Mumbai: Picture this: a newborn baby, barely a day old, with tiny fingers dipped in ink, their prints stamped into police records — labeled a criminal before they’ve even uttered their first cry. Hard to imagine, right? Yet, this is the grim reality faced by the Chitta community, where a child’s fate is marked even before they’ve had a chance to begin their life.
Zee TV’s Hamara Parivar initiative provides audience insights for the innovative series Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah, which breaks traditional storytelling norms to shed light on an oppressive system in a fictional town. The show explores deep-rooted injustices faced by the Chitta community in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district, focusing on children denied education, forced into hunting, and exploited by feudal lords, perpetuating marginalization.
Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah, produced by Guroudev Bhalla Productions, portrays the courageous journey of 7-year-old Jagriti, a determined girl challenging the unjust labeling of her Chitta community as criminals. Jagriti, portrayed by the talented Asmi Deo, boldly questions the norms, sparking a spirited battle for her community’s dignity and rights.
In a new role, Arya Babbar returns to TV after eight years as Kalikant Thakur, the village’s powerful and corrupt figure who uses bribery to sustain his illegal activities. His oppressive leadership and exploitation create a dark environment that Jagriti aims to confront, highlighting social injustice.
Mangesh Kulkarni, Chief Channel Officer, Zee TV, said, “Having actively listened to our viewers via our innovative audience feedback mechanism –‘Hamara Parivar’, we are taking them into a very different world rarely seen on television with our upcoming show Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah. The story strikes at the heart of systemic injustice through the lens of a young child belonging to an oppressed community branded as criminals at birth. Her innocent questions demanding only her basic rights will tug at viewers’ heartstrings, making them root for her. As Jagritigradually evolves into a powerful voice of resistance, the show invites viewers to join her on a journey of hope, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. With a gripping storyline and standout performances, the show adds an interesting new flavour to Zee TV’s vibrant content mix.”
Producer Guroudev Bhalla said, “I’m thrilled to team up with the team at Zee TV yet again on Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah. This gripping narrative delves into a world where a community is unjustly labeled as criminals from birth. Deprived of education and oppressed under Kalikant Thakur’s tyranny, the Chitta people face systemic discrimination. To bring their plight to light, we have some really strong actors on board and they’re packing in impressive performances. If the show sparks conversations about social inequality and its lasting impact on real lives, we will feel truly validated.”
Aarya Babbar said, “I’m excited to return to television with Jagriti: Ek Nayi Subah after an eight-year break. Working with this talented team has been a joy. I deeply immersed myself in my role, perfecting the dialect and body language. Playing Kalikant Thakur has been my most complex and compelling negative role yet. I’m eager for audiences to experience our powerful story.”
Asmi Deo said, “Playing Jagriti has been a dream come true. This show stands out, and working with such a talented team has been a rewarding challenge. Jagriti is a girl of my age, but to see her being deprived of all the rights that I enjoy; makes me understand the unfortunate social discrimination in our society. It makes me value the opportunities that education provides. I’ve poured my heart into my character and can’t wait for everyone to see the magic we’ve created.”
