Will Society Ever Look Beyond Colour? Shemaroo Umang's new show ‘Jamuniya’ Raises a Powerful Question

Mumbai: We live in a time when women are excelling in every field, yet some age-old prejudices still persist— it is disheartening that outdated beauty standards continue to dictate their worth. Sparking a much-needed conversation about self-worth and societal perceptions, Shemaroo Umang and Story Square Productions present Jamuniya, a thought-provoking show that highlights the struggles of those judged for their appearance. Premiering on March 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM, the show will air Monday to Saturday, bringing an inspiring story to audiences across India.

Starring Aleya Ghosh as Jamuniya and Rajat Verma as Ratan Vyas, the show also features Bhojpuri superstar Rani Chatterjee and veteran actress Meena Mir in pivotal roles. Set in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, the show follows the journey of a young girl, Jamuniya, who faces discrimination because of her dark complexion. However, just like the Jamun fruit—dark on the outside but filled with richness—Jamuniya’s true worth lies beyond appearances. She may not be the first to catch someone’s eye, but her resilience, intelligence, and strength make her truly unforgettable. Through her story, the show sheds light on the pressures of conventional beauty norms and their impact on individual identity and acceptance.
Aleya Ghosh, who plays Jamuniya, shared her excitement about bringing such an inspiring character to life: "Jamuniya’s story is deeply personal to so many girls who have been judged and underestimated just because of their appearance. She is strong-willed, determined, and refuses to let society define her worth. What I love most about her is that she doesn’t wait for anyone’s approval—she knows her own strength and fearlessly pursues her dreams. As an actor, portraying such a powerful role is an honor, and I truly hope Jamuniya’s journey inspires girls of all ages to believe in themselves, especially when the world tells them they can’t. If this story gives even one girl the confidence to stand tall and follow her dreams, or even makes one person question their own biases, that will be the biggest victory. Beauty isn’t about skin tone—it’s about courage, determination, and the ability to rise above challenges. I can’t wait for the audience to see Jamuniya prove that!"
Rajat Verma, who plays Ratan Vyas, spoke about his complex character and the message the show conveys: "Ratan isn’t the ideal hero that many dream of—he is a reflection of the biases deeply rooted in our society. He has grown up with a certain mindset about beauty, shaped by the world around him. Personally, I don’t believe in these prejudices, but as an actor and a responsible citizen, I feel it’s important to bring such characters to life. Ratan’s story will make families think about how these beliefs are passed down to their sons. Each character in Jamuniya represents people around us. Jamuniya is about changing perspectives, and I’m proud to be a part of this journey."

With a compelling storyline, strong performances and a socially relevant message, Jamuniya is all set to redefine perspectives and challenge the way society views beauty. It sends a strong message that a person’s worth is not defined by their skin colour but by their character, values, and actions.