The Zamans are alerted to a meteor which has crashed into an industrial complex outside Dhaka….Something else arrived with the meteor and it has tricked them inside, it is lurking in the darkness, an extra terrestrial with extraordinary powers…You may be forgiven for thinking this is the next series of Dr Who or the X files, it is in fact Bishaash, South Asia s first ever supernatural detective series. Set to launch on 6th March on Zee Caf in the UK.
Enter the world of supernatural detectives with a new drama series made by the BBC World Service Trust, which is set in the UK and Bangladesh. With dialogue in Bangla and English, this supernatural drama does more than entertain. Head-strong and inquisitive, our heroine Zara, a young British woman of Bangladeshi origin, sets-out on a magical adventure after the death of her grandfather, on discovering she has inherited a family stake in a mysterious detective agency based in Dhaka.
Determined to find out more, Zara packs up her life in London and travels to Bangladesh where she meets tough young supernatural investigator Abir and is thrown headfirst into his world of mystery, magic and adventure. In 24 action-packed episodes, watch her adventure spiral into a captivating story, a roller-coaster of family tradition, love and glimpse of the dark side, only on Zee Caf . Be prepared for anything – from treasure hunts in Old Dhaka to an alien looking for a wife and romance on the streets of London.
Govind Shahi, from Zee Network: Zee is an innovator in South Asian entertainment and our partnership with the BBC World Service Trust is a significant milestone, indicative of how Zee remains the most popular choice for all South Asians in the UK.
We are proud to showcase Bishaash on Zee Caf . It is an excellent production offering a storyline that breaks from the traditional formula of many South Asian dramas, but remains true to the key elements that keep our viewers engrossed; family, tradition and love.
With dialogue in Bangla and English Bishaash does more than entertain. It has a partner programme BBC Janala Mojay Mojay Shekha, which is an educational game show and comedy that builds on the English used in the drama, providing a fun and free way for people to learn English.
Caroline Howie, Asia Director for the BBC World Service Trust: For many Bangladeshis in the UK the desire and need to learn English is still strong. This partnership will provide people who want to improve their English skills with an opportunity to share in the unique learning experience provided by the shows.
Govind Shahi adds: At its heart Zee s ethos is to entertain all South Asian communities but Bishaash goes beyond this; with the functional English learning aspect it is entertainment with a social conscience.
Since its launch last year, Zee Caf has become firmly embedded in the viewing habits of Bangla speaking audiences; we believe that Bishaash will actually extend the appeal of the channel to a much wider South Asian audience.
Whilst the supernatural drama set in Asia may be new, the cast will defiantly offer some familiar faces bringing together a talented cast and crew from Bangladesh and Britain featuring household names like A.T.M. Shamsuzamman, Humayan Faridee and Giasuddin Selim as well as rising UK stars such as Md Shaidul Islam Molla (Babu), Shama Rahman, and Waris Islam.
Mojay Mojay Shekha is hosted by celebrity Rumana Malik Munmun, with the help of slap-stick comedian Kamal Bayazid and English teacher Alexandra Tyers. Together they set challenges for competitors in and out of the studio, to develop their English skills.
Follow this adventure from Dhaka to London only on Zee Caf , starting with a two-hour special on Sunday 6th March at 8pm. Thereafter, Bishaash will have a regular slot every week on Sundays at 8pm and repeated on Mondays at 4.30pm and Sundays at 12:30am. Each episode is followed by the game show BBC Janala Mojay Mojay Shekha.
Zee Caf is available for free with the Zee pack on Sky channel 846. Tune in to watch this exciting new series.
Find out more about the characters and behind the scenes happenings on the Bishaash website www.zeetv.co.uk