StellaWindsor21 at 23:42, 8 July 2025

2025-07-08T23:42:58Z

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{{Short description|Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama original web series on ZEE5}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox television
| genre = {{Plainlist |
* Comedy
* Drama
}}
| writer = {{Plainlist |

* Ananya Banerjee
}}
| director = {{Plainlist |
* Gauravv Chawla
* Ananya Banerjee
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist |
* [[Naseeruddin Shah]]
* [[Raghubir Yadav]]
* [[Lara Dutta]]
* [[Dino Morea]]
* [[Soha Ali Khan]]
* [[Kritika Kamra]]
* [[Anya Singh]]
}}
| music = Anurag Saikia
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 10
| list_episodes = #Episode list
| cinematography = {{Plainlist |
* Srijan Chaurasia
* Linesh Desai
}}
| editor = {{Plainlist |
* Sudhir Achary
* Ninad Khanolkar
}}
| runtime = 30 mins
| company = {{Plainlist |
* [[Applause Entertainment]]
* [[Emmay Entertainment]]
}}
| released = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=y}}
}}
'''''Kaun Banegi Shikharwati''''' is an Indian Hindi-language [[comedy-drama]] original [[web series]] streaming on [[ZEE5]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Entertainment|first=Quint|date=2022-01-03|title=Lara Dutta on Having to Call Naseeruddin 'Buddha' in 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati'|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/lara-dutta-series-kaun-banegi-shikharwati-shooting-naseeruddin-shah-raghubir-yadav-buddhe-reaction|access-date=2022-01-11|website=TheQuint|language=en}}</ref> It is written and directed by Gauravv Chawla and Ananya Banerjee.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-23|title=Kaun Banegi Shikharwati trailer: In Lara Dutta, Soha Ali Khan's new series, a glimpse of desi Squid Game. Watch|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/kaun-banegi-shikharwati-trailer-in-lara-dutta-soha-ali-khan-s-new-series-a-glimpse-of-desi-squid-game-watch-101640262740211.html|access-date=2022-01-11|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> The series has been produced by [[Applause Entertainment]] & [[Emmay Entertainment]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Lata|date=2021-12-17|title=ZEE5 partners with Applause Entertainment|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/zee5-partners-with-applause-entertainment-11639720075182.html|access-date=2022-01-11|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> This ten-episode web series was released on 7 January 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Britto|first=Anita|date=4 Jan 2022|title=It's nothing like Squid Game, says Soha Ali Khan on Kaun Banegi Shikharwati's comparisons with the Korean show|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/it-s-nothing-like-squid-game-says-soha-ali-khan-on-kaun-banegi-shikharwati-s-comparisons-with-the-korean-show-1895832-2022-01-04|access-date=2022-01-11|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> It stars [[Naseeruddin Shah]], [[Raghubir Yadav]], [[Lara Dutta]], [[Soha Ali Khan]], [[Kritika Kamra]] and [[Anya Singh]] in the lead roles.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-23|title=Kaun Banegi Shikharwati trailer: This dysfunctional royal family is a hoot|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/kaun-banegi-shikharwati-trailer-zee5-7687258/|access-date=2022-01-11|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

== Plot ==
It is the story of Raja Mrityunjay Singh Shikharwat, who is broke and owes the Indian government a hefty amount of in unpaid property taxes. To come out of this scenario, he fakes sickness and summons his four estranged daughters, Devyani, Gayatri, Kamini, and Uma. He plans to hold a nine-rounds tournament amongst them, each with a job for the princesses to complete. At the end of this tournament, the winner will be crowned Queen.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sur|first=Prateek|date=8 Jan 2022|title='Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' Review: A Stellar Starcast Wasted In This Desi 'Squid Game' Meets 'Roadies' Show|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/kaun-banegi-shikharwati-review-a-stellar-starcast-wasted-in-this-desi-squid-games-meets-roadies-show/408805|access-date=2022-01-11|website=Outlookindia.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Cast ==

