Zee TV to make family the 'hero' in its new show

Breaking away from the cliché of having a lead protagonist, the channel will focus equally on building each and every character from its new show, 'Tumhi Ho Bandhu, Sakha Tumhi'.

Hindi general entertainment channels, since decades, have revolved around one or two main characters in any show. Be it Tulsi Verani (Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi), Ram Kapoor and Priya (Bade Achche Lagte Hain), Shaanti (Shaanti) or Archana-Manav (Pavitra Rishta) - shows have been weaved around the lives of these characters and the equation they share with other members of their families.

Breaking the conventional format, Zee TV is launching a show which doesn't have the so-called "lead protagonist/s". The family entertainment show will portray each and every character with equal importance. The focus will be on building all the characters and strengthening them further.

The show titled, 'Tumhi Ho Bandhu, Sakha Tumhi', will narrate the story of the Pethawalas - a family from Agra that has multiple generations staying together under one roof. The family, members of which take pride in calling themselves friends too, are always in for a good laugh and are there for each other through thick and thin. The idea is - it is a family that is 'friends first'.

Pradeep Hejmadi, business head, Zee TV, says, "In an era of single protagonist shows where viewers are asked to follow the journey of a hero/heroine, here's a show where the family is the hero. There was a time when living together under one roof was a way of life in India. Today, it raises questions of adjustments, space, privacy and compromise. But, this needn't be the case if one learns to look for friends within one's family."

"Media and social conditioning, over the last couple of decades, have encouraged people to seek out friends who're nothing short of family. But, in the process, one has somehow forgotten to look for meaningful connections within the family. Just like you have one friend who can cheer you up no matter what, another that you turn to for counsel on relationship issues and yet another who offers the best career advice, the show highlights that you can find unique equations with each member of your own family," Hejmadi adds.

Starting May 11, the show from Shashi Sumit Productions will air every Monday to Friday at 7 PM.

Producer Sumit Mittal says, "The Pethawala family represents an evolving pattern amongst contemporary joint families who believe they're friends first, before family. Parents and children are fast learning the value of communicating with each other and understanding different viewpoints. In a world hard-pressed for time, when family becomes your best friend, you can't wish for more."