Mafia (Zee5) Webseries Actress And Actor

Zee5 Mafia Full Webseries

Title: Mafia
Streaming Platform: ZEE5
Streaming Date: July 10, 2020
Genre: Horror Drama
Language: Hindi
Director: Birsa Dasgupta

ZEE5 Mafia Series Trailer

Watch the official trailer video of Zee5 Mafia series,

Mafia – Game for Life is an upcoming mystery thriller series that was released on leading OTT platform ZEE5. Directed by Birsa Dasgupta, the series stars Anindita Bose, Ishaa Saha, Tanmay Dhanania, Namit Das in the lead characters along with Ridhima Ghosh, Madhurima Roy, Ankita Chakraborty in the supporting roles. A ZEE5 Original psychological thriller series was bankrolled by Parambrata Chatterjee.

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The ZEE5 Original psychological thriller, ‘Mafia,’ exploded onto the streaming scene in 2020, offering a sinister twist on the popular parlour game. Directed by Birsa Dasgupta and set in the dark, mysterious jungles of Madhupur, Jharkhand, the series masterfully weaves together a collegiate reunion, a horrifying past, and a dangerous game of ‘whodunit’ into a gripping narrative.

The success of Mafia largely rested on the shoulders of its talented ensemble cast, a blend of seasoned Hindi cinema actors and rising stars from the Bengali industry. The actors and actresses brought a complex, conflicted energy to their characters, which were central to the show’s exploration of betrayal, classism, and hidden agendas.

This article delves deep into the brilliant actors and actresses who were part of the Mafia web series, tracing their significant career arcs, their demanding roles in the show, and their notable projects since its release.

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The Premise of Deceit: Understanding the ‘Mafia’ Web Series

The ZEE5 Original Mafia is a single-season, eight-episode psychological thriller released on July 10, 2020. It is a bilingual production, filmed in both Hindi and Bengali, a common practice for ZEE5 Originals based in the Kolkata film industry (Tollywood).

The story revolves around six college friends who reunite after a five-year hiatus for a bachelorette party in Madhupur. What begins as a nostalgic trip quickly devolves into a game of emotional Russian roulette when they decide to play their old favorite, the game of Mafia. The line between the game and reality blurs as the friends—each with their own secrets and betrayals—are forced to confront a dark, shared incident from their college past. The show uses the premise of the game to brutally expose the deep-seated resentments, class biases, and lies that tore their friendship apart.

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The Leading Actors: The ‘Villagers’ and the ‘Mafia’

The male leads of the series delivered layered performances, embodying characters ranging from a haunted former lover to a morally conflicted police officer.

1. Namit Das as Nitin Kumar

Namit Das, one of the most versatile faces of the Indian digital space, anchored the series with his portrayal of Nitin Kumar, a character with an unassuming façade who harbors a dark secret.

Role in Mafia:

Nitin Kumar is perhaps the most complex character in the series. He is depicted as a Dalit man from Bihar who manages to enter the police force, a detail that brings a simmering layer of class and caste discrimination into the group dynamic. Namit Das played Nitin as a deeply conflicted cop, constantly toggling between his professional duty and his deep-seated issues stemming from his college days with the elite group of friends. His performance was crucial to the psychological thriller aspect, as his character represented the ‘outsider’ in the privileged group.

Career Trajectory Post-Mafia (2020-2025):

Namit Das’s career accelerated significantly in the OTT space around the time of Mafia‘s release, solidifying his status as a bankable web star.

• Major OTT Success: He received widespread critical acclaim for his role as the menacing and volatile antagonist, Jawahar, in the Disney+ Hotstar crime drama Aarya (2020-2024), starring Sushmita Sen, with his character evolving across the seasons.
• Mainstream Films & Series: He appeared in Mira Nair’s BBC adaptation of A Suitable Boy as the footwear entrepreneur Haresh Khanna, the sitcom Sumit Sambhal Lega, the film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), and the Netflix series Choona (2023).
• Recent Projects: Das starred in the SonyLIV series Rocket Boys (2022) and the Hindi-language comedy-drama film Aap Jaisa Koi (2025).

2. Tanmay Dhanania as Rishi

Tanmay Dhanania is known for his work in independent and festival-circuit cinema, bringing a distinct, understated intensity to his roles.

Role in Mafia:

Tanmay played Rishi, one of the six friends caught in the dark web of the past. His character is central to the group’s dynamic, navigating the paranoia and accusations that surface during the game.

Career Trajectory Post-Mafia (2020-2025):

Tanmay’s career reflects a consistent focus on nuanced, artistic, and international cinema projects.

