Actor Deepak Parashar will be seen portraying the role of Inspector Rakesh Maria in the forthcoming streaming series 'First Copy'. The programme is set in Mumbai during the 1990s and stars Munawar Faruqui in his dramatic acting debut. It explores the shadowy world of film piracy during the rise of CDs and DVDs as underground currency.
Deepak Parashar's portrayal of Inspector Maria, a relentless policeman tracking the piracy racket, brings both gravitas and depth to the cat-and-mouse tension that drives the series. Inspired by real events and characters, the role echoes the presence of the real-life Rakesh Maria, known for his integrity and investigative brilliance.
Speaking about the role, the actor said, "Playing Inspector Rakesh Maria allowed me to revisit the moral complexity of justice in a city constantly in flux. The world of 'First Copy' may be rooted in the 90s, but its questions around media, crime, and power feel more relevant than ever."
The trailer for the series was released recently and has been receiving a positive response from the audience and fans of Munawar Faruqui.
Previously, Munawar appeared in reality programmes such as 'Lock Upp 1' and 'Bigg Boss 17', both of which he went on to win.
The series also stars Gulshan Grover, Krystle D'Souza, and a stellar supporting cast, painting an atmospheric picture of a Mumbai torn between glamour and greed. The trailer hints at high-stakes drama, the clash between Bollywood and piracy, and the rise of a black market that fed the public's insatiable appetite for cinema before release day.
The series is directed by Farhan Zamma and is set to premiere on 20th June on Amazon MX Player.

Mumbai-set series explores 1990s film piracy with Munawar Faruqui's dramatic acting debut

Deepak Parashar Stars as Inspector in 'First Copy'

Mumbai-set series explores 1990s film piracy with Munawar Faruqui's dramatic acting debut

June 18, 2025 | 13:25 IST