav of Rusk Media highlighted that the world of Ragi singing serves as a powerful metaphor for the pressures of legacy faced by many contemporary families. Through this collaboration with ZEE5 Global, the team aims to deliver a “lived-in and honest” storytelling experience that resonates with viewers worldwide.
Key Highlights:
- New Original Series: ZEE5 has unveiled ‘Shabad-Reet Aur Riwaaz’, a 6-episode family drama set in Punjab starring Suvinder Vicky and Mihir Ahuja.
- Central Conflict: The story follows a teenager named Ghuppi who dreams of being a footballer while his father wants him to become a traditional Ragi singer.
- Key Themes: The series explores generational gaps, the burden of legacy, and the personal struggle of overcoming a speech impediment.
- Acclaimed Direction: Directed by Ameet Guptha and produced by Rusk Media, the series focuses on emotionally authentic, rooted storytelling.
