Karthigai Deepam is a musical romantic drama airing on Zee Tamil since 5 December 2022, available weekdays at 9:00 PM (with afternoon repeats), and streaming on ZEE5. Adapted from the acclaimed Bengali serial Krishnakoli, it revolves around the journey of Deepa, a talented yet colour-conscious singer who marries Karthikeyan and confronts societal prejudices.
Cast & Characters
- Arthika plays the spirited Deepa, who faces discrimination for her dusky skin but believes her complexion is akin to that of Lord Karthikeyan.
- Karthik Raj portrays Karthikeyan, a successful businessman who supports Deepa’s dreams and becomes her partner in overcoming family bias.
- The supporting cast features:
- Meera Krishna as Abhirami (Nachiyar), Karthikeyan’s mother, whose traditional stance challenges Deepa’s aspirations.
- Rajesh (Dharmalingam), Tamil Selvi (Janaki), Vichithra (Rajashree), Janani Deva (Roopashree), Vandhana Michael (Aishwarya), and others enriching the family dynamic.
The beautifully woven ensemble reinforces the familial and societal pressures central to the storyline.
Timing & Scheduling
- Channel: Zee Tamil
- Telecast: Monday–Friday at 9:00–9:30 PM IST, with multiple repeat telecasts in the afternoon and late night.
- Streaming: Available on ZEE5 after TV airing.
Storyline & Themes
At its core, Karthigai Deepam tells the story of Deepa, a gifted singer overshadowed by societal prejudice tied to her fair-skinned husband, Karthikeyan. Post marriage, her battle to assert her musical identity despite familial bias, and her gradual acceptance, form the emotional nucleus—highlighting themes of colourism, self-worth, perseverance, and love .
The series beautifully threads romantic tension, dramatic twists, and emotional growth into a compelling narrative. Deepa’s journey from being sidelined to embracing her talent and confronting age-old biases is both inspiring and emotionally resonant.
Why You Should Watch
- Empowering Social Message – Confronts beauty bias, celebrating confidence and talent over looks.
- Strong Lead Performances – Arthika’s Deepa and Karthik Raj’s Karthikeyan deliver nuanced and heartfelt portrayals.
- Music-driven Storytelling – Melodic elements form a vital narrative channel, enhancing emotional depth.
- Engaging Family Drama – Rich ensemble cast and evolving dynamics offer relatability and emotional stakes.
Final Word
Karthigai Deepam strikes a remarkable balance—blending melodious passion, family depth, and social upliftment into a memorable Tamil-telenovela experience. With its powerful cast, meaningful themes, and rich emotional layers, it remains a prime-time staple. Tune in weekdays at 9 PM on Zee Tamil, or revisit anytime on ZEE5—and witness Deepa’s powerful ascent from ignored talent to melodic champion.a
