Gullak 5: Geetanjali Kulkarni on Shanti's new arc in the digital age
Synopsis
Gullak's Shanti is no longer just the family's quiet backbone — in Season 5, she's going viral as 'Bittu Ki Mummy'. Geetanjali Kulkarni's character arc this season mirrors a broader truth: middle-class India isn't just watching the digital revolution, it's being swept up in it, one reluctant Wi-Fi connection at a time.
Key Takeaways
Gullak 5 premieres on 5 June 2026 on Sony LIV , produced by The Viral Fever .
Geetanjali Kulkarni's character Shanti finds unexpected online fame through the viral persona 'Bittu Ki Mummy' .
Anant Joshi joins the cast this season as Annu , taking on the role of the ambition-driven Mishra son.
The season centres on Mishra Nivas adapting to a digitally connected, rapidly changing world while retaining its emotional core.
Vijay Koshy , President of TVF, described Season 5 as reflecting 'the changing realities of middle-class India.'
Actress Geetanjali Kulkarni has revealed that while her character Shanti has long been the emotional anchor of the Mishra family in the beloved series Gullak, the fifth season will showcase a distinctly different side of her — one grappling with and gradually embracing a rapidly changing world. Gullak 5 is set to stream from 5 June 2026 on Sony LIV.
Shanti's Unexpected Spotlight
In a notable new storyline, Shanti finds herself unexpectedly enjoying a brush with online fame through the viral persona of 'Bittu Ki Mummy', in a world increasingly obsessed with being seen. Kulkarni described the shift as organic to the character: 'Shanti has always been the emotional anchor of the Mishra family, but this season audiences will see a slightly different side to her, one that's adapting to a rapidly changing world in her own unique way.'
She added that what she values most about the show is its honesty: 'What I love most about Gullak is how honestly it captures everyday life, and I think that's why people see themselves in these characters year after year.'
What Season 5 Brings to Mishra Nivas
The new season frames change as both inevitable and bittersweet. Mishra Nivas gets a fresh coat of paint, a new Wi-Fi connection, and a family slowly — sometimes reluctantly — trying to keep pace with the times. Yet the small, intimate moments that have defined the show remain intact.
Annu, played by Anant Joshi who steps into the role this season, continues to wrestle with the pressure of proving himself, as ambition clashes with self-doubt. Meanwhile, Aman returns quieter than before, carrying undisclosed secrets.
What the Makers Said
Vijay Koshy, President of TVF (The Viral Fever), said the show's enduring appeal lies in its relatability: 'With every season, Gullak has only grown closer to audiences because the Mishras feel like a family we all know. Season 5 reflects the changing realities of middle-class India while holding onto the warmth and simplicity that make the show special. This season is about growth, change, and the bittersweet feeling of moving forward while staying connected to your roots.'
Cast and Streaming Details
Produced by The Viral Fever, Gullak 5 stars Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Harsh Mayar, Sunita Rajwar, Helly Shah, and Anant Joshi as Annu. The season premieres on 5 June 2026 on Sony LIV, continuing the show's run as one of Indian streaming's most consistent middle-class family dramas.
Point of View
Domestically-rooted women finding unexpected digital audiences. That TVF is building a season arc around it, rather than treating it as comic relief, suggests the show understands its audience's lived reality better than most. The risk is whether the show can hold its tonal balance — Gullak's power has always been restraint, and viral fame storylines can easily tip into parody.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Gullak 5 release and where can I watch it?
Gullak 5 streams from 5 June 2026 exclusively on Sony LIV. It is produced by The Viral Fever (TVF).
What is different about Geetanjali Kulkarni's character Shanti in Gullak 5?
In Gullak 5, Shanti steps beyond her role as the family's emotional anchor and finds herself enjoying online popularity through the persona 'Bittu Ki Mummy'. Kulkarni has described the arc as Shanti adapting to a rapidly changing world in her own unique way.
Who plays Annu in Gullak Season 5?
Anant Joshi takes on the role of Annu in Gullak 5. His character is portrayed as battling the pressure of proving himself, with ambition constantly wrestling with self-doubt.
What is the central theme of Gullak Season 5?
Season 5 explores the Mishra family navigating a digitally connected, fast-changing world — symbolised by a new Wi-Fi connection and a fresh coat of paint at Mishra Nivas — while holding onto the warmth and simplicity of everyday middle-class life.
Who are the main cast members of Gullak 5?
Gullak 5 stars Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Harsh Mayar, Sunita Rajwar, Helly Shah, and Anant Joshi, all returning or joining the Mishra family ensemble for the new season.
