ZEE5 Global has announced its new original series Bakaiti, produced by Dice Media. The family drama will premiere on 1 August 2025 and will feature Sheeba Chaddha and Rajesh Tailang in lead roles and marks their return as on-screen parents.
The trailer, now available, introduces the Kataria family and their daily life in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Set in old Ghaziabad, the series follows Naina, a 21-year-old student, and her younger brother Bharat, a teenager interested in cricket. Their parents, Sanjay and Sushma, deal with financial pressure and personal challenges while managing their children’s conflicts.
The show also highlights the strained relationship between Sanjay and his brother Ajay, showing the contrast between emotional and practical approaches to family matters.
Talking about her upcoming series, Sheeba Chaddha said, “Being part of Bakaiti felt like stepping into a world that’s incredibly familiar yet rarely shown with such honesty. The Kataria family reflects the unsaid love, everyday struggles, and quiet strength that define so many Indian homes. Playing Sushma reminded me how laughter and love can thrive even in the chaos. I’m thrilled to bring this relatable story to life with such a heartfelt team.”
Rajesh Tailang said, “Bakaiti is a story that feels lived-in, like a memory from your own past. Sanjay reminded me of so many fathers—silent providers, emotional anchors, and sometimes accidental comedians. There’s beauty in the everyday, and this series captures it with so much heart. I feel grateful to reunite with Sheeba ji and work with a team that values nuance, humour, and the tender messiness of family life.”
Director Ameet Guptha stated, “Bakaiti was born out of the kind of conversations we’ve all had around dining tables and on terrace steps—about space, sacrifice, and the quiet resilience that defines every Indian household. The aim was never to go big, but to go deep—to capture the small, seemingly insignificant moments that truly shape who we are as families.
“We wanted the storytelling to feel lived-in and honest, with natural camera work, real-time conversations, and emotions that unfold without fanfare. Having Sheeba ji and Rajesh ji back together felt like magic—they brought a quiet depth and humour that beautifully elevated the soul of the Kataria family. I’m truly excited for the premiere on ZEE5 Global and can’t wait for the show to reach homes across the country.”
Kaveri Das, Business Head, ZEE5 Hindi said, “At ZEE5 Global, we’ve always believed that the most powerful stories are found in your everyday life. Bakaiti is a heartwarming reflection of the quintessential Indian middle-class family, its chaos, conflicts, and unconditional love. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Pocket Aces and bring this tender, sharply observed dramedy to our audiences. Adding to our growing repertoire of relatable, slice-of-life narratives, Bakaiti will certainly strike a nostalgic, emotional chord with our viewers everywhere.”
Aditi Shrivastava, producer from Dice Media, said, “Like all our core Dice Media shows, Bakaiti is about the intricacies of daily life. It reflects the bittersweet relationship Gen Z has with their parents – where kids are friends with their parents but still a little afraid, where parents are strict with their kids but also vulnerable. We are so excited to bring you the chaotic yet lovable Kataria parivar, with veteran actors like Sheeba ji and Rajesh ji pairing up with our very own up – and -coming faces, Tanya Sharma and Aditya Shukla. ZEE5 Global is the perfect platform for this show, and we’ve had a wonderful time working with Mrunalini and her team on it.”