* [[Naseeruddin Shah]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-15|title=Kaun Banegi Shikharwati teaser: 'Kadki' Lara Dutta, 'sanskari' Soha Ali Khan join comic outing with Naseeruddin Shah|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/kaun-banegi-shikharwati-teaser-kadki-lara-dutta-sanskari-soha-ali-khan-join-comic-outing-with-naseeruddin-shah-101639560427511.html|access-date=2022-01-11|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> as Raja Mrityunjay Singh Shikharwat
* [[Raghubir Yadav]] as Mishraji
* [[Lara Dutta]]<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sharma|first=Anil|date=3 Jan 2022|title=शो में नसीरुद्दीन शाह को कहना था बुड्ढा, लारा दत्ता ने स्क्रिप्ट बदलने की कह दी थी बात, जानिए|work=lokmatnews.in|url=https://www.lokmatnews.in/bollywood/lara-hesitated-to-call-naseeruddin-buddha-in-kaun-banegi-shikharwati-reveals-his-reaction-b615/|access-date=11 Jan 2022}}</ref> as Devyani Shikharwat Goel
* [[Soha Ali Khan]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goyal|first=Samarth|date=3 Jan 2022|title=What Convinced Soha Ali Khan To Say 'Yes' To 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati'? Script, Shooting Location and Naseer Sab!|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/entertainment-news-what-convinced-soha-ali-khan-to-say-yes-to-kaun-banegi-shikharwati-script-shooting-location-and-naseer-sab/407973|access-date=2022-01-11|website=Outlookindia.com|language=en}}</ref> as Gayatri Shikharwat
* [[Kritika Kamra]] as Kamini Shikharwat
* [[Anya Singh]] as Uma Shikharwat
* [[Cyrus Sahukar]] as Harsh Goel
* Varun Thakur as Roop Singh
* [[Anurag Sinha (actor)|Anurag Sinha]] as Veer Singh
* Norshang Tamang as Dhanur
* Alisha as Padma
* [[Dino Morea]] as Rudro
* [[Sahil Salathia]]

==Episode list==
{{Episode table |EpisodeNumber = | EpisodeNumber2 = |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |airdateR=|country=In |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = Strokes of Genius
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = After the government's notice, Mishraji devises a plan to reunite King's four estranged daughters, Devyani, Gayatri, Kamini and Uma. The sisters return home and learn about the Navrasa Royal Games.
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = The Game Begins
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = In the past, the sisters humiliate each other in public and leave the palace. In the present, the Navrasa Royal Games begin, and the sisters face a cooking challenge, but it ends in a bitter squabble.
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = A Common Enemy
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = The next game is a stage play performance, but Devyani converts it into a roast on the king, and they make embarrassing jokes about him. King feels he can still save his family as his daughters reunite.
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = Fear Is the Key
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = The king recreates a horror night to unite his daughters with the common fear of darkness. Mishraji urges King to tell the princesses about the tax problem, but he declares the games will continue.
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = Earth, Wind and Fire
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = The next game is based on the four elements of nature. Kamini faces trouble during the fire round but is rescued by Veer Singh. Devyani's husband Harsh arrives at the palace with their twins.
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Nightmare?
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Kamini reconnects with Uma. At the palace, the sisters perform the queen’s famous Holi pooja in tandem. Meanwhile, tax officials discuss an infamous officer, who has been given a task related to Shikharwati.
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|EpisodeNumber2 = 7
|Title = Heart-Speak
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = An old man claims that the king owes him money for a job he had done 30 years ago that helped him hide a treasure. Gayatri's confession shocks everyone. Roop Singh's real purpose is revealed.
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|EpisodeNumber2 = 8
|Title = Clue-Less
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Roop speculates where King must have hidden the treasure. Kamini wins her first game but is shocked to learn that Veer is leaving for Mewar. Later, she and King have a heart-to-heart conversation.
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 9
|EpisodeNumber2 = 9
|Title = Treasure Hunt
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = The sisters must face their deepest fears in the next game. King admires his daughters, but the moment is interrupted by an unknown man pointing a gun at the king. Roop decides to raid the palace.
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 10
|EpisodeNumber2 = 10
|Title = All That Glitters Is Not Gold
|DirectedBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|WrittenBy = Gauravv Chawla, Ananya Banerjee
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|01|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = During the final game, Uma has an allergy attack, following which the sisters unite. Roop Singh arrives with his team to raid the palace, but the king has the last laugh as he announces his decision.
|LineColor =
}}
}}

