(7 Part Web Series on Zee 5)
What’s in a serial with a name like ‘Bakaiti’ ? Yes, that’s the title of a new Web-Series on Zee 5 we finished in a couple of sittings, hooked by natural performances and simple storytelling. It’s in the familiar genre of comedy-drama like ‘Gullak’ that had beautifully captured the chaos, pressures and sibling ‘squabbles’ & bonding of a middle class family.
To begin with, people who’ve grown up with Eastern UP’s colloquialism would have used ‘Bakaiti’ as an expression associated with authoritative macho behavior but shorn of its daring connotation it means talking non-stop, sometimes speaking complete and utter nonsense ! Derived from the word ‘bak’ (speak) it fits the middle class family scene where ‘noise’ levels are high, tempers generally frayed & listening becomes a lost art.
While two siblings constantly bicker there’s also unshakeable faith between them in having each other’s backs in sharing their aspirations ! This exists despite the parent’s everyday struggles who navigate financial hardship and endevour to maintain a façade of well-being, confronted by interpersonal challenges from their own deriding relatives. The setting is Ghaziabad near Delhi, which though urbanized isn’t the perfect launching pad for the youth and retains the middle-class morality that’s heavily influenced by the need to maintain a respectable image and adhere to societal expectations.
This engaging 7 part series is directed by Ameet Guptha and stars veteran actors Sheeba Chaddha and Rajesh Tailang,whosuperblyplay the role of parents on a roller coaster ride to balance between the daily needs of ‘Sabji-bhaji’ and ‘Self-respect’ in providing for their family’s aspirational goals. Many scenes are so relatable as typically middle class – trying to squeeze tooth paste to the last, the overflowing water tank and internet data running out & efforts to raise resources through start-up ventures without planning.
The scene stealers are two siblings played by Tanya Sharma and Aaditya Shukla as the 21 year old, academically brilliant sister and 17 year old, flippant, cricket crazy brother always at loggerheads & can’t share a room but can’t stay without each other too. In a cameo as ‘Chirag’, dishy looking tenant who enters the house, Keshav Sadhna shines ! The show doesn’t let up on its emotional quotient as relationships are tested. The family must confront generational differences while rediscovering mutual understanding and care. Without preaching and glorifying struggles, it’s a journey from a house to a ‘home’.
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