Mumbai: Hindi ZEE5 has announced its upcoming original web series Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz, a poignant father–son drama set against the soulful cultural backdrop of Punjab. The six-episode series stars Suvinder Vicky and Mihir Ahuja in lead roles as a conflicted father and son, with Mahi Raj and Taranjit Kaur playing key supporting roles as the sister and mother respectively.
Produced by Rusk Media and directed by Ameet Guptha—best known for ZEE5’s critically acclaimed series Bakaiti—Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz is rooted in the emotional complexities of a close-knit Punjabi household bound by faith, tradition, and inherited expectations.
Set in the cultural heartland of Punjab, the series follows Ghuppi, a stammering teenager with a deep passion for football, whose aspirations clash with the future envisioned by his father, a revered Ragi singer determined to pass on the family’s sacred musical legacy. As faith, music, and discipline shape the family’s world, Ghuppi struggles to reconcile personal ambition with the weight of tradition.
At its core, Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz explores generational conflict, identity, and the courage required to find one’s own voice. The narrative delves into the emotional vulnerability of a young boy grappling with self-expression, fear, and expectation, while portraying a father’s unwavering devotion to legacy and belief systems rooted in sacred sound and spiritual discipline.
Speaking about the series, Kaveri Das, Chief Channel Officer &TV and Business Head – Hindi ZEE5, said, “Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz reflects the direction we are consciously shaping for ZEE5’s Hindi originals—rooted, slice-of-life family dramas that are deeply human, 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.”
Producer Mayank Yadav, Rusk Media, added, “With Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz, we wanted to tell a story that feels lived-in and honest. 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.”
Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz will premiere soon exclusively on Hindi ZEE5.