• Festival & Indie Cinema: He has been part of internationally acclaimed films, including the Aparna Sen directorial, The Rapist (2021), and the Konstanin Bojanov directorial, The Shameless (2024). [cite: 5, 15 from Step 2]
• Noteworthy Work: Other post-2020 projects include Captive (2020) and the indie feature Pariah (2022), demonstrating his commitment to challenging roles. [cite: 5 from Step 2]

3. Saurabh Saraswat as Ritwik

Saurabh Saraswat, primarily known for his background in theatre and art-house cinema, was noted for his raw, instinctive acting style in Mafia.

Role in Mafia:

Saurabh played Ritwik, another one of the core friends whose personality is slowly peeled back to reveal his role in the group’s shared past. Co-star Namit Das praised Saurabh for his instinctive and reactive acting on set, highlighting his contribution to the ensemble.

Career Trajectory Post-Mafia (2020-2024):

Saurabh has maintained his association with projects that travel the film festival circuit and receive critical acclaim.

• Acclaimed Projects: He was part of the short film Bittu (2020), which won a Student Academy Award, and the short film Gray, which deals with themes of homosexuality and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
• Recent Work: His recent filmography includes the 2024 release The Heist. He is also celebrated for his work in the critically acclaimed film Cat Sticks (2019).

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The Leading Actresses: Unraveling the Secrets

The female cast of Mafia delivered equally strong performances, embodying characters that range from the celebratory bachelorette to the enigmatic, tortured friend.

4. Madhurima Roy as Tania (Tanya)

Madhurima Roy is a familiar face across multiple OTT platforms, known for portraying characters with strong, modern shades.

Role in Mafia:

Madhurima Roy played Tania (also credited as Tanya), the friend whose bachelorette party serves as the setting for the unsettling reunion. Her character is a key player, often triggering the volatile mix of emotions that drives the show’s central conflict.

Career Trajectory Post-Mafia (2020-2023):

Madhurima has been consistently busy in the web and film space since Mafia, establishing a strong filmography.

• Diverse OTT Roles: Post-Mafia, she took on the role of Ranjana, a bar dancer, in the ZEE5 Original series Mum Bhai (2020). She also appeared in the crime thriller series Dark 7 White (2020) and the thriller drama Karm Yuddh (2022).
• Film: She was seen in the feature film Dobaaraa (2022), directed by Anurag Kashyap.
• Recent Series: Her recent work includes the horror series Soulmate (2023). She had also gained recognition for her work in Criminal Justice (2019) before Mafia.

5. Anindita Bose as Neha

Anindita Bose is a prominent Bengali actress who successfully transitioned into the Hindi OTT space, bringing her regional star power to national projects.

Role in Mafia:

Anindita played Neha, one of the college friends. Her performance contributed to the show’s dark psychological tone, as her character is deeply entangled in the secrets and emotional baggage of the group.

Career Trajectory Post-Mafia (2020-2024):

Anindita’s career after Mafia has been marked by high-profile appearances in major streaming originals.

• Major Hindi OTT Breaks: She gained national recognition with her pivotal roles in the Amazon Prime Video series Paatal Lok and the critically acclaimed Netflix anthology series Ray (2021). [cite: 14, 16 from Step 2]
• Other Web Series: Her post-2020 work also includes series like Forbidden Love and Murder in the Hills, continuing her exploration of the thriller and dark drama genres. [cite: 16 from Step 2]
• Entrepreneurial Venture: Beyond acting, Anindita has also ventured into art and business, launching her own apparel line that showcases her passion for painting as wearable art. [cite: 16 from Step 2]

6. Ishaa Saha as Ananya

Ishaa Saha is a celebrated Bengali film actress known for her girl-next-door charm and critically acclaimed performances in Tollywood.

Role in Mafia:

Ishaa played Ananya, completing the central circle of friends. Since the series was a bilingual project, featuring prominent Bengali stars like Ishaa, Anindita, and Tanmay, it naturally appealed to a pan-India audience interested in Kolkata-based thrillers. [cite: 6, 9 from Step 2]

Career Trajectory Post-Mafia (2020-2023):

Ishaa Saha’s work primarily remains dominant in the Bengali film industry, where she has delivered blockbuster hits.

