Mumbai: Indian television is witnessing a powerful wave of nostalgia, with iconic shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi on Star Plus and CID and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain on Sony Entertainment Television returning in refreshed formats.

All three shows have returned or are returning after a significant gap: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi originally launched in 2000, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain premiered in 2011 and CID first aired in 1998.

Broadcasters such as JioStar and Sony Pictures Networks India are banking on these legacy titles to re-engage long-time fans while appealing to younger audiences raised on digital content, say industry experts.

However, experts note that while nostalgia can be an effective strategy, it doesn’t always translate to success—as seen with Kasautii Zindagii Kay, which fell short of expectations.

As OTT platforms grow in influence and viewing habits become increasingly fragmented, television networks are turning to familiar, time-tested content to stand out in an overcrowded media environment.

"The resurgence of classic television content in refreshed formats gained momentum in the post-Covid period and is poised to intensify further," said L V Krishnan, CEO of TAM Media. "This strategic revival offers broadcasters a pathway to mitigate the effects of screen fragmentation by fostering shared viewing experiences, particularly among families, while simultaneously enhancing engagement with younger demographics."

Krishnan also noted the strong recall value of these shows, which makes them easier to discover in today’s content-saturated landscape. “Their sustained popularity on digital platforms underscores the enduring audience appetite for familiar narratives,” he added.

“I anticipate this trend will persist, mirroring similar developments in international markets such as the US, where legacy television properties like Lucifer have been successfully reimagined for digital-first consumption.”

One of the most high-profile revivals is Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, a defining show of the early 2000s. Sumanta Bose, head of cluster, entertainment at JioStar (which includes Star Plus), underlined its lasting cultural relevance.

“In early 2000s, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was more than just a show; it was a cultural phenomenon that brought families together, shaped social conversations and defined primetime for an entire generation on Star Plus,” Bose said.

“Now, 25 years later, as the meaning of family and relationships continues to evolve, we believe there is no better time to bring it back. In today’s fragmented world, its return is not just nostalgic but necessary.”

Both Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain are being produced by Balaji Telefilms, which remains confident in the future of the television business.

Balaji Telefilms CEO Sanjay Dwivedi said TV channels are reviving classic shows by updating their visuals, pace and themes while preserving their emotional appeal. Stronger female leads and modern relationships make the stories relatable, but the core of family drama and emotional depth remains unchanged, creating a blend of nostalgia and relevance.

"It's a fight for audience attention," he said. "Old shows bring comfort, but younger viewers want choice and speed. The best shows tap into universal emotions with clear characters and simple, engaging storytelling. We must create comfort and routine, but also keep things dramatic enough to stay interesting."

Beyond these titles, Balaji is also in discussions with JioStar’s Colors to revive another popular series, Naagin, Dwivedi said during a recent investors call.

According to a FICCI-EY report, general entertainment channels (GEC) and movies together account for 75% of television viewership in India, based on data from the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). Despite stiff competition from OTT platforms, television remains resilient, recording a total of 1.5 trillion gross AMA (average minute audience). Notably, 81% of TV viewers were under the age of 50.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi premieres on July 29, while Bade Achche Lagte Hain Season 4 debuted on June 16. CID returned in December 2024 with its second season on SET India and began streaming on Netflix in February 2025 through a Sony licensing deal.

The finale episode may end happily ever after for lovers Anurag and Prerna, played by Parth Samthaan and Erica Fernandes
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 7, 2020)

Ever since Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay (KZK) resumed work following a four-month hiatus, it has been constantly in the news. First, Karan Patel replaced Karan Singh Grover as Mr Bajaj, and there was talk that a new Anurag Basu would be brought in too. Then, Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag, tested positive for Coronavirus, following which co-actors Aamna Sharif and Erica Fernandes chose to shoot from home. Finally, days after resuming work, Parth tendered his resignation and could not be persuaded to reconsider his decision. While half-a-dozen actors were in queue to step into his shoes, Mirror (August 20) was the first to report that Ekta was ready to pull the plug on the KZK reboot if she didn’t find a worthy replacement for Parth.

Recently, reports started doing the rounds that KZK will go off air towards October end and will be replaced by Saath Nibhaana Saathiya (SNS), which is all set to flag off its second season. Now, Mirror has learnt that the last episode of KZK will be aired on October 3. “Ekta made several attempts to convince Parth to stay on, but he just wouldn’t budge. She thinks that replacing him might break the show’s connection with the audience. So yes, the curtains will come down on KZK on October 3,” reveals an inside source, quickly adding that contrary to speculations, SNS will not be replacing it as work on it is still underway. “It will make way for a new fiction show.”

The original Kasautii Zindagii Kay started in 2001 and ran for more than six years, ending in February 2008. It featured Shweta Tiwari as Prerna and Cezanne Khan as Anurag Basu, who was later replaced by Hiten Tejwani. Ronit Roy played the dashing Mr Bajaj and the show ended with Komolika trying to shoot Anurag and killing both Prerna and him in the process. She herself fell off a cliff and the final sequence had Anurag and Prerna uniting in death. For the reboot, the writers are working on a different ending since it is winding up in just two years. “Anurag and Prerna will get a happy ending, but how it pans out is still being worked upon,” the source informs.

