Seven years ago, a small TVF web series about a middle-class family in small-town India was launched on SonyLIV with a 15-day shoot, a single house as its main location and almost no budget. No one could have predicted that ‘Gullak’ would become one of the most emotionally resonant shows in the history of Indian streaming. Now, with season 5 in the air and the Mishra family navigating the complex terrain of grown children and evolving parental roles, the cast sat down to reflect on the journey and Jameel KhanThe man behind the beloved Santosh Mishra had a lot to say about family, gratitude and the responsibilities of parenthood and upbringing.
Jameel Khan talks about the cult status of ‘Gullak’
For Jameel Khan, the man who has lived Santosh Mishra for five seasons of ‘Gullak’, the show’s journey from humble web series to beloved national institution is still something he is struggling to fully process.“Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would become a cult show,” he says, before describing the emotional arc of the past seven years with particular warmth in an interview with Hindustan Times.“It has been a roller coaster ride from 2018-19 to 2026 and I feel blessed and proud to be a part of this show,” continues Khan.“I will do whatever it takes to remain a part of the show and grow with it, contribute to it and give my best as a team,” added Khan.
Jameel Khan on the main theme of ‘Gullak’ Season 5
At the heart of “Gullak” Season 5 is a question that feels urgent to contemporary family life in India: How do parents evolve alongside children who are growing into adults with their own needs, wants and ideas about independence?Jameel Khan, who plays the father who navigates this exact tension on screen, has thought deeply. “I think it’s important for parents to understand that these are different times. Children will want their own space, not just physically, but space to grow, evolve and become themselves,” she says.The responsibility, in his opinion, belongs to the parents to adapt. Khan says, “As adults and parents, our job is to give them that space to spread their wings and fly.”And the ultimate measure of parenting success, for Jameel, is quietly profound: “You’d rather your kids knew you than your kids knew their parents.”Khan doesn’t care when it comes to parental responsibility, delivering what may be the most direct line of the entire interview: “If you’re not ready to be a parent, if you don’t have kids… If you decide to be a parent, then you’re going to take responsibility and do a good job.”While Jameel strongly advocates for parents to give their children space and evolve over time, he is equally clear that the responsibility for healthier family relationships does not lie solely with parents. Children, he says, must face this effort with recognition and gratitude.Describing a mindset he finds troubling among some of today’s youth, he says: “Often kids turn around and say, ‘This is your responsibility as a parent. What’s so great about you?'”Khan’s response to this attitude is direct and unambiguous: “Parents are giving in and doing a lot for you. Be grateful. Appreciate that.”
About ‘Gullak’ Season 5
‘Gullak’ Season 5 premiered on 5th June 2026 on SonyLIV. TVF serial Jameel Khan stars Santosh Mishra, Geetanjali Kulkarni Shanti Mishra, Anant V Joshi Annu, Harsh Mayar Aman and Helly Shah Like Dr. Preeti. All previous seasons are currently streaming on SonyLIV.