• Box Office Hits: She starred in the highly successful adventure-thriller Karnasubarner Guptodhon (2022), which became one of the highest-grossing Bengali films of all time, and the musical romantic drama Mitthye Premer Gaan (2023). [cite: 9, 17 from Step 2]
• Streaming Success: Her continued success in the OTT space includes playing the titular lead in the Bengali web series Indu and its second season (Indu 2) in 2023, showcasing her versatility in the mystery genre. [cite: 17 from Step 2]

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Conclusion: The Legacy of a Gripping Ensemble

The ZEE5 web series Mafia served as a crucial launchpad and a significant highlight in the careers of its six primary actors and actresses. For Namit Das, it cemented his image as a versatile performer in the Hindi web space alongside Aarya. For Tanmay Dhanania and Saurabh Saraswat, it provided a mainstream platform for their unique, indie-driven talents. And for the Bengali stars—Anindita Bose, Madhurima Roy, and Ishaa Saha—it proved their seamless ability to transcend regional boundaries and deliver compelling performances to a national audience. The chilling psychological thriller remains a testament to the power of a strong ensemble cast dedicated to unraveling the dark complexities of human nature and past sins.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs about ‘Mafia (Zee5) Webseries Actress and Actor’

Q1: Who are the main actors and actresses in the Mafia Zee5 web series?

A: The main cast of the Mafia ZEE5 web series includes a powerhouse ensemble: Namit Das (as Nitin Kumar), Tanmay Dhanania (as Rishi), Saurabh Saraswat (as Ritwik), Madhurima Roy (as Tania), Anindita Bose (as Neha), and Ishaa Saha (as Ananya).

Q2: What is Namit Das’s role in the Mafia web series?

A: Namit Das plays the role of Nitin Kumar, a complex and conflicted character who is a police officer by profession, but is one of the six college friends caught in a web of past lies and betrayals during the reunion. His character is noted for adding a layer of social commentary regarding class and caste into the narrative.

Q3: Which major projects have the actresses of Mafia done recently?

A: The actresses have been highly successful post-Mafia (2020):

• Anindita Bose starred in the popular web series Paatal Lok (Amazon Prime Video) and the Netflix anthology Ray (2021). [cite: 14 from Step 2]
• Madhurima Roy appeared in the film Dobaaraa (2022) and the web series Karm Yuddh (2022) and Mum Bhai (2020).
• Ishaa Saha has continued her successful career in Bengali cinema, starring in the blockbuster Karnasubarner Guptodhon (2022) and the web series Indu 2 (2023). [cite: 9, 17 from Step 2]

Q4: Is Mafia (Zee5) a Hindi or a Bengali web series?

A: Mafia (Zee5) is a bilingual series that was shot and released in both Hindi and Bengali versions to cater to a wider audience, especially given the inclusion of prominent Kolkata-based talent.

Q5: What is the plot of the Mafia web series on ZEE5?

A: The web series is a psychological thriller revolving around six college friends who reunite at a remote location in Madhupur, Jharkhand, for a bachelorette party. As they play the popular game ‘Mafia,’ their horrifying past is dredged up, leading to paranoia, accusations, and a deadly ‘whodunit’ mystery where the lines between the game and reality disappear.

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The Cast That Plays for Keeps: Profiling the Actors and Actresses of ZEE5’s Thriller, Mafia

The world of Indian web series is constantly evolving, delivering high-stakes psychological thrillers that keep audiences glued to their screens. Among the standouts is the ZEE5 Original, Mafia. More than just a simple whodunit, the 2020 series weaves a sinister tapestry of friendship, betrayal, and a past that refuses to stay buried, all set against the eerie backdrop of the Madhupur jungles in Jharkhand. The brilliance of the show lies not just in its gripping plot, which mirrors the popular party game ‘Mafia’, but in its ensemble cast—a collective of highly versatile actors drawn from the worlds of mainstream Hindi cinema, regional Bengali film, and high-end independent theatre.

Directed by Birsa Dasgupta and produced by Parambrata Chatterjee, Mafia is a bilingual series shot in both Hindi and Bengali. The central premise revolves around six estranged college friends who reunite after five years for a bachelorette party, only for their horrifying college trauma to resurface, turning their celebratory trip into a dangerous, real-life game of survival. This exploration of dark secrets and hidden agendas required a cast capable of complex, layered performances.

Here is an in-depth look at the talented actors and actresses who brought this intense psychological drama to life, charting their careers, their notable work, and their pivotal roles in the Mafia (Zee5) Webseries.

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The Core Conflict: A Synopsis of the ZEE5 Thriller

Mafia premiered on ZEE5 on July 10, 2020, instantly grabbing attention for its suspenseful plot and dark setting. The story follows a group of six friends who meet again for Tanya’s (Madhurima Roy) bachelorette party at a heritage bungalow in Madhupur.

The reunion is meant to be a nostalgic escape, but the setting—a mysterious, dark jungle—only amplifies the tension. The friends decide to play the popular social deduction game ‘Mafia,’ where players secretly take on roles as “Mafia” or “Villagers.” However, the lines between the game and reality begin to blur when a dark, tragic incident from their college days comes back to haunt them.

