Zee TV, as a socially responsible broadcaster, has presented audiences with stories that have questioned prevalent mindsets, offered a fresh perspective, sparked off conversations and sensitized viewers to burning social issues from time to time.
True to its core proposition of Ummeed, the channel has been successful in driving positive societal change through shows that have addressed these issues head on. Be it Punar Vivaah, Agale Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, Doli Armaanon Ki, Saat Phere or Afsar Bitiya, each of these shows have sent out to a potent message and moved the needle on subjects ranging from re-marriage and girl child-trafficking to surviving a bad, abusive marriage, complexes that surround a girl's dark complexion, girl child education and women empowerment.
The channel now brings its viewers yet another story of hope & inspiration. In a day and age where we, as a society, may have seemingly progressed and abolished archaic traditions such as dowry, reality still bites in several parts of the country - where asking explicitly for dowry has merely made way for a more implicit quest on the part of boys' families for a Service Wali Bahu - a career woman who can support her in-laws with a steady income post marriage. Zee TV's latest primetime offering brings to the fore this rampant phenomenon through the intriguing case of Payal Rai, caught in the trap of being a Service Wali Bahu to her in-laws. The show is an attempt to curb this unhealthy approach towards marriage by creating awareness.
Set in the small town of Jamshedpur, the show traces the journey of Payal Rai (Kratika Sengar) who defies the norms of a society where girls hardly, if ever, opt for higher education and step out to work.
Fortunately for Payal, she has immense support from her family and makes her parents proud with her achievements.
Payal truly embodies the true spirit and strength of every contemporary Indian woman she's ambitious & yet has her family values intact. Having broadened her horizons through education and learning and managed to build a meaningful career for herself, Payal has a distinct vision about her husband and his family with whom she will spend her entire life!
What will happen when a self-assured, super-achieving young woman crosses paths with a family that is consciously in search of a 'Service Wali bahu'?
Produced by Village Boy Productions, Service Wali Bahu explores Payal's inspiring journey of Ummeed, from being a self-driven, super-achieving daughter who has always made her parents proud to falling into a trap of a new-age dowry system where her in-laws look to her as a steady source of family income.
Will Payal's intelligence and indomitable spirit help her drive sense into her in-laws without offending or alienating her loving husband?
The show has an ensemble of talented actors. Having wowed audiences with her spirited portrayal of Rani Lakshmi Bai in Zee TV's immensely successful historical Jhansi Ki Rani and her commendable performance as Aarti, a divorcee in search of happiness through her second marriage in Punar Vivaah, actor Kratika Sengar is back on Zee TV with her third stint as the Service Wali Bahu. Known for her knack of essaying various versions of the strong, feisty woman with a mind of her own, the talented actor will yet again be seen playing an author-backed title role in the upcoming Zee TV show. Making a comeback on Zee TV after playing the main lead in the immensely successful Agale Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo is actor Abhishek Rawat who will play the interestingly layered character of Dev, the male protagonist opposite Kratika in Service Wali Bahu. Other prominent names include the leading Bhojpuri actor Akshara Singh, who will be seen as Payals' sister-in-law, Gulkand and playing the role of her manipulative, shrewd husband Ayodhya is Vineet Kumar. Atul Shrivastava and Pratichee Mishra will be playing Dev's parents Jogeshwar and Santoshi Prasad. Ramakanth Daayama and Meena Mir will play Payals' parents Bhubneshwar & Indu Rai.
Zee TV Programming Head, Namit Sharma said Service Wali Bahu touches upon a subject not explored so far on Indian television. The objective of the show is to create awareness about an emerging trend in society. We want people to sit up and take cognizance of the fact that with all our progress as a society, dowry still hasn't truly been abolished - It has merely taken on a new form.
Our endeavor is to encourage marriage with a healthy mindset and approach from both sides. It cannot be an alliance with the objective of financially exploiting an individual. Countless women across the country will be able to relate to Payal's journey of hope, determination and standing up to her in laws rather than letting herself be relegated to the role of a Service Wali Bahu. Through making people conscious of this increasingly rampant phenomenon, the show will raise a voice against it and foster the right attitude amongst people towards marriage."
Raakesh Paswan of Village Boy Productions said "Working with Zee TV is like coming back to family as we've had a very gratifying association with our previous successes like Afsar Bitiya and Dulhan. While Afsar Bitiya spoke of women's empowerment and the importance of education and a career for women, our new offering Service Wali Bahu questions a mindset that looks to exploit a career woman for her ability to earn. The differentiated concept of the show and its treatment is aimed at making the audience sit up and question the motivations with which people approach marriage. We have a stellar star cast on board playing well-ethced out characters. We are hoping that this show connects with the viewers with its thought provoking premise, compelling narrative and relatable circumstances."
Saas Bahu Aur Sazish
@SBSABPNews
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