New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS): Actors Kratika Sengar and Abhishek Rawat were here Thursday to promote their forthcoming soap opera “Service Wali Bahu”, which is aimed at depicting the harsh reality of modern Indian society where people are demanding a working woman as daughter-in-law who can support her in-laws with a steady income post marriage.

Based on a small town in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, the women-centric show will showcase the life of Payal Rai (played by Kratika) -- a civil engineer - who falls into the trap of a new-age dowry system after she marries Dev (essayed by Abhishek).

“Payal is a middle-class girl, who is very well educated and values relationships a lot. She has a very special and unique bonding with her father and sister. Though her mother still thinks that women should not work much and stay at home. Payal demonstrates the modern age girl of the Indian society,” Kratika told IANS.

Talking about the show, she further added: “We are not aiming to preach anyone with this show. In today's society, the concept of dowry system is not the same which it was earlier. So, the show demonstrates the other way through which people have started asking for dowry.”

Though the show focuses much on Payal's life, Abhishek said he will get more recognition from the show and his character will demonstrate a positive attitude to the society.

Abhishek, who will portray a jobless person in the show, said: “The show is women-centric, but that doesn't means I've nothing to do in it. Previously also I've done similar kind of show, 'Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo', through which I got a lot of recognition. I don't feel insecure about playing supportive roles.”

Talking about his character, he added: “Dev is like any other 25-year-old young guy in today's society. He finds himself at the cross roads of his life where he is trying to stand on his feet. He is in-confident as he has not seen much success in his life.”

Apart from Kratika and Abhishek, the show will also feature Akshara Singh, Vineet Kumar, Atul Shrivastava, Pratichee Mishra, Ramakanth Daayama and Meena Mir in pivotal roles.

Touted as a family show and not just for women, “Service Wali Bahu” is tented to question people about the motivations with which they approach marriage.

“The show will depict the ugly truth of the marriage which has now transformed into an all new thing. Dowry system has not finished yet from the Indian society. The intent of the show is to ask whether a working woman is a pride of a family or is she just another name to the dowry system,” said Raakesh Paswan of Village Boy Productions.

“Service Wali Bahu”, which starts Feb 23 will be aired on Zee TV.