Last Updated:January 29, 2026, 18:02 IST

ZEE5 drops the trailer of Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz, a six-episode father-son drama set in Punjab, starring Mihir Ahuja and Suvinder Vicky, streaming from February 6.

Set in Punjab, Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz follows a teenager with a stammer torn between his father’s devotional legacy and his own dreams, unfolding a tender father-son coming-of-age drama.

ZEE5 has unveiled the trailer of its upcoming Hindi original series Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz, a deeply emotional coming-of-age drama that explores the fragile, often unspoken bond between a father and son. Directed by Ameet Guptha and produced by Rusk Media, the six-episode series stars Mihir Ahuja and Suvinder Vicky in lead roles and is set to premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on February 6.

Set against the soulful and culturally rich landscape of Punjab, Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz examines generational conflict, inherited expectations, and the quiet courage required to choose one’s own path.

A story of legacy versus longing

At the heart of the series is Ghuppi Singh, a 16-year-old boy who lives with a chronic stammer and carries dreams that sharply diverge from his family’s legacy. His father, Harminder Singh, is a respected Ragi singer who also navigates the corporate world with discipline and faith guiding his worldview.

Harminder expects Ghuppi to continue the sacred tradition of devotional music, seeing it as both inheritance and duty. Ghuppi, however, finds his sense of freedom and self-expression not through hymns, but on the football field, where words no longer limit him.

As the emotional distance between father and son widens, the series gently interrogates a central question: Is legacy something we inherit, or something we choose?

A nuanced portrayal of parenthood and pressure

Rather than framing its characters in absolutes, Shabad takes a compassionate approach to both generations. It shows how love, when entangled with fear and expectation, can quietly turn into pressure, and how silence can often say more than confrontation.

The series charts the emotional journey of both Ghuppi and Harminder as they are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities, misunderstandings, and unfulfilled dreams. Faith, ambition, fear, and affection collide, leading both father and son to realise that coexistence is born not from authority, but from empathy.

Mihir Ahuja on playing Ghuppi

Speaking about his role, Mihir Ahuja described Ghuppi as one of the most emotionally honest characters he has portrayed.

“Ghuppi is incredibly vulnerable. His stammer isn’t just a speech condition, it reflects everything he struggles to express: fear, ambition, desire, and the need to be accepted,” the actor shared. “Shabad captures that moment in every young person’s life where you’re torn between being a good child and being true to yourself.”

He added that he hopes audiences see their own silent battles reflected in Ghuppi’s journey.

Suvinder Vicky on the father’s perspective

Suvinder Vicky, who essays Harminder Singh, said what drew him to the role was its emotional complexity.

“Harminder is shaped by faith, discipline, and the fear of losing legacy. He genuinely believes he’s doing the right thing for his son, even when his love turns into pressure,” Vicky said. “The show doesn’t villainise parents. It shows how unspoken emotions and unrealised dreams influence our actions.”

According to the actor, the story mirrors many Indian households where love exists deeply but communication falters.

Director Ameet Guptha on the emotional core of the series

Director Ameet Guptha described Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz as a story about listening.

“It’s about listening to children, listening to parents, and listening to the silence that exists between them,” he said. “The series explores how empathy can heal what authority cannot.”

A heartfelt Punjabi drama to watch out for

With its authentic Punjabi setting, layered performances, and emotionally grounded storytelling, Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz promises an intimate and reflective viewing experience. The series aims to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled between honouring where they come from and choosing who they want to become.

Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz premieres exclusively on ZEE5 on February 6.