From Transaction to Connection: Can Love Truly Blossom in an Aata Saata Marriage?

That’s the question Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, the upcoming primetime show on Zee TV, will force viewers to ask themselves. Anchored around the intriguing aata saata marriage custom still prevalent across parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, this bold narrative takes an unconventional dive into the complex dynamics of relationships, driven by the love for family. The show introduces two modern, headstrong protagonists—Reet and Raghav, where Reet makes a startling choice to marry not for love, but as a ‘guarantee’ for her sibling’s happiness.

Reet, played by Ayushi Khurana, is a fiercely independent and sharp-witted reporter from a middle-class family based in Gwalior. She has often been at the helm of challenging redundant societal norms, using her voice to question archaic mindsets. Raghav, portrayed by the handsome Bharat Ahlawwat, is a temperamental man-child with a tough exterior that masks a wounded soul. Running a successful construction business, he affectionately spoils his younger sister Unnati with gifts. Though Raghav doesn’t advocate for age-old traditions, a turn of events forces him to prioritise his sister’s happiness over his own beliefs. To secure her future, he embraces the aata saata tradition he would have otherwise rejected. Raghav insists that for his sister Unnati to marry Reet’s brother, Dhruv, Reet must marry him in return, making Reet a collateral of sorts —a safeguard to ensure that if Unnati is mistreated in her new home, Reet will face the consequences.

At the heart of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile is a single question: Can a relationship born out of the necessity of preserving the pride and honour of one’s siblings ever make room for love? The show explores the high-stakes decisions that Reet and Raghav face, as they navigate their unconventional union. Both alphas in their own right, their journey is as much about clashing egos as it is about self-discovery. Will they grow to understand one another, or will their marriage fall apart under the weight of a choice made out of familial obligation?

In Ayushi Khurana and Bharat Ahlawwat, Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile presents two compelling faces, perfectly suited to portray the emotional complexity of this modern-day drama. Ayushi’s portrayal of the no-nonsense Reet will strike a chord with viewers who root for strong, ambitious women, while Bharat brings intensity to Raghav, a man whose love for his sister sees him making a life-altering decision that will shape his own future alongside Reet’s

Ayushi said, “I’ve been eagerly waiting for a challenging character like Reet since a while now, and I’m thrilled that I finally got such a part to play. She is a focused, emotional, helpful, and determined person, and I can relate to her on many levels. In real life as well, I enjoy helping those around me and I’m very protective of my family just like Reet. Although I thought it would be a tricky character to portray, I instantly connected with her because of our similarities and that has helped me bring alive Reet in an apt manner. I hope the audience will shower their love for this character and our show.”

Bharat said, “My character of Raghav has many interesting layers, and that is really exciting. He is a volatile man who behaves tough but deep down he is a wounded soul who is trying to cover up his emotions at all times. I can’t wait to experience his journey. I believe that, as an actor, trying out different characters helps you evolve and improve your craft, and that is what I am looking forward to doing. I hope I do justice to this character.”

The show delves into the collision of old-world traditions with the progressive values of today’s generation, setting up an intense emotional rollercoaster. Can Reet, a woman who prides herself on challenging societal norms, come to terms with a marriage that feels like a transaction? And can Raghav, who made the decision to marry as per the aata saata tradition because of his fierce love for his sister, reconcile with the reality of his incompatibility with Reet?

Conceptualized and created by Sonnal A Kakar and produced by Goldie Behl and Sonnal A Kakar under Rose Audio Visuals Pvt. Ltd. Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile is not your typical love story, and that’s precisely what makes it intriguing. Stay tuned to Zee TV for the launch of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile!