Seven years ago, a small TVF web series about a middle-class family in small-town India launched on SonyLIV with a 15-day shoot, a single house as its primary location, and almost no budget. Nobody predicted that 'Gullak' would become one of the most emotionally resonant shows in Indian streaming history. Now, with Season 5 airing and the Mishra family navigating the complex terrain of grown-up children and evolving parental roles, the cast reflected on the journey. Jameel Khan, the man behind the beloved Santosh Mishra, shared his thoughts on family, gratitude, and the responsibilities of parenthood and growing up.
Jameel Khan on the cult status of 'Gullak'
For Jameel Khan, who has portrayed Santosh Mishra across all five seasons of 'Gullak', the show's trajectory from modest web series to beloved national institution remains something he struggles to fully process. "Not even in my wildest dreams did I think this would go on to become a cult show," he said, describing the emotional arc of the past seven years with characteristic warmth in a conversation with the Hindustan Times. "This has been a roller coaster ride completely right from 2018-19 to 2026, and I feel blessed and proud to be a part of this show," Khan continued. He added, "I will do whatever it takes to continue to be a part of the show and to be able to grow with it, to contribute to it, and as a team give the best I can."
Jameel Khan on the central theme of 'Gullak' Season 5
At the heart of 'Gullak' Season 5 is a question that feels urgently relevant to contemporary Indian family life: how do parents evolve alongside children who are growing into adults with their own needs, desires, and ideas about independence? Jameel Khan, who plays the father navigating this exact tension on screen, has thought deeply about it. "I think it's important for parents to understand that these are different times. Kids will want their own space — not just physically, but space to grow, evolve, and become themselves," he said. The responsibility, he argued, falls squarely on parents to adapt. Khan stated, "As adults and parents, our job is to give them that space to spread their wings and fly." The ultimate measure of parenting success, for Jameel, is quietly profound: "You would want to be known by your children rather than the children being known by their parents." Khan was equally unsparing about parental accountability, delivering what may be the most direct line of the entire interview: "If you are not ready to be parents, don't have kids... If you decide to become parents, then you bloody well take up the responsibility and do a good job of it."
While Jameel advocates strongly for parents to give children space and evolve with the times, he is equally clear that the responsibility for healthier family relationships does not rest with parents alone. Children, he said, need to meet that effort with recognition and gratitude. Describing a mindset he finds troubling among some young people today, he explained: "Many times kids turn around and say, 'This is your responsibility as parents. What is so great that you've done?'" Khan's response to that attitude was direct and unambiguous: "Parents are giving up and doing a lot for you. Be grateful. Appreciate that."
About 'Gullak' Season 5
'Gullak' Season 5 premiered on SonyLIV on June 5, 2026. The TVF series stars Jameel Khan as Santosh Mishra, Geetanjali Kulkarni as Shanti Mishra, Anant V Joshi as Annu, Harsh Mayar as Aman, and Helly Shah as Dr Preeti. All previous seasons are currently streaming on SonyLIV.
This article was written by the TOI Entertainment Desk, a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world to readers of The Times of India. From Bollywood to Hollywood, they cover every entertainment hotspot, telling tales of stardom and stories untold. Beyond breaking news, they present a celebration of culture, exploring the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.
