The Telugu television landscape witnessed a heartfelt and socially resonant serial in Krishna Tulasi, which aired on Zee Telugu from 22 February 2021 to 26 November 2022. Produced by the legendary K. Raghavendra Rao, this drama carved a niche by addressing the sensitive issue of colorism, while weaving in music, family dynamics, and romance. Starring Aishwarya H as the resilient Shyama and Dileep Shetty as the emotionally conflicted Akhil, Krishna Tulasi captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and memorable performances.
Quick Info Table
| Feature | Details |
| Main Cast | Aishwarya H (Shyama), Dileep Shetty (Akhil) |
| Channel | Zee Telugu |
| Runtime/Timings | ~22 minutes per episode, prime-time slot (varied) |
| OTT Platform | ZEE5 |
| Producer | K. Raghavendra Rao |
| First Episode | Premiered on 22 February 2021 |
Detailed Cast & Characters
Main Leads
- Aishwarya H as Shyama – A dark-skinned young woman who endures societal bias but cherishes her identity, believing her complexion resembles Lord Krishna’s. Her musical aspirations and steadfast spirit drive much of the narrative.
- Dileep Shetty as Akhil – A wealthy heir burdened by past trauma. Through his bond with Shyama, he begins to heal and embrace both love and music.
Recurring Roles
- Lakshmi Siddaiah as Vasantha
- J. L. Srinivas as Ananda Gajapati Varma
- Nakshatra as Sanjana
- Pavitranath as Mallikarjun
- Priyanka Shivanna as Aishwariya
- Teja as Govind
- Radhika Reddy as Vaidedhi
- Swathi as Shoba
- Srinivas as Ashok Varma
- Ajay as Narayana
- Aadhya as Roopa Rani
- Sathwik as Kittu
- Prathyusha as Haripriya
- Roopa Reddy as Guruvamma
- Suhan as Arun Varma
Storyline & Plot Summary
Krishna Tulasi unfolds the inspiring journey of Shyama—a talented woman marginalized for her dusky complexion—who believes herself blessed with the skin tone of Lord Krishna. Despite prejudice, her passion for music and inner strength lead her to marry Akhil, a wealthy heir with deep emotional scars. Marriage transforms Shyama’s life as she pursues a music career, navigating familial opposition, dramatic power struggles, and social hurdles. Her resilience and talent ultimately win hearts, proving beauty and identity lie within. The serial is an official Telugu adaptation of the popular Bengali show Krishnakoli.
Telecast Timings & OTT Info
- TV Broadcast: Aired on Zee Telugu in prime-time slots (exact timings varied over its run) with episodes around 22 minutes long.
- OTT Platform: Streaming available on ZEE5, where viewers can access the complete series—including the very first episode titled “Shyama becomes a devotee of Lord Krishna,” which premiered on 22 February 2021.
Production Team
- Producer: The serial was brought to life by K. Raghavendra Rao, a respected filmmaker in Telugu cinema, marking his entry into television production.
- Format: Shot using a multi-camera setup, typical of Indian soap operas, enabling dynamic scene coverage and a daily-episode rhythm.
Reasons for Popularity (TRP & Audience Connect)
- Powerful Social Theme: Tackling colorism directly resonated deeply with viewers who saw parts of their own experiences reflected in Shyama’s struggles.
- Emotional and Artistic Core: Music was woven into storytelling, offering emotional depth and artistic appeal.
- Trust in Production: With K. Raghavendra Rao’s reputation behind it, viewers gave the serial a fair chance.
- Proven Narrative: Adapted from the successful Krishnakoli, it brought a proven emotional arc to a new audience.
- Deep Character Bonding: The heartfelt performance by leads and their struggles created strong emotional investment.
- Digital Reach: Availability on ZEE5 expanded viewership beyond TV and allowed for binge-watching and re-visits.
Latest Updates & Upcoming Twists
As of 26 November 2022, Krishna Tulasi concluded its run with a total of 551 episodes. Since then, the serial has remained off-air, with no new updates or additional seasons. Fans, however, continue to revisit it online, drawn to its emotional depth and timeless message.
FAQ Section
Q1. When did Krishna Tulasi first air, and how many episodes were produced?
- It premiered on 22 February 2021 and concluded on 26 November 2022, totaling 551 episodes.
Q2. Who are the lead actors, and which characters do they play?
- Aishwarya H plays Shyama; Dileep Shetty portrays Akhil.
Q3. What is the core premise of the show?
- The serial follows Shyama’s journey of overcoming colorism through music, love, and resolve. It’s an official remake of the Bengali drama Krishnakoli.
Q4. On which channel did it air, and where can it be streamed?
- It aired on Zee Telugu in prime-time slots and is now available on ZEE5.
Q5. Who produced the show?
- The show is produced by veteran filmmaker K. Raghavendra Rao.
Conclusion
Krishna Tulasi stands as a touching and socially mindful serial that broke through stereotypes and touched hearts. Anchored by inspiring performances, a stirring musical backbone, and the credible guidance of K. Raghavendra Rao, it beautifully emphasized that dignity and talent transcend societal biases. Though its television journey has ended, the series continues to engage audiences online, proving its lasting impact on Telugu entertainment.
