- Reel Meets Real: Shriya Pilgaonkar Steps into Inspector Devika’s Shoes and Engages in a Heartfelt Conversation with Real-Life Women Police Officers in Lucknow
TIL Desk Lucknow:
Shriya Pilgaonkar, who’s been turning heads with her striking transformation as a police officer for the upcoming ZEE5 original Chhal Kapat The Deception, made a dazzling stop in Lucknow—bringing Inspector Devika’s world to life in the City of Nawabs. Dressed to impress and radiating her signature charm, Shriya engaged with fans, celebrated the city’s timeless warmth, and gave a tantalizing glimpse into the high-stakes thriller awaiting viewers. A standout moment from Shriya Pilgaonkar’s visit was her heartfelt interaction with the women police officers of Uttar Pradesh, including ADG Padmaja Chauhan.
During the visit, Shriya was introduced to 1090, a cutting-edge women’s redressal helpline in UP, known for its swift, sensitive response to victims of abuse. Far from a formal meet-and-greet, the exchange offered Shriya a rare window into the everyday realities these officers face—the emotional toll, the physical demands, and the unshakable resilience required in their line of duty. Portraying an emotionally layered police officer in Chhal Kapat The Deception, Shriya described the experience as deeply humbling and eye-opening. It not only enhanced her understanding of the role but also deepened her appreciation for the strength and spirit of the women behind the uniform.
Set against the haunting backdrop of a village near Burhanpur, Chhal Kapat The Deception begins at an intimate wedding. Bride-to-be Alisha reunites with her childhood friends—Mehak, Ira, and Shalu—for a long-awaited celebration. But joy quickly turns to dread when Shalu, now a rising social media influencer, is found dead.
The celebration quickly descends into a psychological thriller, as suspicion, secrets, and betrayal cast shadows over the festivities. Each friend carries hidden scars and simmering resentments, and as the investigation deepens, every bond begins to fray. At the center of this chilling whodunnit is Inspector Devika (played by Shriya Pilgaonkar), a sharp, no-nonsense cop with a haunted past of her own.
Devika isn’t your conventional investigator—her experience as a survivor of domestic abuse has forged a unique intuition that cuts through deceit. Her personal demons don’t weaken her — they sharpen her perspective, allowing her to see through lies others might overlook. As she digs into the tangled relationships and conflicting motives of the group, long-held secrets come to light, friendships unravel, and the line between loyalty and deception blurs.
Directed by Ajay Bhuyan, produced by Juggernaut Production, and led by the dynamic Shriya Pilgaonkar, this gripping whodunnit is set to premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on June 6, 2025. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Kamya Ahlawat, Ragini Dwivedi, Tuhina Das, Yahhve Sharma, Pranay Pachauri, Smaran Sahu, and Anuj Sachdeva, the series promises a suspense-filled narrative packed with twists, secrets, and deception.
Reflecting on her time in Lucknow, Shriya Pilgaonkar shared, “Lucknow has such a timeless charm. I have visited the city many times including for shoots and I’ve always admired the city for its rich culture, warm people and lip-smacking food. But what truly moved me was meeting the incredible women police officers and learning about the 1090 helpline. It’s not just a call centre—it’s a lifeline for women across Uttar Pradesh. I was amazed by the scale of operations and the commitment with which these officers handle distress calls, often from women in deeply vulnerable situations.
The way they respond—with empathy, urgency, and resolve—left a lasting impact on me. It also gave me newfound love for my character in Chhal Kapat The Deception. Devika, the character I play, isn’t just a cop—she’s a woman balancing her own pain and past while standing tall in the face of injustice. I hope audiences connect with that emotional truth when they watch the series”. Don’t miss Shriya Pilgaonkar in yet another power-packed role in as ZEE5 original series, Chhal Kapat The Deception, premiering on June 6, 2025!
