Rajesh Tailang on the possibility of Bakaiti franchise: We do have content, but... | Exclusive

Rajesh Tailang spoke to OTTplay exclusively about whether Bakaiti could get new seasons and working with Sheeba Chaddha again, among other things

Bakaiti

Bakaiti is scheduled to release on August 1 on Zee5 via OTTplay Premium. The show, even if a new family drama, sees similarities with comical middle-class family stories we have witnessed over the years. The male lead of the show Rajesh Tailang, who caught up with OTTplay, spoke to us exclusively not only about the show but also what could be the future of it. The actor also opened up about his own middle-class experiences, including surviving when times were tough, and how Bakaiti has been a major part of his life.

Rajesh Tailang on Bakaiti and more...

Paise hi nahi hai is such a real analogy in today's date where the expenses are higher than the income. I'm sure you have seen many such days yourself. What was your jugaad for surviving those times?

There were a lot of times when I decided that I would not work in films. I spent almost six years refusing roles on films and TV, because I was not offered good roles. I decided I don't wish to pursue those roles. I have a theatre background, so I went back and did writing, teaching, direction and the likes. That's how I survived - in a very dignified manner.

There are many stories of middle-class families on OTT. One already has various seasons and is really in demand. How would you say Bakaiti would stand apart in the race?

I would say that shows like Bakaiti are rare. The world of OTT right now is loud. The content tends to lean towards violence and abuses. In the midst of it, we present the sweet world of Bakaiti, which talks about our daily life in a microscopic manner. It has a very funny and lighter tone.

Also Read: Bakaiti on OTT: Here’s why Rajesh Tailang’s family web series is a must-watch

Do you see the show expanding into various seasons?

I haven't watched the show yet, but since I worked on it, I have an idea. I have seen parts of it and feel that people might like it. I'll be really happy if it gets more seasons. We do have the kind of content that could expand into a franchise, but we'll know only after the show's release.

Tell me about working with Sheeba Chaddha again after Mirzapur and more projects.

We worked together in multiple seasons of Mirzapur and Bandish Bandits, did a few films and more projects together. It always feels nice when you know the other as a person and an artist. There's a comfort level, and your work also improves when you get to work with good actors. Acting is reacting, so half of your work is done with a good actor by your side.

Also Read: Rajesh Tailang on becoming famous in his 50s: I felt joy even during my struggle period | Exclusive

You were raised in a middle-class family, so, what is the one middle-class habit that you haven't been able to let go of, and one habit which annoys you till date?

I have that middle class-iyat inside me in abundance. The middle-class habit which annoys me till date is how we do stack up on bills. I don't do that anymore, but am still very much middle class in many other ways. The one habit I have not been able to give up on is collecting scraps for no reason. My mind constantly wonders God knows when it might turn in handy. Whether extra tiffin boxes or an equipment part, I keep them all. Just yesterday, I asked my son to bring the old motherboard from his laptop and now I wonder why did I do that. He also told me, "Haan, rakh diya papa." This is the middle-class habit I haven't been able to give up on yet.

Would you describe any of your gang - whether school, college friends, cousins or family as Bakaiti. Why?

My theatre friends. We sat on the chai tapri and spoke intellectually, and it always involved Bakaiti (loud talks). This was back when we wanted to be artists and change the world through art. We still meet and do Bakaiti. The die-hard romantic artist is alive in all of us. This romanticism is where we feel that the world will turn idealistic one day.

Before parting ways, please tell us why should people stream Bakaiti?

If you watch Bakaiti in the midst of the rush of everyday life, all the fights and stress, it teaches you to take life with a pinch of salt.

FAQs:

Q: Is Bakaiti a web series or a full-length movie?

A: Bakaiti is a ZEE5 original series (also accessible via OTTplay Premium).

Q. What is the story of the Bakaiti series?

A: Bakaiti is a slice-of-life ZEE5 original series that revolves around the Kataria family, who juggles financial crises and daily chaos set in an Indian household.

Q: Bakaiti will be out on which OTT platform?

A: Bakaiti will be out on ZEE5 via OTTplay Premium on August 1, 2025.

Q: Where can we watch Bakaiti?

A: Bakaiti will be released on ZEE5 and will also be available on OTTplay Premium.

Q: Bakaiti actors and their roles

A: Rajesh Tailang and Sheeba Chadha headline this family drama series and play a middle-class couple.

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