Actor Rajesh Kumar has spoken candidly about his role in the new Netflix series 'Matargashti', saying his character Prakash embodies the mindset of a large section of India's middle class — where parental expectations for children are rooted not in conservatism, but in genuine concern and care. The show premiered on Netflix on 21 October 2026 and has since been trending on the platform.

The Character: A Mirror to Middle-Class Families

Rajesh described Prakash as a man who resonates with the lived experience of millions. 'I would define Prakash as someone who represents almost 90 per cent of middle-class people,' he said. 'Often, when it comes to sons, parents have a particular way of thinking and a certain direction in which they want their lives to go. Prakash is not conservative, but he is concerned. His intentions come from a place of care. For me, Prakash is a reflection of our society.'

The actor emphasised that the series does not traffic in stereotypes but instead captures the nuanced, everyday dynamics of family life that audiences across demographics can recognise.

The Show's Surprise Success on Netflix

Rajesh admitted that the scale of the audience response caught him off guard. 'It is truly overwhelming to see Matargashti trending and receiving so much appreciation,' he said. 'With certain projects, you never really know how they will be received when you are shooting them. But Matargashti has genuinely surprised me with the response it has received on Netflix.'

The series, which centres on a heartwarming father-daughter bond, has been praised for its understated storytelling in an era when Indian streaming content often leans on high-concept drama or spectacle.

What Makes Matargashti Stand Out

According to Rajesh, the series' defining quality is its simplicity. 'I think the simplicity of the storytelling has surprised the audience,' he said. He singled out his co-stars Adrija Roy and Soumya Uniyal for particular praise: 'What Adrija Roy and Soumya Uniyal bring to their characters is something we generally recognise in girls around us. It is a beautiful reflection of their experiences and perspectives. The simplicity of the performances, the beauty of the story and, above all, the beautiful bond between a father and daughter make the show special.'

A Personal Dimension: Fatherhood and Gender

Playing a screen father to a daughter brought an introspective quality to Rajesh's performance. He shared openly: 'Fatherhood is definitely a universal feeling. And yes, I do miss not having a daughter in my life. However, the way I interact with my two sons has never been about gender bias. A child is a child, and children are our responsibility. What matters is that we take care of them, irrespective of whether we have a daughter or a son.'

Rajesh also reserved high praise for Adrija Roy, describing her as 'a true artist who understands every nuance of a performance.' He noted that her background as a trained dancer lends a natural fluidity to her expressions on screen.

About Matargashti

'Matargashti' is now streaming on Netflix. The series has been drawing attention for its gentle, relatable portrayal of middle-class family values and the evolving relationship between parents and their children in contemporary India. With trending momentum on the platform, the show looks set to deepen its reach in the weeks ahead.