The decision to end the show has been taken after much discussion; mainly because Parth wants to focus on his health and Bollywood debut, while Erica, who plays Prerna, wants to shoot from home due to safety concerns. “Neither wants to play parents on screen. Also, the show wasn’t getting the expected ratings. So, Ekta has finally decided to pull the plug,” concludes the source. 

As Parth Samthaan’s disinterest on the set becomes evident following a reported resignation from the show, producer Ekta Kapoor searching for new Anurag Basu
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 20, 2020)

Ever since Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay returned after a four-month hiatus brought on by the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown, the soap has been in the news. After around two weeks of shoot, Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag Basu, tested Coronavirus positive and the unit was forced into another shorter break. The actor joined the team from August 4, but soon rumours were rife that he had told producer Ekta that he wanted to opt out.

According to a source close to the development, Parth resigned the same weekend he returned. “His health is his priority right now. Also, he has a Bollywood film coming up and wants to concentrate on that,” says the source, adding that Ekta has been trying to persuade him to stay on, given the TRPs he has been raking in for her. “Recently, she even roped in a third person known to both to help her convince Parth to continue with the show. But he is not keen.”

The source informs that the actor’s lack of interest is evident on the set too. “In the last week alone, he didn’t turn up on two days, Saturday and Monday, and on Tuesday, he shot for just two hours. He isn’t even interacting with the unit much and keeps to himself,” the source shares.

Meanwhile, according to the source, Ekta has approached Zain Imam, Vijayendra Kumeria and Barun Sobti. Talks are also on with Vishal Aditya Singh, Harshad Chopda and Aashim Gulati to replace him. Zain played Yuvraj Luthra in Tashan-E-Ishq, Neil Khanna in Naamkarann and Kabir Mittal in Ek Bhram... Sarvagun Sampanna. Vijayendra became a household name as Suraj Rajvanshi in Udaan and Dev Parikh in Naagin: Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel. Barun has done TV shows like Dill Mill Gayye, Baat Hamari Pakki Hai and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? and a couple of films, Main Aur Mr Riight and Tu Hai Mera Sunday. Vishal was the second runner-up on Nach Baliye 9 and was in Bigg Boss last year. Harshad is best remembered as Cadet Ali Baig in Left Right Left, Anurag Ganguly in Tere Liye and Aditya Hooda in Bepannah while Aashim played Rehaan Khanna in Dil Sambhal Jaa Zara and the titular role in Karn Sangini.

The source concludes, saying, “Parth has found a huge following and Anurag is an iconic character. Ekta is clear that if he doesn’t stay and she can’t find a worthy replacement, she will end the show.”

Riya Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; August 1, 2020)

For Aamna Sharif, Eid has always been about sharing and spreading love. The actress, who is currently seen in Kasautii Zindagii Kay, shares that the way she celebrates the festival has not changed over the years. However, this year, the celebrations might be different because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“It is not going to be like how we have always celebrated Eid. It is going to be different because we are not going to meet everyone as we have to follow social distancing. But what we should try and do is retain the essence of the festival as much as possible,” the actress tells us.

Talking about her early memories of Eid, Aamna, like any other child, would look forward to receiving Eidi from her elders. “As a child, all of us would look forward to waking up early in the morning and getting dressed. My mom would make sevai, sheer korma and biryani, and all those things I have learnt from her. The most exciting part as a child was to take blessings from the elders, going to our relatives’ houses and getting Eidi from everyone. For me, the festival has that feel of all the family members getting together and just having a good time,” she shares.

For Aamna, the festival is about sharing and caring, something she has kept with her since her childhood. Aamna says, “One thing that I love about this festival is how important it is to share, care and spread love. When we were kids, we would wake up in the morning and cook not just for ourselves, but for others as well. I still remember and still follow the same things we used to do as kids. The first thing we do is send the sevai and sheer khurrma to the neighbours, and then of course to friends and relatives. It is beautiful to show your love and care by sharing these things.”

As Aamna sends her Eid wishes to her fans, she urges everyone to be kind. “There is anyway so much negativity in the world right now, so be positive, be kind and spread as much love as possible,” she says.

Scripts will be improvised so as to not have scenes with too many people
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 24, 2020)

With PPE kits and sanitisers in place, your favourite celebrities have brought back your favourite TV shows on air again, but with tweaks for both the storyline and how they shoot. Shows now won’t have shoots in different locations, family together in one frame, fights, marriages or hand-holding.

‘Kiss will become flying kiss’
J D Majethia, producer of the show Bhakarwadi, says a big no to any scene which shows a gathering of people. “You can’t have too many people in one frame. We also have to cut down on scenes which show someone touching an elder’s feet! Aashirwaad bhi door se dena padhega. Intimacy isn’t there on TV anyway,” he says.

The 51-year-old sums it up by saying, “Earlier, there was kiss, now it has become a flying kiss. We can’t go to outdoor locations, as that would be dangerous for that particular locality. Though we haven’t tweaked our story too much, we have a new track.”

Precautionary measures part of the show
Viewers who watch Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, saw their favourite characters wearing face shields, masks and using sanitisers — all as a part of the story. Pooja Banerjee, who is working on two shows currently — Kumkum Bhagya and Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2, says stories have already been tweaked according to the guidelines. “There’s no touching, no romantic scenes, no intimate scenes, or even hugging. When I was shooting for Kumkum Bhagya, literally even the elbow touching was missing. In fact, I wear a face mask in one of the scenes, and those are part of the episode. We sanitise our hands after a scene even if we touch just a glass,” she tells us.

