Saru – A tale of dreams and resilience of a village girl in a big city

~ Zee TV’s new fiction show Saru brings to life the inspiring journey of a young woman who dares to chase her dreams ~
~ Mohak Matkar stars as Saru, joined by Shagun Pandey and Anushka Merchande in this heartwarming tale of ambition and resilience and winning over obstacles ~

What happens when a village girl dares to dream beyond the boundaries that have been set for her by society? When her roots try to hold her back, but her ambition pushes her to fly? Zee TV, known for its compelling storytelling, is all set to unveil a new fiction show – Saru – that will leave you deeply inspired. Following the journey of Saru – a determined young woman from Khares village in Rajasthan, viewers will embark on a quest along with her as she fights for her dreams of higher education in a society where such aspirations are often stifled. With limited opportunities in her hometown and a mother hesitant to let her step out, Saru’s move to Mumbai for college marks the beginning of a transformative chapter—one filled with emotional upheavals, challenges, and personal growth. Produced by Shashi Sumeet Productions Pvt. Ltd, Saru premieres on 12th May 2025 and will air every day at 7:30 PM on Zee TV, taking viewers from the heart of rural Rajasthan to the bustling city life of Mumbai.

Mohak Matkar makes her debut as the lead, portraying Saru—a meticulous, confident, and independent young woman deeply rooted in her values. While righteous and bold, she is still vulnerable at her core and never backs down from a challenge. She is a Kabaddi champion with an unshakable dream of becoming a district commissioner, striving to build a better future for herself. Adding a layer of conflict and unpredictability to Saru’s journey is Anika, portrayed by Anushka Merchande. Enjoying being the centre of attention and arrogant in her approach to things that do not go her way, Anika has a strong dislike for Saru. She leaves no stone unturned in her attempts to pull Saru down.

Shagun Pandey takes on the male lead role of Ved Birla, a well-mannered, humble, and principled young man who commands respect as a lecturer in college. A devoted son and a true pillar of support to his bhabhi, Ved shares a bond of deep friendship and trust with her. Guided by a strong moral compass, Ved never shies away from standing up for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against him. As Saru strives to achieve her dreams, viewers will be intrigued to follow her journey in Mumbai along with Ved and Anika in this show blended with drama, inspirations and emotions.

To offer the media a glimpse into Saru’s world, a special Kathputli performance by a troupe from Rajasthan was staged at the show’s launch in Mumbai. Their evocative act brought Saru’s journey to life, immersing the audience in the show’s cultural roots and leaving everyone eagerly awaiting the premiere.

Mangesh Kulkarni, Chief Channel Officer, Zee TV, said, “At Zee TV, we are committed to presenting stories that not only captivate our viewers but also resonate deeply with their aspirations. Saru introduces a fresh and inspiring narrative—a village girl’s courageous pursuit of her dreams against societal norms. This show delves into the emotional journey of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone and explores complex character dynamics. Collaborating with the visionary duo, Shashi and Sumeet Mittal, we aim to deliver a story that reflects the diverse tapestry of our content and connects with audiences across generations.”

Raghavedra Hunsur, Chief Content Officer said, “At ZEE, our commitment is to craft narratives that resonate deeply with our diverse audiences. Saru embodies this vision by portraying the journey of a young woman from rural Rajasthan who dares to dream beyond societal constraints. The show’s rich cultural backdrop, combined with its exploration of personal ambition and resilience, offers viewers a story that’s both authentic and inspiring. We believe Saru will not only entertain but also spark meaningful conversations among families across India.”

Producers Shashi and Sumeet Mittal said, “Shashi Sumeet Productions and Zee TV share a long-standing association, marked by numerous successful collaborations. Each time we’ve worked together, we’ve created something special. Our latest offering, Saru, tells the inspiring tale of a village girl who shatters conventions and forges her own path. We’re eager to share her journey with audiences and are confident that it will strike a chord with viewers, earning their affection and admiration.”

Mohak Matkar said, “Saru holds a special place in my heart as it is my first lead role and I must highlight that the very first day when I read the script of the show, I knew that this was a story I wanted to be part of! Saru is not just a show or a character—she’s a symbol of resilience and conviction. I am beyond grateful to Zee TV for trusting me with such a powerful role and I feel incredibly proud to bring her story to life. I now hope I can inspire others to find their voice too through Saru and her testing journey.”

Shagun Pandey said, “Saru is a show that speaks volumes about chasing dreams despite resistance, and I hope the audiences love the story as much as we do. It is a show that truly defines me as a person too, and I am glad to be a part of it. My character of Ved will be a refreshing surprise for audiences as it is unlike any character I’ve played and it truly helps me showcase my acting abilities like never before. I was drawn to his unwavering commitment to doing what is right and I am looking forward to sharing his story with the audience.”

Anushka Merchande said, “The overwhelming love and support that we have received after the second promo truly makes all the hard work and struggle worth it. Since I signed on for this show, I have always believed Saru will initiate the tough conversations and bring forth the topic of chasing one’s dreams, despite the obstacles to the forefront. And I am proud to see it already happening! I am also blessed to get so many compliments on my character of Anika. She is someone who will try to come in the way of Saru’s journey at every single opportunity, driven by her own insecurities and desires, and her battle with Saru will definitely keep viewers at the edge of their seats.”

With Saru set to embark on an inspirational journey, she will be faced with lots of challenges, awkward situations as well as the difficulty of finding her place in the big city. Will she overcome all the obstacles and achieve her dreams?

Mark your calendars as Saru premieres on Zee TV on 12th May 2025 and airs Mon-Sun at 7:30 PM