Shriya Pilgaonkar, known for her powerful on-screen presence, is turning heads once again with her transformation into a tough yet emotionally complex police officer in the upcoming ZEE5 original series Chhal Kapat: The Deception. As part of the show’s promotions, Shriya made a special visit to Lucknow, bringing the intensity and charisma of Inspector Devika to the City of Nawabs.
Looking effortlessly elegant and exuding warmth, Shriya engaged with fans, soaked in the city’s cultural richness, and offered a glimpse into the psychological thriller that’s set to grip audiences. But the highlight of her visit was a deeply moving interaction with real-life women police officers of Uttar Pradesh, including ADG Padmaja Chauhan.
During this visit, Shriya was introduced to 1090, the state’s advanced women’s helpline, known for its prompt and compassionate approach to addressing crimes against women. Far from a ceremonial appearance, this meeting turned into a candid, eye-opening conversation about the emotional, physical, and mental demands that women officers face on a daily basis. For Shriya, who plays a layered character shaped by trauma and justice, the experience was profoundly grounding.
“It was humbling,” she shared. “Hearing their stories gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to be a woman in uniform—resilient, empathetic, and incredibly strong. It helped me see Inspector Devika in a new light.”
About the Series: Chhal Kapat: The Deception
Set against the eerie backdrop of a village near Burhanpur, the story opens on what should be a joyous occasion—Alisha’s wedding. As childhood friends Mehak, Ira, and Shalu reunite, old bonds are rekindled. But the celebration is cut short when Shalu, now a popular social media influencer, is found dead under suspicious circumstances.
What begins as a reunion soon spirals into a haunting psychological thriller. Beneath the surface of smiles and selfies lie secrets, betrayals, and unresolved tensions. As Inspector Devika begins her investigation, the mystery deepens and every relationship is called into question.
Devika isn’t your typical cop. She’s shaped by her own painful past as a survivor of domestic abuse—an experience that sharpens her instincts and gives her the ability to detect deception others might miss. Her journey through the case is as much about justice as it is about healing, making her not just an enforcer of the law but a mirror to the emotional complexities of the people involved.
Directed by Ajay Bhuyan and produced by Juggernaut Productions, Chhal Kapat: The Deception features a stellar ensemble cast, including Kamya Ahlawat, Ragini Dwivedi, Tuhina Das, Yahhve Sharma, Pranay Pachauri, Smaran Sahu, and Anuj Sachdeva.
The series premieres exclusively on ZEE5 on June 6, 2025, and promises an edge-of-the-seat experience full of mystery, emotion, and unexpected twists.
Reflecting on her experience in Lucknow, Shriya added,
“Every time I visit this city, I fall in love with it all over again—the culture, the people, and of course, the food! But this time, what stayed with me the most was the incredible work being done at 1090. It’s not just a helpline; it’s a beacon of hope for thousands of women. The empathy and urgency with which these officers respond is nothing short of inspiring. It made me connect even more deeply with Devika—who, like them, is fighting battles both internal and external.”
Don’t miss Shriya Pilgaonkar in a role that’s fierce, emotional, and unflinchingly real in Chhal Kapat: The Deception, streaming June 6, 2025, only on ZEE5.