Kamya Panjabi, whose show Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki is back with new episodes, says that the story will change for many shows. “We won’t be able to explore much. Your safety is in your hands. The channel and producer won’t serve safety on a platter. We will only shoot indoors now,” she says.

Technology to the rescue?
From a writer’s point of view too, things will alter. Sumrit Shahi, who has been the writer for shows such as Veer Ki Ardaas… Veera and the recent web show Never Kiss Your Best Friend, says that as smaller units are in operation, storylines will change in terms of the grandness. “A lot of grandeur shots require many production people, and that is changing. One should be glad that work is finally happening again now. I don’t think anyone is in a state of complaining,” he reasons.

He goes on to give an example of how the shots will look like. “You write the close up scenes in such a way that the two people are in the same frame, but it’s not being shot together. Also, we don’t write crowd scenes, we will use stock footage, but I don’t know how much of a solution is that, we’ll have to use audio smartly,” says Shahi.

Hands are tied, show banks to go for a toss
Producer Benaifer Kohli, who is shooting for her show Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, says that right now, she’s not interested in spending on costumes or jewellery for her characters, but rather on safety procedures. “I have told everyone to be six feet apart. My show set is certified safe,” Kohli tells us.

Emphasising on how even guidelines can’t change a good storyteller, Kohli admits that in a sense, her hands are tied. She says, “If I write ‘bazaar mein’, bazaar dikha nahi sakti. I want to show five people have gone to the police station, but I can’t show those five people. We are limited. We will have to shoot smartly.” she adds.

Ekta Kapoor’s Prerna wants to do one more Coronavirus test before reporting on set
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 24, 2020)

Mirror (July 17) had earlier reported that following the mandatory three-day halt after Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag Basu in Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay tested Covid positive, shooting resumed on Friday with Karan Patel and Pooja Banerjee. Aamna Sharif, who plays Komolika, was given a few more days off after it was learnt that one of her staff members was infected. Now, we’ve learnt that both Aamna and Erica Fernandes, who plays the leading lady Prerna Sharma, have been shooting from home.

Erica confirmed the news saying she has been doing this after four cases, including Parth, Aamna’s staff and two watchmen, were reported on the set. “I tested negative, but the testing was done at an early stage. So, I wanted to wait for a few more days, get another test done after 10 days and then get back to the set. But since we were already on air, we had to continue work and this is the best way forward,” she points out.

The actress shares that one has to be their own director, cameraman, sound recordist, light man, hairstylist, make-up person and spot boy when shooting from home and admits that isn’t easy. “But I have an online channel for which I used to do everything on my own and that experience is coming in handy since it taught me intricacies of handling a camera, fixing the lights, monitoring the sound and getting dressed up on my own. My only challenge has been not having my co-star in front and having to imagine how the other person will react,” she informs.

Erica is on a 12-hour daily shift, coordinating with the team through video calls. “My director, DoP and someone from the creative team are always on call. The screen acts as their monitor and they give me cues over the call. All discussions happen on the phone as well. We do retakes only if the mood is not right or I fumble my lines. Otherwise, we okay the take quickly and we have done a pretty good job so far,” the actress asserts.

She remembers that during the initial days of the show, they were shooting outdoors in Kolkata using wireless earphones. “Now, we are shooting over video calls, it shows we are evolving,” she chuckles.

Erica is all praise for producer Ekta Kapoor, who treats her team really well. “It wouldn’t have been hard for them to replace me, but they are cooperating and trying to find ways to make things work. Both the channel and Ekta have so much at stake and they are still being so considerate. So, I have been trying to give my best,” she says, adding that the last three episodes had her shooting from home.

Ask her how long she sees this continuing and she admits she’s not sure. And what about Parth? “We’ve been checking on him constantly. He got tested again recently and this time he was negative. He is recuperating well,” she signs off.

Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 17, 2020)

For the past few weeks, Ekta Kapoor’s soap, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, has been in news with Karan Patel replacing Karan Singh Grover as Mr Bajaj and Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag Basu, testing positive for Coronavirus on Sunday. As per the guidelines, the shoot was stopped for three days during which the sets were disinfected and the team tested. Shooting resumes today.

“The makers can’t delay the shoot any further as they need a constant flow of fresh episodes. Karan Patel and Pooja Banerjee, who portrays Nivedita Basu, will be among the first actors to resume work from today,” informed a source, adding that Erica Fernandes, who plays leading lady Prerna Sharma, will be filming alone due to a health condition.

Recently, Aamna Sharif, who plays Komolika, had a bit of a scare when a member of her staff contracted the virus. Fortunately, her reports are clear. However, keeping everyone’s safety in mind, the actress will join the shoot only from next week. Pooja and she will spearhead the upcoming track.

Meanwhile, Parth has been recuperating at his home. “The makers are taking care of all his medical needs and ensuring he receives the best care. There is a doctor on call 24x7 instructing him on the path to recovery. Meanwhile, the writers have tweaked the storyline and sent Anurag out of the city on work,” the source revealed, adding that the narrative will now focus more on the relationship between Prerna, Mr Bajaj, Komolika and Nivedita. “Parth will be tested again on July 26. Until then, the portions he had already shot will be used in the upcoming episodes. But he is unlikely to resume work before August.”

Riya Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; July 14, 2020)

Though her Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 coactor Parth Samthaan tested positive for Coronavirus, Pooja Banerjee, who is awaiting her test results, is trying to remain optimistic. “When we act, we can’t wear a mask. So, my first thought (when I heard about Parth) was that I was in direct contact with him and will have to get tested. I had a ‘Oh my God, what’s going to happen?’ moment, but I realised my whole unit is scared, so I calmed down. My production head was aware of the situation, so when I spoke to him, he said I could go home after getting myself tested,” she says. Quarantining at home, Pooja shares, “We don’t know for how long the shoot has been stalled. When we returned to work, we knew something like this could happen. The fact that it happened to someone who’s right across my make-up room, is a very good friend and is my co-actor, is scary, but I need to be optimistic. Everyone on the set wore masks, maintained distance and took precautions.”

Pooja adds that some people have been mocking TV actors for shooting in such times, but they don’t realise that many depend on TV for survival. She says, “We don’t get due credit as entertainers and artistes, and some people mock us for working amid the pandemic. There are many dependent on TV shows for their livelihood. I saw the fear on the faces of my crew when this happened. As an actor, it’s tough for us to be completely safe as we shoot without masks. I’ve been sanitising my jewellery, carrying my UV (sanitiser box), our production unit keeps sanitising the sets... iss se zyada, what else can you do?”

Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 13, 2020)

On Sunday, Ekta Kapoor’s leading man Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag Basu in the Kasautii Zindagii Kay reboot, tested positive for Covid-19. The actor took to social media to confirm the same, and urged people, who have been in close proximity with him over the last few days, to get themselves tested too. He added that he is in self-quarantine as per the doctors’ instructions.

Acknowledging the news, a spokesperson from Ekta’s production house issued a statement, which stated without naming the actor, “Our first priority is to help protect our talent, production crew and employees. We are taking all the precautions detailed in the guidelines. We were and will continue following all medical protocols set by the authorities and have implemented guidelines concerning social interactions, hygiene, travel and visits to the sets.”

As per guidelines, shooting has been halted for the next three days, during which the cast and the crew will be tested and the set will be sanitised.

According to a source, the actor, who resumed work on June 26, was showing Coronavirus symptoms on Friday, his last day of shoot. “Parth had high fever and got tested the next day. He is still feeling weak,” informed the source, adding that since they got back into action, Parth has shot with only two actors, Pooja Banerjee, who portrays his sister in the show, and the new Mr Bajaj, Karan Patel.

Karan, the latest entrant in the show, started shooting on Tuesday. He hasn’t shot for the last three days but will take a swab test at home as a precautionary measure, keeping in mind not just his own safety but also others’, including his family. He was excited about playing the businessman who re-enters Prerna’s life to help her destroy her ex-husband Anurag while rekindling their romance.

When speaking to Mirror (July 7), Karan had said he was not unduly tense about shooting in the midst of a pandemic. “We have to behave responsibly. As long as everyone takes care, we should be okay,” he had asserted.

J D Majethia, chairman of the TV and web wing of Indian Film and TV Producers Council, says Parth testing positive has not come as a shock. “When we resumed shooting, we were mentally prepared for a few cases. We are ready to help and support the producers in any way we can, while ensuring that the government-mandated guidelines are being followed. We just hope these cases don’t become too many, because then we will have to make some changes in our system.”

Amit Behl, joint secretary of Cine and TV Artistes’ Association, adds that from the reports they have been getting, everyone has been following the guidelines. “Even if we decide to halt the shoots for 15-20 days, what is the guarantee that there won’t be a new case after that,” he reasons, adding that all they can do is work out more precautions.

Behl shares that there are senior actors who are tense because they are unable to work. “So, on one hand, you have mental stress and on the other, the risk of contracting Covid-19. It’s a Catch-22 situation,” he maintains, saying producers and broadcasters will be taking care of the treatment of the cast and crew under Covid cover. “What else can we ask of them? Shoots have started in the West. They are trying to find new norms and so are we. There will be some collateral damage, but I believe Parth will recover soon.”
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Balaji puts filming of the popular show on hold, urges crew to get tested after Parth Samthaan is diagnosed with the infection
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 13, 2020)

On Sunday, creator-producer Ekta Kapoor called off the shoot of Kasautii Zindagii Kay as soon as lead actor Parth Samthaan informed her that he was diagnosed with the Coronavirus. A source from the set reveals, "Pooja Banerjee and Shubhaavi Choksey were shooting their portions at the Andheri studio when word about Parth's health came in. On Ekta's orders, the production house immediately cancelled the day's shoot, and requested the cast and crew to self-quarantine. They also urged those who were in close proximity to Parth to get themselves tested."

As per procedure, the studio was promptly disinfected. The actors were also notified that filming would be suspended for three days, following which the production house would take a call on the way forward. The source adds, "The shoot of Kumkum Bhagya, Kundali Bhagya and Pavitra Bhagya have been cancelled as they are filmed in the same studio." Soon after, Samthaan shared the news on social media.

When mid-day contacted Balaji Telefilms, the spokesperson confirmed the development, stating, "Our first priority is to protect our talent, production crew and employees. We are and will continue following all medical protocols set by the authorities and have implemented guidelines concerning hygiene, travel and visits to the sets."

Karan Patel steps into the shoes of Mr Bajaj today
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 7, 2020)

Mirror had earlier reported (June 26) that Karan Patel would be replacing Karan Singh Grover as the new Mr Bajaj in Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay reboot. Looking dapper, the actor quips, tongue-in-cheek, “People say with age comes maturity, I say with mascara comes maturity.”

Patel, who played a doting husband and a caring father in another Ekta soap, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, for six years, till it concluded last December, says that he’s hoping playing Mr Bajaj will be as easy to play as Raman Bhalla. “You can’t hold on to a character for your whole life,” he reasons, explaining his choice to turn bad as he re-enters the protagonist Prerna Sharma’s life to help her destroy her ex-husband Anurag Basu and rekindle their romance. But will his fans accept him in this new avatar? “I am who I am because of them. As long as this love-love relationship continues, everything will be fine,” he retorts.

Prod him on the role and he admits he doesn’t have any idea about his character arc. “The writers are planning some major twists but I don’t know what they are. Every actor gives something new and unique to a character, I’ll try to do the same,” he says, admitting that he has seen only a few episodes of the show. “But I have seen the original as I was a part of it.”

Karan is all praise for his producer, insisting that Ekta helped shape his career. “Sure, I made some mistakes, but she always gave me chances to rectify them and make new ones. She is a fantastic friend and an amazing producer who makes stars,” he gushes.

Interestingly, Karan has never crossed paths with Erica Fernandes, who plays Prerna, or Parth Samthaan, who has been holding fort as Anurag. He starts shooting for the show today and is not unduly tense working in the midst of an ongoing pandemic. “We have to behave responsibly. As long as everyone takes care, we should be okay,” he concludes calmly.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; June 26, 2020)

Over the past few days, speculations have been rife over which actor will replace Karan Singh Grover to play the new Mr Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 (KZK), after it was reported that he isn’t returning to the show post the lockdown.

Several artistes, including Sharad Kelkar and Gaurav Chopraa, were approached for the part. However, we have now learnt that the production house’s search has ended with Karan Patel, who is popular for playing Mr Bhalla on the show, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein. Interestingly, he had played a small role — that of Karanvir Bohra’s (he had played Mr Bajaj’s son Prem) friend — in the original edition of KZK.

Karan shares, “Mr Bajaj is an iconic character, which has lived on in people’s minds for years. So, it’s a matter of honour to take it ahead from where Ronit Roy and Karan Singh Grover left, and add my nuances to it.”

Ask him if he is worried about being compared to the previous two actors and he replies, “I don’t fear comparisons, as that’s bound to happen. Fear creeps in only when you expect failures. In my case, I have always followed my instinct and focused on how well I can perform my role. As an artiste, I am spontaneous and that’s my forte. I will do the same with my new character.”

This is the first time Karan has replaced an actor on a show. He says, “I don’t have any preconceived notions about anything. I believe that all of us have our own journeys. No actor is bigger than the character and the show.”

As he gets ready to return to work, the actor is happy that he spent quality time with his six-month-old daughter, Mehr, during the Coronavirus lockdown. “This forced break was like a blessing in disguise for me, as I got to spend quality time with Mehr and my family. However, getting back to work is something I will happily welcome. I live for the cameras and love my work.”
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Character returns to help Prerna destroy the Basus; expect duo to fall in love, again
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 26, 2020)

Ekta Kapoor’s reboot of her 2001 show, Kasautii Zindagii Kay (KZK), which ran for seven years, started with a bang in 2018. But, since then, the show has been in the news more for its casting than its on-screen performance. The latest update is that Karan Singh Grover, who was brought in to play Mr Bajaj, has been replaced by his namesake, Karan Patel. The actor was last seen in another Ekta show, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, which wrapped up last December after a six-year run.

Last June, Grover stepped into the shoes of Ronit Roy, who had made the character a household name in the 2001 original. He was appreciated for his act, but inexplicably, just four months later, in October, the actor bade farewell to the show through an Instagram post. After endless speculations about his replacement, Grover put rumours to rest by informing Mirror (March 3) that he would return as Mr Bajaj and the audience would get to see a softer side to his character. “As long as Mr Bajaj is alive, Prerna will be, too. Before leaving, he had told her that he would return whenever she needs him. Now, he is back when she is in trouble. He obviously loves her,” he had pointed out, promising a new look.

However, back then, he had no clarity on when he would start shooting. Soon after, the pandemic brought all shoots to a halt and during the lockdown, Grover decided to quit the show for good. Subsequently, the makers approached several actors. The names that one heard included Sharad Kelkar, Gaurav Chopraa, Dino Morea and Milind Soman, among others. But it is Patel who finally bagged the part. Interestingly, just like Grover, Patel was also a part of the original KZK.

The actor is expected to join the shoot from Monday. Currently, the makers are working on his look, as they want him in a different avatar from Grover. In the upcoming track, the viewers will see Prerna planning her revenge against Anurag, who had intended to kill her. She will come up with a business scheme to destroy the Basus with the help of Bajaj. And like in the original, a new love story will begin again between Prerna and Bajaj.

The sagas that had redefined Indian TV, now hope to win audiences all over again
Sangeeta Yadav (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 14, 2020)

Agreat strategy or crisis management — reruns of phenomenally popular mythological shows Mahabharat and Ramayan or sitcoms Dekh Bhai Dekh and Shrimaan Shrimati during the Coronavirus lockdown are proving to be quite the game-changer on TV. Now, with Balika Vadhu the latest to return, many feel getting back iconic saas bahu sagas such as Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagi Kay and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, among others, will boost TRPs.

