ZEE5 premieres “Fireflies: Parth aur Jugnu” in May
One-of-a-kind web series marries live-action and animation, and through tales from Indian mythology gives life lessons to misunderstood teens
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New Delhi : On May 5, Fireflies: Parth aur Jugnu will swarm all over the television screens. No, we’re not predicting a future nightmare scenario, but rather a one-of-a-kind web series on ZEE5 called Fireflies: Parth Aur Jugnu. The series, directed by Hemant Gaba, with Animesh Verma as showrunner and produced by Amrit Walia, is aimed at family audiences, particularly adolescents who are at a vulnerable point in their life and dealing with a variety of issues.
“Our protagonist, Parth, is one such adolescent who fails his exams and is now in the same class as his bright, sassy younger brother.” He lives in the small Himalayan town of Bheem Mukteshwar and one afternoon on his way home from school, lands up in the nearby forest, which is said to be haunted by a Van Rakshak (Demon of the Forest) at that time of year when a Sanjeevani tree emerges after 50 years” said Hemant.
“The protagonists Parth and Jugnu go on this adventurous ride to save the magical tree from falling into the wrong hands, which could lead to a disaster for the society,” Hemant continues.
The cast of the programme is quite skilled. Apart from Meet Mukhi, who portrays Parth in Sony TV’s Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2, the programme also stars Riva Arora from Colours’ Pavitra Bhagya, Akshat Singh from Zee’s Dance Bangla Dance, and other child performers Anaya Shivan and Aekam Binjwe. Parth’s parents are played by Priyanshu Chatterjee and Vineeta M Joshee, while his wise grandma is played by Madhoo Shah. Varun Kapoor, who made his Bollywood debut in Gangubai Kathiawadi as Gangu’s love interest Ramnik Laal, brings in the romance with Zoya Afroz’s Nyasa. DJ-actor Luke Kenny plays an important part.
“While Fireflies: Parth Aur Jugnu is primarily for teens, it will appeal to their younger siblings, parents, and even grandparents because the issues it raises are very relatable across generations, and the lessons come from not just age and experience but are imparted through tales from Indian mythology that, like the fireflies, light up the darkness in every way.” That, I believe, is the series’ USP,” adds Madhoo Shah, who portrays Nani in the show.
“The content for kids especially teens is very far and few in our country and it is nice to be part of a series where all the family members can sit and watch it together without feeling uncomfortable. That was something that made me say yes.” adds the actor who was earlier seen in web show Nail Polish.
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