The series masterfully uses the mechanics of the game as a metaphor for their real-life deceit, betrayal, and the hidden agendas each character harbors. As accusations fly and the body count potentially rises, the friends are forced to confront the secrets that tore them apart years ago.

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The Friends Reunited: Profiling the Main Cast

The series owes its critical success to the magnetic chemistry and individual depth provided by its lead actors. The cast features a deliberate mix of established Hindi film and television faces alongside accomplished names from the Bengali entertainment industry, highlighting the show’s bilingual identity.

The central six characters and the artists who portrayed them are:

Character Name	Actor/Actress	Role Description (The Friend Group)
Nitin	Namit Das	The seemingly sensible friend, harboring his own secrets.
Rishi	Tanmay Dhanania	A complex character whose past links deeply with the group’s trauma.
Ananya	Ishaa M Saha	One of the primary female protagonists, often the voice of reason.
Neha	Anindita Bose	A sharp and strong-willed friend whose relationships are tested.
Tanya	Madhurima Roy	The one whose bachelorette party sparks the ill-fated reunion.
Ritwik	Saurabh Saraswat	A crucial member of the group, integral to the flashback narrative.

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The Distinguished Actors: Male Leads of Mafia

The male protagonists of Mafia are portrayed by actors known for their versatility across various mediums, from mainstream Bollywood to international independent cinema.

Namit Das as Nitin

Namit Das, who plays the role of Nitin, is arguably one of the most recognizable faces in the ensemble, known for seamlessly transitioning between comedy and drama.

• Career Trajectory: Das is a veteran of the Indian performing arts, with a strong foundation in Mumbai’s vibrant theatre circuit. He received formal training in music and is the son of reputed ghazal singer Chandan Dass, but chose to pursue acting early on.
• Notable Works:
  • Films: He gained initial fame for his roles in Bollywood films like Wake Up Sid (2009) and Lafangey Parindey (2010), and later appeared in acclaimed movies such as Ankhon Dekhi (2014).
  • Television & Web: His television work includes the popular Hindi sitcom Sumit Sambhal Lega. On the web, he received widespread critical acclaim for his performance as Haresh Khanna in Mira Nair’s BBC adaptation of Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy and also played a key role in the crime thriller series Aarya.
• Performance in Mafia: In Mafia, Namit Das’s portrayal of Nitin is crucial, as the character struggles to maintain a facade of normalcy while the past events haunt the group, showcasing his dramatic range.

Tanmay Dhanania as Rishi

Tanmay Dhanania’s background is perhaps the most unconventional among the cast, adding a unique layer of international and artistic gravitas to the project.

• Career Trajectory: Dhanania initially pursued a degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, before deciding to pursue his passion for acting. He subsequently trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
• Notable Works:
  • International & Indie Cinema: He is highly regarded in the independent film circuit, starring in films like Brahman Naman (2016), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and Cat Sticks. He has also appeared in British TV shows such as Indian Summers for Channel 4 and The Durrells in Corfu.
  • Theatre: Beyond the screen, he is an active theatre maker and artist, known for productions and teaching workshops globally.
• Performance in Mafia: As Rishi, Dhanania brings a subtle intensity, capturing the internal turmoil of a character deeply scarred by the shared past of the friends.

Saurabh Saraswat as Ritwik

Saurabh Saraswat represents the new wave of method actors who blend theatre and alternative cinema.

• Career Trajectory: Saraswat is an engineering graduate from Jaipur who spent three years in the IT field before dedicating himself entirely to acting. He moved to Pune to obtain a PG Diploma in acting from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
• Notable Works:
  • Films: He is known for selecting challenging, unconventional roles in films like CRD and the critically acclaimed feature film Cat Sticks alongside his Mafia co-star Tanmay Dhanania.
  • Acclaim: His work on the short film Gray, where he played a homosexual partner, earned international recognition, including a screening at the Cannes Film Festival.
• Performance in Mafia: In the role of Ritwik, Saurabh’s background in intense character work allows him to anchor the complex dynamics of the friend group as their history unravels.

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The Dynamic Actresses: Female Leads of Mafia

The actresses of the series, primarily hailing from the Bengali film industry, infuse the psychological thriller with powerful emotional depth and complexity.

Anindita Bose as Neha

Anindita Bose is a well-known face whose career has flourished across Bengali cinema and the burgeoning Hindi web space.