Producer Rajan Shahi feels good shows will resonate whenever they air. “If we bring back saas-bahu shows which started a new phase on Indian TV, broadcasters can cash in on the popularity again,” he says.

Avika Gor, aka the young Anandi of Balika Vadhu, is overwhelmed as her show returns. “It was a one-of-its kind show, and each episode had a message that made a difference,” she says.

Actors who became a household name with these shows also feel it’s a great idea to bring them back.

Urvashi Dholakia aka Komolika of Kasautii... feels people will love to go down memory lane. Other than her show, she says, “I’d also like to see Kahaani... because I love Sakshi Tanwar’s acting and the whole cast was perfect. Even Ghar Ek Mandir and Mehndi Tere Naam Ki were very relatable and the characters beautifully etched.” Echoing the sentiment, Hiten Tejwani of Kyunki... says, “All these shows hold a great recall value and will definitely get a good audience. Even the current generation will be able to connect.”

Though the popular sitcoms are doing well on screen, getting daily soaps back “involves calculative risk”, points out scriptwriter Gajra Kottary. “Most of these are long-running shows and once the lockdown is over, the new shows would be back. Balika Vadhu for instance, went on for eight years, so it will club two episodes and air for an hour daily. So, some broadcasters are playing it safe by going for shows with shorter episodes,” Kottary adds.

Hina Khan, who broke out of traditional mould on reality TV, shot an Indo-Hollywood film in animal skins and is now making her Bollywood debut with a cyber crime thriller
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 21, 2020)

This year, Hina Khan joins the list of TV actresses who graduated to the big screen from television, with Vikram Bhatt’s cyber-crime thriller Hacked. She plays a woman targeted by an obsessive young hacker (played by Rohan Shah). “We see such cases all around the world. Also, you expect horror and thriller from Vikram, but here he is exploring a new space,” she says explaining her reasons for doing this film. She adds that she’s never been in a similar situation but often receives text messages with bogus One Time Password that are known to lead to cyber fraud. “Sharing stuff on your own is different from it being done without your consent.”

The actress was supposed to make her big film debut with Hussein Khan’s Lines, for which she had walked the Cannes red carpet last year. Its theatrical release in India is delayed as it’s still doing the rounds of the global festival circuit. “Before Hacked, I wrapped up Country Of Blind, in which I play a blind woman who wears animal skins with no makeup. It is an Indo-Hollywood project. I might walk the Cannes red carpet again for this film,” she informs.

Hina acknowledges that participating in Bigg Boss was a turning point in her career. “I never thought I would become a fashion diva when I entered the house. I just wanted to break out of that traditional look (from her TV debut, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai) that I did for eight long years. After coming out (of the BB house), I discovered how much people appreciated me,” she gushes, adding that she shares a special relationship with host Salman Khan. “He is fond of me. When I told him about Hacked, he wished me luck and appreciated Vikram’s direction.”

The journey from TV to films has been fruitful. “I played an iconic role in my first show itself and never thought Id be able to break that mould but luckily, people accepted me in a negative role (as Komolika in the Kasautii Zindagi Kay reboot). Taking the risk of moving to films was a conscious decision as I wanted to move ahead in life,” she says.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; October 30, 2019)

He began his journey in the entertainment world with television shows. Sunny Singh was a part of one of India’s longest-running daily soaps, Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001-2008). He made his debut in Bollywood with Madhur Bhandarkar’s Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (2011). However, it was the 2015 release Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 that set the ball rolling for him. This year, the actor reaches a landmark in his career as he gears up for the release of his solo lead project, Ujda Chaman, directed by Abhishek Pathak. In a chat with BT, Sunny talks about his struggles, the mentors who have shown him the way and opens up about the averted clash of his film with the Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer, Bala. Read on…

Ujda Chaman is your first film, which features you as the solo lead. How does it feel to carry the weight of a movie on your shoulders?
It feels really good, especially to see yourself featuring on the poster, solo (laughs!). I was waiting for such a project. I also wanted to do something different. I had faith and knew that one day, something like this will come along. When I was approached for this film, I got excited hearing the concept and details about my character.

Ayushmann Khurrana’s film Bala, based on a similar subject (premature balding), is releasing a week later. Amidst all that excitement, does this bother you?
When I saw the trailer of Bala, I couldn’t believe my eyes! I was like…what just happened? Later, when the feeling sank in, I was fine. Personally, I like Ayushmann and love his work. He is my senior and I am his fan. I had also met his wife Tahira and brother Apar (Aparshakti), they all are very sweet. They are like my family. I remember meeting Ayushmann at the screening of De De Pyaar De. I had a guest appearance in the film. He came to me and appreciated my work in the film. About the clash, I have no pressure, as such. I know that I have given this film my 100 per cent, and I am hoping it will connect with the audience.

Tell us all that went in to get the bald look right on screen?
It was a long, tedious procedure. On the first day, I thought it would be a cakewalk. However, when I sat through the look test, I realized that I had to go through this every day on set. The prosthetics team would use glue and a silicon cap to get the look. It would take three hours for me to get ready. I would arrive on the sets at 4 am and get ready only by about 6.30. Removing it would take another half an hour. During the three-hour process, I would watch movies on my phone. Shooting in Delhi and Ghaziabad was the toughest as it was very hot, leading to sweat getting accumulated under the silicon cap. It would be extremely uncomfortable.

