MUMBAI: Some friendships are made in heaven; others are coded in Mumbai. Hamara Vinayak, the first-ever digital original from Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Swastik Stories, turns the divine into the delightful, serving up a story that’s equal parts start-up hustle and spiritual hustle.

Some tech start-ups chase unicorns. This one already has a god on board. Hamara Vinayak takes the leap from temple bells to notification pings and it does so with heart, humour and a healthy dose of the divine.
At its core, the show asks a simple but audacious question: what if God wasn’t up there, but right beside you, maybe even debugging your life over a cup of chai?

The show’s tagline, “God isn’t distant… He’s your closest friend” perfectly captures its quirky soul. Across its first two episodes, screened exclusively for media in Mumbai, the series proves that enlightenment can come with a good punchline.

The series follows a group of ambitious young entrepreneurs running a Mumbai-based tech start-up that lets people around the world book exclusive virtual poojas at India’s most revered shrines. But as their app grows, so do their ethical grey zones. Into this chaos walks Vinayak, played with soulful serenity and sly wit by the charming Namit Das, a young man whose calm smile hides something celestial. 

He’s got the peaceful look of a saint but the wit of someone who could out-think your favourite stand-up comic. Around him spins a crew of dream-driven youngsters – Luv Vispute, Arnav Bhasin, Vaidehi Nair and Saloni Daini who run a Mumbai-based tech start-up offering devotees across the world the chance to book “exclusive” poojas at India’s most sacred shrines. It’s a business plan that blends belief and broadband – and, as the story unfolds, also tests the moral compass of its ambitious founders.

“The first time I read the script, I found the character very pretty,” Namit joked at the post-screening interaction. “It’s a beautiful thought that God isn’t distant, he’s your closest friend. And playing Vinayak, you feel that calm but also his cleverness. He’s the friend who makes you think.”

The reactions to the series ranged from smiles to sighs of wonder. Viewers were charmed by the show’s sincerity and sparkle, a quality that stems from its creator’s belief that faith can be funny without being frivolous.

Among the cast, Luv Vispute shines brightest, his comic timing adding sparkle to the show’s more reflective beats. But what keeps Hamara Vinayak engaging is the easy rhythm of its writing – one moment touching, the next teasing, always gently reminding us that spirituality doesn’t have to be solemn.

Luv spoke fondly of his long association with Swastik. “Since my first show was with Swastik, this feels like home,” he said. “Every project with them is positive, feel-good, and this one just had such a different vibe. I truly feel blessed.”

Saloni Daini, who brings infectious warmth to her role, added that she signed up the moment she heard the show was about “Bappa.”

“We shot during the Ganpati festival,” she recalled. “The energy on set was incredible festive, faithful, and full of laughter. It’s such a relatable story for our generation: chaos, friendship, love, kindness, and faith all mixed together.”

Vaidehi Nair and Arnav Bhasin complete the ensemble, each representing different shades of ambition and morality in the start-up’s journey. Their camaraderie is easy and believable, a testament to how much the cast connected off-screen as well.

This clever fusion of mythology and modernity plays to India’s two enduring loves, entertainment and faith. Mythology has long been the comfort zone of Indian storytellers, from the televised epics of the 1980s to the glossy remakes that still command prime-time TRPs. For decades, gods have been our most bankable heroes. But Hamara Vinayak tweaks the formula not by preaching, but by laughing with its characters, and sometimes, at their confusion about where divinity ends and data begins.

Creator Siddharth Kumar Tewary, long hailed as Indian television’s myth-maker for shows like Mahabharat, Radha Krishn and Porus, explained the show’s intent with characteristic clarity, “This is our first story where we are talking directly to the audience, not through a platform,” he said. “We wanted to connect young people with our culture to say that God isn’t someone you only worship; He’s your friend, walking beside you, even when you take the wrong path. The story may be simple, but the thought is big.”

That blend of philosophy and playfulness runs through the show. “We had to keep asking ourselves why we’re doing this,” Tewary added. “It’s tricky to make something positive and spiritual for the OTT audience, they’ve changed, they want nuance, not sermons. But when the purpose is clear, everything else aligns.”

For the creator of some of Indian TV’s most lavish spectacles, Hamara Vinayak marks a refreshing tonal shift. Here, Tewary trades celestial kingdoms for co-working spaces and cosmic battles for office banter. Yet his signature remains: an eye for allegory, a love for faith-infused storytelling, and an understanding that belief is most powerful when it feels personal.

Hamara Vinayak, after all, feels less like a sermon and more like a conversation over chai about what success means, what faith costs, and why even the gods might be rooting for a start-up’s Series A round.

As Namit Das reflected during the Q&A, “Life gives us many magical, divine moments we just forget to notice them. Sometimes even through a phone screen, you see something that redirects you. That’s a Vinayak moment.”

The series also mirrors a larger cultural pivot. As audiences migrate from television to OTT, myth-inspired tales are finding new form and flexibility online. The digital screen lets creators like Tewary reinvent the genre, giving ancient ideas a modern interface, without losing the emotional charge that’s made mythology India’s storytelling backbone for decades.

In a country where faith trends faster than any hashtag, Hamara Vinayak feels both familiar and refreshingly new, a comedy that’s blessed with heart, humour and just enough philosophy to keep the binge holy.

For a country where mythology remains the oldest streaming service, Tewary’s move from TV to OTT feels both natural and necessary. Indian storytellers have always turned to gods for drama, guidance and TRPs from Ramayan and Mahabharat on Doordarshan to glossy mytho-dramas on prime time. But digital platforms allow creators to remix reverence with realism, and in Hamara Vinayak, faith gets an interface upgrade.