• Career Trajectory: Anindita began her acting journey in Bengali television with serials like Gaaner Oparey before making her big screen debut. She is a prominent figure in the Bengali film industry, starring in successful movies like Bhooter Bhabishyat (2012) and Byomkesh Gotro.
• Notable Works:
  • Web Series: Her versatility has translated perfectly to the OTT platform, where she has delivered acclaimed performances in Hindi web series. She gained significant attention for her roles in Paatal Lok and the Ray anthology series on Netflix.
  • Bengali OTT: Her work in Bengali web series like Charitraheen and Montu Pilot also highlights her reputation for taking on strong, complex characters.
• Performance in Mafia: As Neha, Anindita portrays a strong, conflicted character who is forced to confront her part in the past, a performance that leverages her experience in intense, emotionally charged roles.

Ishaa M Saha as Ananya

Ishaa M Saha is one of the brightest stars of the contemporary Bengali film industry, bringing both commercial success and critical acclaim to her roles.

• Career Trajectory: Born and raised in Kolkata, Ishaa surprisingly holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Calcutta. She began her career in 2016 with Bengali television and quickly transitioned to films.
• Notable Works:
  • Films: She made a sensational film debut in 2017 with Projapoti Biskut, which won her the Critics’ Award for Best Actor (Female) at the 3rd Filmfare Awards East. She is also the female lead in the hugely successful Guptodhon franchise (Guptodhoner Sandhane and Durgeshgorer Guptodhon) and the highly praised film Sweater.
  • Commercial Success: Her films, including Karnasubarner Guptodhon, have been among the highest-grossing Bengali films of their respective years.
• Performance in Mafia: Ishaa’s portrayal of Ananya, the girl-next-door whose life is upended by the reunion, showcases a shift from her primarily Bengali-language roles to a successful crossover performance for the national OTT audience.

Madhurima Roy as Tanya

Madhurima Roy brings a background in modeling and a strong presence in the web series domain to her pivotal role.

• Career Trajectory: Madhurima started her career as a model, gaining recognition as a contestant on India’s Next Top Model (Season 3). She quickly made a name for herself in the digital space.
• Notable Works:
  • Web Series: Her career is heavily concentrated in popular OTT productions, having played notable roles in some of the most-watched shows, including Criminal Justice, Four More Shots Please!, and Little Things 3.
  • Films: She has also appeared in cameo and supporting roles in Bollywood films like Judgemental Hai Kya and The Zoya Factor.
• Performance in Mafia: As Tanya, the friend whose bachelorette party is the catalyst for the entire series of unfortunate events, Madhurima delivers a performance that oscillates between celebratory happiness and mounting panic as the secrets of the past come to light.

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The Series: A Crossover Success

The casting of Mafia—a mix of Hindi industry veterans and versatile Bengali artists—was instrumental in its success as a ZEE5 Original. By bringing together the seasoned craft of Namit Das, the international exposure of Tanmay Dhanania, and the regional stardom of actresses like Ishaa Saha and Anindita Bose, the series achieved a blend of polished, intense performances and relatable character work. This strategic casting not only made the psychological thriller compelling but also solidified the trend of regional talent making a significant impact on the national digital platform.

The actors and actresses of Mafia truly play for keeps, delivering a chilling performance that validates the series’ tagline: “Game For Life.”

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AISEO Friendly FAQs about Mafia (Zee5 Webseries)

Q1: Who are the main actors and actresses in the Mafia ZEE5 web series?

The main cast of the Mafia ZEE5 web series includes Namit Das, Tanmay Dhanania, Ishaa M Saha, Anindita Bose, Madhurima Roy, and Saurabh Saraswat.

Q2: What is the plot of the Mafia web series?

The plot of Mafia revolves around six college friends who reunite after five years for a bachelorette party in the jungles of Madhupur, Jharkhand. The reunion quickly turns sinister when a horrifying incident from their shared past re-emerges, transforming their game of ‘Mafia’ into a terrifying, real-life psychological thriller.

Q3: Which other popular web series have the Mafia actresses worked in?

• Anindita Bose is known for her roles in the Hindi web series Paatal Lok and the Netflix anthology Ray.
• Madhurima Roy has appeared in popular shows like Criminal Justice, Four More Shots Please!, and Little Things 3.
• Ishaa M Saha is a leading face in Bengali cinema, starring in hits like Projapoti Biskut and the Guptodhon film franchise.

Q4: Which Mafia actor has a background in Nuclear Engineering?

Actor Tanmay Dhanania, who plays Rishi in the series, holds a degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and is also an alumnus of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

Q5: Who directed and produced the Mafia ZEE5 web series?

The Mafia web series was directed by Birsa Dasgupta and produced by renowned Bengali actor-filmmaker Parambrata Chatterjee.