From being a part of a TV show to bagging a solo lead film project, what have been your biggest hurdles along the way?
I have come a long way and reached here, I am truly happy for that. Well, the thing is that I have been extremely focused. I wanted to be an actor ever since I was five years old. I would tell my father (Jai Singh Nijjar, action director) that I wanted to be a hero. I used to enact scenes from the film Ram Lakhan (1989) at home. Seeing my enthusiasm, my father supported me, but also told me that it is going to be a very tough way ahead. He warned me that I would have to stand in long queues for auditions and he also said that he could approach people through his contacts, but eventually, I had to impress them with my talent. If didn’t, I had to ready to face failure. And I have faced it all. I would be very nervous during auditions. After waiting in long queues and then getting a chance to perform in front of casting agents, I would often get the response, ‘Aap mein yeh kami hai, woh kami hai.’ Finally, when I turned 18, a casting agent approached me and asked if I willing to do television shows. That is how Kasautii Zindagii Kay happened. I just took it up to get the experience of facing the camera. After a couple of TV shows, I quit doing that and focused only on movies. One day, I met Luv Ranjan through a casting agent. That was the best day of my life. After my family, he is the only person who I trust and have faith in.

The film industry is accustomed to seeing star kids make their way in showbiz. Lately, sons of fine technicians are also making their mark here, like Vicky Kaushal (whose father Sham Kaushal is an action director). It is interesting and remarkable…
Yes, it is interesting. I am good friends with Vicky Kaushal. In fact, he is from my hometown and our homes are just a kilometre apart. Our families get together during occasions and we know each other very well. He is a very sweet and simple guy. He has been so focused all these years and has worked really hard to reach where he is today. I have seen him go through the process. In fact, on three-four occasions we have gone for narrations together.

As a kid, would you accompany your father on film sets?
My father would tell me stories from what would happen on the sets. I would ask him to take me along, as I wanted to see the stunts live. I remember being on the sets of Vijaypath (1994), where Ajay Devgn was shooting a scene with a tiger. My father was training him, even Veeru Devgan (Ajay’s father, who was also an action director) was there. My father was lying down and the tiger was on his chest. They were demonstrating this to the actor and the duplicate. It was very scary to see my father doing that.

Which is that one actor you idolised while growing up?
I have been crazy about Akshay Kumar, probably because he gives me the Delhi vibes. While growing up, I would watch each and every movie of his. My father worked with him on Khiladi 786 (2012) and many other films.

Your upcoming film Pati Patni Aur Woh reunites you with your Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety co-actor actor Kartik Aaryan. What’s your equation with him?
I am doing a guest appearance in the movie. It was Kartik who called me and informed me about the cameo. Later, I met director Mudassar Aziz and came on board. It’s fun working with the entire team. Kartik has been a good friend. We know each other since 2011 and ever since, we have always hit it off well.

The actress is returning to the small screen after six years
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; September 26, 2019)

Guess who is playing the new Komolika in Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 after Hina Khan’s exit? It’s Aamna Shariff! The actress, who is still remembered as Kashish from Kahiin Toh Hoga (2003-2007) and was last seen in the TV show, Ek Thhi Naayika (2013), is all set to make a comeback on TV. Post her last stint on the small screen, Aamna featured in the film Ek Villain (2014), in which she played Riteish Deshmukh’s wife.

Talking about the hiatus and turning negative on the small screen for the first time, Aamna says, “The reason for the break was the need to reinvent my personal life. It would have been easy to stay in my comfort zone and come back with a love story, but that wouldn’t have satiated me as an actor. It’s always a different kind of rush to surprise your audience. So, when I was offered the role of Komolika, I instinctively knew that this is what will challenge me the most as an actor.”

She adds, “I feel there are no black or white characters anymore. They are all grey in their own ways and with so many platforms to explore, the stories have become more about ensembles than about leads. If it’s an interesting character and adds value to the story in a large way, no one thinks on those grounds anymore. A Devdas for me is as much about Chandramukhi as it is about Paro, and a Padmaavat is as much about Khilji as it’s about Padmavati herself.”

Ask her if she is apprehensive about comparisons that would be drawn with Hina Khan and she replies, “I haven’t seen the show, but I have heard that Hina was doing a commendable job. Urvashi Dholakia had played the character many years ago in Kasautii Zindagii Kay in such a powerful way that Komolika became a cult figure.”

Dhaval Mehta (DNA; August 9, 2019)

Karan Singh Grover was missing in action for over three years but now is back with a bang on TV with the Kasautii Zindagii Kay (KZK) reboot and at the same time has forayed onto the digital platform with Boss: Baap Of Special Services. While he plays Rishabh Bajaj in KZK — the role earlier essayed by Ronit Roy — in the web series he portrays a cop. When asked what kept him away from small-screen for so long, he says, “There wasn’t any particular reason. I was busy with the shoot of my two films, which will release soon. I was also engrossed with painting and that took quite a lot of my time.” Does he feel nostalgic about KZK, considering he was a part of the original serial, too? “No, the show is different though the story line is still the same. And, playing the character of Rishabh Bajaj is quite a big deal. Even people who didn’t watch TV then knew who Bajaj was.”