The result is a show that feels like a warm chat with destiny, part comedy, part contemplation. And in an age of cynicism, that’s no small miracle.

As Tewary put it, smiling at his cast, “The message had to be positive. We just wanted to remind people that even in chaos, God hasn’t unfriended you.”

With 5 episodes planned, Hamara Vinayak promises to keep walking that fine line between laughter and light. It’s mythology with memes, devotion with dialogue, and a digital-age reminder that even the cloud has a silver lining or perhaps, a divine one.

If the first two episodes are any sign, the show doesn’t just bridge heaven and earth, it gives both a Wi-Fi connection.

Mumbai: As 2024 comes to a close, Colors presents Pati Patni Aur Baby, the popular YouTube series from Superb Ideas Trending, bringing its family humour to television. This series, featuring relatable marriage and family sketches, showcases Chhavi Mittal as the demanding Rohini, Karan Veer Grover as her loving husband Rishi, Pracheen Chauhan as Abhimanyu, Pooja Gor as his wife Meera, and Shubhangi Litoria as Baby, the mischievous house-help. Every family can see their day-to-day life come alive in ‘Pati Patni Aur Baby’, premiering on 18 November and airing at 12:30 pm every day only on COLORS.

With Colors’ wide audience and Superb Ideas Trending’s signature humour, Pati Patni Aur Baby captures the chaos of Indian households and fits seamlessly into Colors’ lineup of relatable and engaging content. The series’ portrayal of daily family life has gained millions of fans, and its move to Colors will bring families together with laughter, extending the show’s reach and impact.  

Superb Ideas Trending founders Chhavi Mittal & Mohit Hussein jointly said, “We’re thrilled to join hands with Colors to bring our popular YouTube series to television with Pati Patni Aur Baby. At Superb Ideas Trending, our goal has always been to tell stories that every family member can connect with, stories that make you laugh and think about the peculiarities of life. Moving to Colors feels like an exhilarating progression for the show, and we’re excited for more families across India to enjoy the entertaining rollercoaster of Pati Patni Aur Baby in their living rooms with their loved ones. We hope that families across India will find their own stories in the fun and relatable characters of the show. A huge thanks to Colors for welcoming our content into its programming, making it accessible to a larger audience base.”

Mumbai: Making his way from India’s heartland into the hearts of millions, the ever-popular comedian, poet, actor, writer and producer, Zakir Khan, makes his television debut as a host with Sony Entertainment Television’s Aapka Apna Zakir. Elevating the talk show experience, the light-hearted show will capture the essence of everyday experiences with a comedic twist, promising ‘Khushiyon Ki Guarantee’ and ‘Manoranjan ka Waada’. Each episode will feature Zakir’s signature storytelling style across segments like celebrity interviews, audience interaction, and stand-up with his unique take on life’s ups and downs, making even the mundane seem hilariously significant as he offers advice and empathy in equal measure. India’s Sakht Launda will take you on a journey of laughter, authentic stories, and perspectives that truly make him ‘Aapka Apna.’ Produced by Only Much Louder and Sakht Films, Aapka Apna Zakir is Co-presented by Volkswagen India and Co-powered by Smith & Jones Ginger Garlic Paste and will premiere on 10th August, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 PM on Sony Entertainment Television.

Zakir Khan isn’t just a comedian. He’s a storyteller, producer, writer, actor, poet and a cultural phenomenon. Joining him on this journey will be a star-studded cast, with each adding their flavour. There’s Gopal Datt, Zakir’s old friend who lives with him and Zakir wants to get him married as soon as possible. As well as a renowned television actor and diva, Shweta Tiwari who is Zakir’s next-door neighbour. We also have Rithvik Dhanjani, Zakir’s cricket buddy bringing his evergreen energy and dance moves. Last but not least, Paresh Ganatra showcases his love for money and food, constantly keeping Zakir on his toes with his wacky investment schemes. Together, this quirky group of friends will make you laugh till your stomach hurts while delivering a power-packed punch of entertainment

A delightful blend of humour and heartfelt life lessons, ‘Aapka Apna Zakir’ has it all!

Zakir Khan, Storyteller, Producer, Comedian, Poet and Actor said, “From humble beginnings to hosting my own show, it’s surreal. This show is for everyone – from the youngest to the wisest in your family. Get ready for a laughter-filled journey filled with relatable stories and unexpected moments. This show isn’t just about comedy; it’s about finding joy in the little things and learning from the big ones, reminding us that we are all in this together. Aur haan, khushiyon ki guarantee aur manoranjan ka waada, aapka dil jeet lunga from bacha to dada.”

Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, Sony PAL, and Sony MAX Movie Cluster business head Neeraj Vyas commented, “With this fresh format, we are attempting to bring comedy with an edge of apnapan; Zakir Khan’s unique blend of humour and soulful storytelling makes this show an outstanding addition to our content slate. His relatable charm and insightful wit will not only entertain but also build a deeper bond with our viewers and make their weekends more enjoyable. We believe that ‘Aapka Apna Zakir’ will be a cherished addition to our weekend lineup, and we can’t wait for our viewers to experience the magic that Zakir brings to the screen.”

Only Much Louder  CEO Gunjan Arya said, “Working with Zakir Khan on ‘Aapka Apna Zakir’ has been an incredible journey. He connects with people through genuine stories from his life and those around him, filled with wit and wisdom. These stories have resonated with audiences around the world and are sure to bring the right mix of laughter and reflection to viewers on Sony Entertainment Television. Only Much Louder is excited to produce for the entertainment giant, Sony Entertainment Television, and believes that ‘Aapka Apna Zakir’ has everything it takes to become a landmark show on Indian television. Join us at 9.30 PM — every Saturday and Sunday.”