Mumbai: Picture this: a newborn baby, just a day old, with tiny fingers dipped in ink, their prints recorded as criminal before they’ve even spoken. This is the harsh reality for the Chitta community, where a child’s fate is decided before they begin life.
Zee TV’s innovative audience feedback initiative, Hamara Parivar, offers a fresh perspective by highlighting an often-ignored issue. The show ‘Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah,’ set in the fictional town of Mokshgarh in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district, explores the systemic injustice faced by the Chitta community. Children in this community are labeled criminals from birth, denied education, forced into hunting, and exploited by feudal lords who dominate the region.
Produced by Guroudev Bhalla Productions, Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah follows the journey of seven-year-old Jagriti, a determined girl from the Chitta community who rejects the fate imposed on her. Intelligent and hopeful, Jagriti questions the unfair labeling of her people as criminals. Her curiosity and sense of justice often get her into trouble, but she remains committed to challenging the unjust system. Asmi Deo, who plays Jagriti, has gained attention since the show’s promo aired.
Aarya Babbar returns to television after an eight-year break, playing Kalikant Thakur, the wealthiest and most powerful man in the village. Kalikant is corrupt and misogynistic, bribing local officials to protect his illegal activities. When his smuggling operations are disrupted, he frames innocent members of the Chitta community. Kalikant’s rule highlights the harsh world that Jagriti is determined to fight against.
Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni 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 Jagriti gradually 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.”
Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah premieres on 16 September, airing every day at 8:30 pm on Zee TV.