About his web outing he explains that as a cop, he has a different way of dealing with crime and solving cases. “He looks at things from a criminal’s perspective and this gives him an edge over other police officers,” he says. Ask him if there is any difference between shooting for the small screen and the digital platform and he says, “For artistes, the way we perform doesn’t change irrespective of the medium. The way we are shown on the platform changes. I like to pick up projects, which are different and do justice to characters I am playing. That is the only thing that grabs my attention and I make sure that nothing collides ever.”

Talking about how life has transformed after marrying Bipasha Basu, the Qubool Hai actor says everything has changed. “Life has a new meaning. It is more beautiful than I could ever imagine. Everything is sorted. She is a master at sorting it down (laughs). Everything is well organised, that’s how a happy life should be. Bipasha and I have completed a film together called Aadat and will be releasing later this year,” he signs off

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; November 5, 2018)

In a synthetic world, actress Shweta Tiwari stands out. She doesn’t believe in any frills or giving politically-correct answers when you sit down for a chat with her. Last seen playing the lead in Begusarai, the actress took a break from work when she got pregnant and delivered a baby boy. After two years, Shweta is making her theatre debut with the play Jab We Separated. In an exclusive chat, the actress talks about her break, rumours of trouble in her marriage, becoming a mother again after a long gap and her daughter Palak’s debut in Bollywood. Excerpts...

It has been two years since you’ve been on a break. One does not see you on TV anymore..
I completed my shooting for Begusarai in June 2016. At that time, I was pregnant with Reyansh and did not want to take up any long term commitments. TV shows require long hours of shooting and being a new mother, it was not possible to be away from him for so long. But now, I have slowly started taking up work and felt that if there is a good subject which requires short-term commitment, why not? I am not watching television at all, so I am not sure if I like it or not. Also, television content hasn’t changed much from the time I did Kasautii Zindagi Kay… But again, I am not following any particular show, so I can’t be sure of that.

Talking of Kasauti… do you watch the second season? Are you happy that it was remade or do you feel hit TV shows should not be remade?
Ekta Kapoor is making the remake, so she will do justice to it. The first season ran for seven years and my character was very close to my heart. I like the second season, too. I have watched a few episodes and both Parth Samthaan and Erica Fernandes are good in the show. I really feel that remakes should be made only if they are made with passion and they connect with viewers again. If they don’t connect, then they should be left alone because Kasauti... was such a hit show that people were connected with it emotionally.

You are making your debut in theatre with a play that revolves around a fragile husband-wife relationship...
There may be many plays around the husband-wife relationship, but what matters is the treatment. About marriage, I feel that many marriages are breaking up these days because people have options of getting out of it. Divorce is easy these days. First it was taboo... women were dependent on their husbands and at home. Now, they are independent, educated and not suppressed. So somewhere, husbands are not able to accept this and women have also become less tolerant. They feel it is better to leave a relationship and move on to someone else. Our play revolves around that idea; how you need to find ways to be together even if there is trouble. These days, people feel that if they move on with someone else, they will find happiness. But even that relationship will require adjustment, compromise and good communication. So, if you can mend your ways and save your marriage, why move on with someone else? You can’t keep doing that again and again.

There were rumours of trouble in your marriage a few months back...
I will tell you what really happened. Abhinav’s father passed away the same year I got pregnant. Abhinav’s parents stayed in Bengaluru, so he had to stay there for some time before he could get his mother here. His father was a retired air force officer and his mother owned a publishing company. Abhinav required some time before he could wrap up everything and be in Mumbai with us. He stayed there for almost a year. Now, here people started noticing that I was going to parties alone and was not seen with him. Even after Reyansh was born, he used to come for some time and go back. So, people felt why are they not staying together? Some people had the nerve to even call me and ask, ‘Hey, is everything well in your marriage? We don’t see your husband with you.’ Now, why should I tell people what happened? People need gossip. I felt so weird that just because my husband was away for some time, people found a reason to gossip and therefore I decided to stop giving any explanations to anyone.

Do you feel that it is difficult to handle a relationship in modern times?
I feel both individuals need space and they should respect it and give it to each other if they wish to have it. I feel respect is important in a relationship and I find that lacking these days in couples. During our parents’ time, husbands used to happily compliment their wives and there was no sarcasm. Now, I see that a husband and wife are no longer part of the same team in public gatherings. Many times, the husband is passing a remark on the wife’s family or the wife finds an opportunity to pull him down and so on. This shows that somewhere, there is lack of communication and understanding, which is weakening the foundation of a beautiful relationship.

Your daughter Palak is going to debut in Bollywood...
I will allow her to do anything after she finishes her XII exams. I am not going to stop her from films, TV or even becoming a pilot because it is difficult or there is a lot of competition. She wants to do films and I am not stopping her.

You became a mother after a long gap. Does it get difficult the second time?
I had Palak when I was only 19 years old. I was a kid myself and I was also working that time, so my mother helped me bring her up. I hardly remember much about her childhood. Now, with Reyansh, I feel it is my first time as a mother. I am thoroughly enjoying it. I love doing everything for him. Though I have help, I do all the little things that a mother enjoys doing for the child. I even take him everywhere I travel for work. It is one of the most beautiful phases of my life.