== Release ==
ZEE5 announced the launch of a trailer on 23 December 2021<ref>{{Cite web|last=Keshri|first=Shweta|date=23 December 2021|title=Kaun Banegi Shikharwati trailer out. Naseeruddin Shah reunites with 4 daughters to save his palace|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/kaun-banegi-shikharwati-trailer-out-naseeruddin-shah-reunites-with-4-daugthers-to-save-his-palace-1891346-2021-12-23|access-date=2022-01-11|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> and the series was released on 7 January 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-03|title=Kaun Banegi Shikharwati: Soha Ali Khan feels praise from Naseeruddin Shah is 'gratifying'|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/kaun-banegi-shikharwati-soha-ali-khan-feels-praise-naseeruddin-shah-gratifying-983088|access-date=2022-01-11|website=PINKVILLA|language=en}}</ref>

== Reception ==

=== Critical reviews ===
Archika Khurana of [[The Times of India]]<ref>{{Citation|title=Kaun Banegi Shikharwati Season 1 Review: A fun, breezy take on a dysfunctional royal family|newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/kaun-banegi-shikharwati/season-1/seasonreview/88564805.cms|access-date=2022-01-11}}</ref> has given 3.5/5 stars stating that the series is a fun, breezy take on a dysfunctional royal family. Due to its simple writing and weird characters, it is a fine blend of humour and drama. Do not be fooled by the tracksuit and games; the series is not as gory as ‘Squid Game’, but it is a light-hearted dramedy that will bring a smile to your face.

Saibal Chatterjee of [[NDTV India|NDTV]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kaun Banegi Shikharwati Review: A Patchy Dramedy, Starring Naseeruddin Shah, Lara Dutta And Soha Ali Khan|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kaun-banegi-shikharwati-review-a-patchy-dramedy-series-starring-naseeruddin-shah-lara-dutta-and-soha-ali-khan-2-5-stars-2694055|access-date=2022-07-05|website=NDTV.com|first=Saibal|last=Chatterjee|date=7 January 2022}}</ref> has given 2.5/5 stars stating that the series is a patchy dramedy. It is a mildly diverting, inoffensive parody of the repercussions of power wielded without responsibility. It does not scale any peak, but it is entertaining enough not to sink into a low work that it cannot find its way out of with a little bit of help from the actors.

Shubham Kulkarni of Koimoi<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kulkarni|first=Shubham|date=2022-01-07|title=Kaun Banegi Shikharwati Review: Naseeruddin Shah, Lara Dutta's Dramedy About Dysfunctional Family Falls Prey To Repetitiveness & Confused Tonality|url=https://www.koimoi.com/reviews/web-reviews/kaun-banegi-shikharwati-review-naseeruddin-shah-lara-duttas-dramedy-about-dysfunctional-family-falls-prey-to-repetitiveness-confused-tonality/|access-date=2022-01-11|website=Koimoi|language=en-US}}</ref> has given 2/5 stars stating that the series is a dramedy about a dysfunctional family that falls prey to repetitiveness and confused tonality. The actor Naseeruddin Shah is prolific, but the character becomes repetitive. All the other actors have made justice to their respective roles. The web series like this with more evolved humour deserved depth too. The bar for dramedies about families raised four decades ago by some prolific filmmakers will struggle to live up to them.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* ''[https://www.zee5.com/global/web-series/details/kaun-banegi-shikharwati/0-6-4z560880/ Kaun Banegi Shikharwati]'' at [[List of ZEE5 original programming|ZEE5]]
* {{IMDb title|id=tt13062628}}

[[Category:Hindi-language web series]]
[[Category:2022 web series debuts]]
[[Category:ZEE5 original programming]]
[[Category:Indian comedy web series]]
[[Category:Indian drama web series]]
[[Category:Comedy-drama web series]]

Kaun Banegi Shikharwati - Revision history

StellaWindsor21 at 23:42, 8 July 2025