EXCLUSIVE: Mihir Ahuja on finding his voice in ZEE5’s Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz: “Legacy shouldn’t be a burden” 5 : Bollywood News

ZEE5’s original series Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz places tradition and personal ambition on a poignant collision course, and at the heart of that conflict is Ghuppi, a stammering teenager navigating expectations, faith, and his own dreams. Played by Mihir Ahuja, the character’s emotional arc is one the actor says he connected with instantly.

EXCLUSIVE: Mihir Ahuja on finding his voice in ZEE5’s Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz: “Legacy shouldn’t be a burden”

EXCLUSIVE: Mihir Ahuja on finding his voice in ZEE5’s Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz: “Legacy shouldn’t be a burden”Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, Ahuja shared that it was Ghuppi’s inner drive that drew him to the project. “When I first read the script, I connected deeply with Ghuppi’s character. He dreams big, stands up for himself, and follows his path. That motivation is something I relate to personally. When I decided to become an actor, I had the same mindset, and I still do. I also felt this show could inspire today’s youngsters, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, to follow their hearts despite challenges and setbacks.”

Set in the cultural heartland of Punjab, Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz unfolds within a close-knit family shaped by faith, music, and long-standing tradition. Ghuppi’s father, played by Suvinder Vicky, is a respected Ragi singer who expects his son to carry forward the family’s sacred musical legacy. However, Ghuppi’s passion lies elsewhere — on the football field — creating a quiet yet intense generational conflict.

The series also explores the idea of legacy and whether it is something one inherits or chooses to redefine. Reflecting on this theme, Ahuja offered a grounded perspective shaped by his own generation. “For me, legacy is a responsibility. If your parents have achieved something great, people expect you to do the same or better. But it should not feel like a burden. Everyone has a different journey, regardless of background. Comparison is the killer of joy. Your only real battle is with yourself, and whenever you get an opportunity, you should work hard and give your best.”

Beyond ambition, the show places strong emphasis on emotional restraint and familial bonds. Ahuja hopes young viewers who feel caught between expectation and desire will see parts of themselves in Ghuppi. “I want viewers to see how motivated and aspirational Ghuppi is. He respects his parents and tries to make them happy, even when they do not fully support his choices. He is passionate, hardworking, and confident in his ability. Most importantly, he dreams big. These are the qualities I hope young viewers take from Ghuppi and from Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz.”

Produced by Rusk Media and directed by Ameet Guptha, the six-episode series is positioned as an intimate family drama rooted in Punjab’s cultural ethos, blending music, faith, and youthful aspiration into a deeply human narrative. With its focus on vulnerability and choice, Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz aims to resonate far beyond its setting, speaking directly to a generation searching for its own voice.

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