Gullak 5 EXCLUSIVE: Jameel Khan On Historic Season 5, Why Santosh Mishra Is Relatable To Every Indian Family

Gullak 5 Zameel Khan interview: Who would have predicted that a heartwarming slice-of-life drama like Gullak would go on to become one of India's most beloved web series? Now, as the show returns with its fifth season, it has achieved a rare milestone, becoming one of the first Indian original web series to reach the five-season mark.

In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat Assistant Editor Abhishek Ranjit, actor Jameel Khan, who has immortalised the role of Santosh Mishra, opened up about the show's incredible journey, its cultural impact, the evolution of the middle-class narrative, and why authentic storytelling continues to strike a chord with audiences across generations.

Elated On Historic Gullak Season 5

Expressing his excitement on the series reaching the historic season five-mark, Jameel Khan shared that the entire team is on cloud nine.

"We're extremely excited. As you rightly said, it's a huge achievement. We're proud and elated about it. It's truly a labour of love for everyone involved-from Sony LIV to TVF and the entire cast and crew. Everyone is passionate about the show, and we're constantly trying to put out the best content possible. We hope Season 5 takes the journey a notch higher than the previous season."

Why Does The Mishra Family Connect With Every Generation?

One of the biggest reasons behind Gullak's enduring popularity is its ability to connect with viewers from all age groups. According to Jameel Khan, the answer lies in the show's honesty and simplicity.

"I think it's the simplicity of the show. It never tries to be something it isn't. It's real, emotional, funny, aspirational and progressive. The writing is phenomenal. The dialogues are packed with memorable one-liners, and the chemistry between the characters feels authentic. Audiences see a part of themselves in the Mishra family, and that's what makes the show so lovable."

From Slice-Of-Life Drama To A Cultural Phenomenon

When asked if he had ever imagined Gullak becoming a cultural phenomenon, Jameel admitted that he initially viewed it as an entertaining family show.

"When we started, I thought it would be a fun-filled slice-of-life series. But over the seasons, it has evolved into something much bigger. It now addresses issues relevant to families and society. The reason it has achieved this cult status is because there has always been something meaningful to say."

The actor believes there is no shortage of stories within India's vast middle-class landscape.

"There are countless stories waiting to be told. I genuinely hope Gullak continues for many more seasons because the possibilities are endless."

You Don't Need Melodrama To Be Successful

At a time when many shows rely heavily on exaggerated emotions and melodrama, Gullak has stood apart with its understated storytelling.

Jameel Khan did not hesitate to share his thoughts on the subject.

"Melodrama is something I personally stay away from as an actor. Whenever I feel I'm going overboard, I ask my directors to point it out. OTT platforms have brought a welcome change in storytelling by making performances more natural and grounded. Gullak is proof that you don't need melodrama to become successful. Keeping things real can work wonders," the actor quipped.

Gullak 5 is available for streaming on SonyLIV.