Dharmendra, Naseeruddin Shah star in ZEE5’s Taj - Divided by Blood

While period dramas on OTT are quite popular in India, it’s rare to see web series that bring so many acclaimed actors together. ZEE5 has announced Taj – Divided by Blood, its biggest original series yet. Dubbed a “revelatory telling of the inner workings and the succession drama that played out in the hallowed chambers of the Mughal empire”, the new series will feature cinema legends Dharmendra and Naseeruddin Shah, alongside a host of other artistes.  

Written by Simon Fantauzzo, the Ronald Scalpello directorial features an ensemble cast - Dharmendra (as Sheikh Salim Christi), Naseeruddin Shah (as King Akbar), Aditi Rao Hydari (as Anarkali), Aashim Gulati (as Prince Salim), Taha Shah (as Prince Murad), Shubham Kumar Mehra (as Prince Daniyal), Sandhya Mridul (as Queen Jodha Bai), Zareena Wahab (as Queen Salima), Sauraseni Maitra (as Mehr un Nisa) and Rahul Bose (as Mirza Hakim). Along with them, Subodh Bhave, Aayam Mehta, Deepraj Rana, Shivani Tanksale, Padma Damodharan, Pankaj Saraswat, Digambar Prasad and Zachary Coffin will appear in supporting roles.

According to the makers, Taj – Divided by Blood encapsulates the reign of Akbar, who is on a quest to find a worthy successor for his legacy. The series dramatises the rise and fall of the generations that follow, showcasing the beauty and brutality of this great dynasty, their passion for arts, poetry and architecture, but at the same time their remarkably cold-blooded decisions with regards to their own family, in the quest for power. The release date for the star-studded web series is expected to be announced soon. 

This star-studded show is also seen as a major comeback for veteran actor Dharmendra. Scheduled to release in July 2023, the iconic actor will be next seen in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. The romantic comedy film also stars Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.