Bakaiti is an Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama web series directed by Ameet Guptha.[1] It stars Sheeba Chaddha and Rajesh Tailang,[2] with Tanya Sharma and Aaditya Shukla playing the lead roles.[3] Set in Ghaziabad, it depicts the everyday struggles of a middle-class family as they navigate financial hardship and interpersonal challenges.[4][5]
Premise
Set in old Ghaziabad, the story follows the five-member Kataria family during a period of financial difficulty. To earn additional income, the family patriarch, Sanjay (Papaji), decides to rent out a room in their home. This results in Naina, the 21-year-old daughter, being asked to vacate her room and move in with her younger brother Bharat, aged 17.
Naina, ambitious and emotional, is unhappy with the change, while Bharat, a street-smart cricket enthusiast, resents sharing his space. As the siblings struggle to adjust, their parents, Sanjay and Sushma, face pressure from Sanjay’s younger brother to sell the ancestral home following the recent death of their father. With the arrival of a new tenant, tensions rise, relationships are tested, and the family must confront generational differences while rediscovering mutual understanding and care.
Cast and characters
- Rajesh Tailang as Sanjay Kataria
- Sheeba Chaddha as Sushma Kataria
- Tanya Sharma as Naina Kataria
- Aaditya Shukla as Bharat Kataria
- Keshav Sadhna
- Ramesh Rai
- Poonam Jangra
- Shashwat Chaturvedi
- Parvinder Jit Singh
Episodes
Production and release
Bakaiti was created and produced by Dice Media, the digital content division of Pocket Aces Pictures. The series is produced by Aditi Shrivastava and written by Gunjan Saxena, Neha Pawar, and Sheetal Kapoor.[6]
It premiered on ZEE5 on 1 August 2025.[7][8]
Reception
Bakaiti received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics.
Archika Khurana of The Times of India rated the series 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as a modest and heartfelt portrayal of Indian family life that may appeal to viewers seeking comfort and familiarity, though it avoids high‑stakes drama and may feel too safe for some audiences."[9] Shweta Keshri of India Today, also giving a score of 3/5, noted that "noted that while the premise feels familiar, the warmth and genuineness of the storytelling make it an easy and pleasant watch, especially as a short weekend binge."[10]
In a less favourable review, Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated it 2/5, calling it "a patchy drama that fails to rise above its noisy family conflicts."[11] Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in commented that "A cash-strapped family gets on each other’s nerves – and yours too at times."[12] Lachmi Deb Roy of Firstpost rated the series 3/5, noting that "No out-of-the-box storyline, but it will touch your heart for its simplicity."[13] Nirali Kanabar of Times Now rated 3/5 calling it "a relatable slice‑of‑life drama suited for those seeking a light‑hearted watch."[14]
Anindita Mukherjee of News18 gave the show 3/5 and wrote "Bakaiti has its loopholes, though they’re easy to overlook. At times, certain segments feel stretched. Multiple episodes revolving around the same ‘to rent or not to rent’ storyline come across as repetitive."[15] Arpita Sarkar of OTT Play rated it 3.5/5 describing it as "a warm, lively portrayal of everyday family chaos and relationships, capturing both affection and generational differences."[16] Divya Raje Bhonsale of Mathrubhumi awarded it 3.5/5 praising the performances of Rajesh Tailang and Sheeba Chaddha as parents facing financial struggles while navigating their children’s aspirations."[17]
References
- ↑ ‘Bakaiti’ trailer: Comedy series looks at a middle-class family’s survival strategies, Staff, Scroll. Scroll.in(2025-07-28). Retrieved 2025-07-31.
- ↑ Before Bakaiti releases, watch Rajesh Tailang's impressive performances in these series, Kar, Shramana. Hindustan Times(31 July 2025).
- ↑ Bakaiti actor Rajesh Tailang: Audiences had appetite for new content but weren’t served that | Exclusive, Irani, Shaheen Sharookh. Hindustan Times(29 July 2025).
- ↑ Bakaiti trailer: Rajesh Tailang, Sheeba Chaddha navigate middle-class struggles. India Today(2025-07-28). Retrieved 2025-07-31.
- ↑ नई वेब सीरीज: मिडिल क्लास की मुश्किलें, रिश्तों की मिठास ला रही 'बकैती', क्या चलेगा 'गुल्लक' जैसा जादू?. Navbharat Times. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
- ↑ Bakaiti Trailer Out: Know Plot, Cast, Release Date Of Zee 5’s Family Entertainer Web Series. www.thedailyjagran.com. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
- ↑ New OTT releases: from Housefull 5 to Bakaiti, top 5 shows you can't miss, 3rd on the list is.... www.india.com. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
- ↑ Sheeba Chaddha On Advice Given To 19-Year-Old Daughter: Woman Should Always Earn Her Own Money - Exclusive. Times Now(2025-07-31). Retrieved 2025-07-31.
- ↑ Template:Cite AV media
- ↑ Bakaiti review: Bickering never stops in this familiar yet heartwarming series, Keshri, Shweta. India Today(2025-08-01). Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ Bakaiti review: A patchy family drama that struggles to rise above the noise. The Indian Express(2025-08-01). Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ “Bakaiti’ review: A cash-strapped family gets on each other’s nerves – and yours too at times, Ramnath, Nandini. Scroll.in(2025-08-01). Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ Bakaiti Review: Rajesh Tailang-Sheeba Chadha series shows the woes of a middle-class family in the most realistic way. Firstpost(2025-08-01). Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ Bakaiti Review: Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang's Series Is A Slice-Of-Life, Relatable Family Drama. Times Now(2025-08-01). Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ Bakaiti Review: Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang's Show Makes You Miss Your Family - Just A Little More. News18. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ Bakaiti Review: A delightful tale of bonding through bickering and banter. OTTPlay. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ Bakaiti review: A mirror to every middle-class home. @mathrubhumi(2025-08-01). Retrieved 2025-08-02.