ZEE5 unveils new series 'Shabad - Reet Aur Riwaaz', starring Suvinder Vicky and Mihir Ahuja

New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Streaming platform ZEE5 on Wednesday announced "Shabad - Reet Aur Riwaaz", a new original series set against the cultural and spiritual milieu of Punjab.

The six-episode series, which will make its debut on the OTT platform soon, stars Suvinder Vicky of "Kohrra" fame and "The Archies" actor Mihir Ahuja in the lead roles with Mahi Raj and Taranjit Kaur playing pivotal supporting characters.

The show is produced by Rusk Media and directed by Ameet Guptha, known for the critically acclaimed ZEE5 series "Bakaiti".

Rooted in the cultural heartland of Punjab, the series is an intimate, deeply human family drama set within a close-knit household bound by faith, tradition, and inherited expectations.

It follows Ghuppi (Ahuja), a stammering teenager whose burning passion for football stands in stark contrast to the life envisioned for him by his father—a revered Ragi singer determined to see his son carry forward the family’s sacred musical legacy.

The series explores themes of inheritance, identity, fear and courage, tracing Ghuppi’s journey as he struggles to find his own voice, both literal and emotional, amid deeply held belief systems and spiritual discipline.

Kaveri Das, Chief Channel Officer, &TV and Business Head, Hindi ZEE5, said the show reflects the platform’s focus on rooted, slice-of-life family dramas that are emotionally authentic and widely relatable.

"India has a strong cultural legacy of family-first values and deep respect for elders, and 'Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz' sensitively examines the emotional tensions that arise when these traditions intersect with a new generation’s desire to choose its own path.

"Set in the cultural and emotional landscape of heartland Punjab, the series feels lived-in, culturally grounded, and emotionally truthful, reinforcing our commitment to narratives that honour tradition while embracing evolving aspirations," Das added.

Producer Mayank Yadav of Rusk Media said the series aims to tell a lived-in and honest story.

"The world of Ragi singing, the pressures of legacy, and a young boy’s silent rebellion through sport felt like a powerful metaphor for so many families today. We’re proud to collaborate with ZEE5 on a series that is as soulful as it is relevant," he said. PTI RB RB RB