While Indian society underwent several tangible and intangible changes amidst its economic transformation, there were some who chose not to forget their roots and stuck to their culture, values and traditions. Premiering on 17th April, from Monday to Friday at 7 PM, ZEE TV’s next primetime offering ‘Sethji’ brings to you an intriguing story of a unique ram-rajya village – Devsu, that runs on its own set of rules and principles. Detached from the rest of the world, Devsu considers its borders sacred and is far away from corruption, temptation and dishonesty. As we move swiftly towards a modern and digitalized India, there exists a Devsu that is devoid of even basic signs of urban development like concrete roads, cars, electricity, comfort utilities, ATMs or mobile networks and yet is a happy, self-sufficient world. The show raises a question – Can the ‘aadarshon waala Bharat’ and the ‘Pragati wala India’ take cues from each other, match each other step-for-step and walk towards a Utopian state that combines the best of both worlds? #IndiaBhiBharatBhi
Safeguarding Devsu’s interests, watching over its people and every development like a hawk is its strong matriarch, Sethji. While giving technological advancement a cold shoulder, Devsu still manages to offer old-world solutions to every conceivable need of its inhabitants. Devsu draws its rooted yet progressive personality from its feisty, 38-year-old leader, Sethji, a woman of substance. A perfect blend of autocratic power and sensitivity, Sethji rules Devsu with an iron hand and at the same time, is devoted to her equally important roles of being a loving mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. Her command is the final word in Devsu. Against the backdrop of this unique village, a beautiful, unlikely love story will develop between Sethji’s son Baaji Rao, an innocent boy who has never seen anything beyond the borders of his village and Pragati, a fearless modern girl and a firm advocate of technology from across the border. She enters Devsu on her own personal mission unaware that people from outside are not allowed in the village. To see what will transpire when the urban rebel Pragati crosses paths with Sethji and tries to bring about change in Devsu… to find out what lies in store for Baaji Rao, who emulates the principles of the traditionalist Sethji but falls in love with Pragati, stay tuned to Sethji on Zee TV.
Produced by Offshore Productions, the show will see the return of the talented Gurdeep Kohli on Indian television in the title role of Sethji. She is the custodian of Devsu’s customs, practices and laws. People look up to her sense of justice as she doesn’t even stop short of punishing her own family. Debutant Avinash Kumar will play the young, emotional and innocent Bajirao, the son of Sethji. He falls in love with a city girl named Pragati, played by the pretty Rumman Ahmed.
Deepak Rajadhyaksha, Deputy Business Head ZEE TV shares, ‘Zee TV has been at the helm of content innovation in the Indian television space. Over the years, the channel has often provoked audiences into thinking differently, questioning prevalent mindsets with its unique fiction concepts and differentiated subjects. ZEE’s brand identity and positioning – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The world is my family – holds its relevance with the growing need to appreciate each other’s ways, beliefs and culture. With Sethji, we present yet another compelling narrative that highlights the sheer diversity of our country. While a digitalized India forges towards growth and development with the most modern technological advancements, there is a Bharat that is still happily flourishing amidst us – one untouched by technology, yet self-sufficient and content in its own space. It is a love story of people from two diametrically opposite backgrounds. It raises questions about an ideal India that could come about if we borrowed the best of both worlds. The show replaces Kaala Teeka at 7 PM, a show that was successful in dispelling superstitions and age-old beliefs rooted in our society.”
Producer Divye Ratna Dixit shares, ‘India is fast moving towards modernization and we are trying to emulate the West in several aspects, whether it be music, clothes, language or ideologies. However, in this process, we have forgotten our own rich culture and heritage. We feel inferior if we cannot converse in English or look down upon people who cannot. We feel our growth is totally dependent on our ability to speak English. I also feel the transition has been so fast that it has left a huge gap between the generations. Our show Sethji touches upon this chord and brings to the viewers a Utopian world, where two worlds co-exist in the same time period but with completely contrary ideologies. The show is an attempt to make people realize that we should be proud of India and happiness is not dependent merely on having the latest technology or gadgets. It is about striking a balance and taking the best from both the worlds. Also, breaking stereotypes and dispelling myths is our Sethji, who is an authoritative, strong woman but is feminine in her demeanour.”
What will transpire when Paragti, the advocate of modernization and technology comes face to face with Sethji, one deeply rooted in traditions and old world ways? ..What will happen when she not just enters Sethji’s sacred terrain but also falls in love with her innocent, simpleton son Baaji Rao? Will Sethji accept their relationship?
Watch Sethji, from 17th April every Monday to Friday at 7PM, only on ZEE TV!