From Aashka Goradia to Sana Khan: Actors who bid goodbye to TV industry

The television industry is full of glamour, fame, and opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Many actors dream of making it big, and while some manage to continue their journey successfully, others decide to step away from the spotlight. Their reasons are often personal and very different from one another. Some leave because of industry politics or personal struggles, while others step back after marriage or motherhood. A few actors also choose to explore new paths outside of acting and follow their passions elsewhere. Over the years, many familiar faces have taken this decision, including Aashka Goradia, Sana Khan, and Mohena Kumari, among others. (Photo: Instagram)

Sana Khan, who gained popularity from Bigg Boss 6, was admired for her lively personality and charm. She worked in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films, appearing in movies like Jai Ho alongside Salman Khan and Silambattam in Tamil. Sana also featured in several music videos and TV commercials, making her a well-recognised face across industries. In 2020, she announced her retirement from the entertainment industry, saying she wanted to serve humanity and follow the path shown by her creator. That same year, she went through a public breakup with dancer Melvin Louis before marrying Anas Saiyed. Since then, she has been focusing on her personal life, spirituality, and family. (Photo: Instagram)

Aashka Goradia Goble began her acting career in 2002 and went on to work in shows like Kkusum, Laagi Tujhse Lagan, and Baal Veer. She also participated in Bigg Boss 6 and reality shows such as Nach Baliye 8. After nearly two decades in the industry, she decided to step away from acting to pursue entrepreneurship. She co-founded a successful cosmetics brand, which has grown into a multi-crore business. Aashka has often shared that acting happened by chance, but business was always her passion. Along with this, she is also a yoga enthusiast and often promotes a healthy lifestyle on her social media. (Photo: Instagram)

Anagha Bhosale became a household name for her role as Nandini in the popular show Anupamaa. Before this, she was also seen in Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao. In interviews, Anagha has spoken openly about the difficulties she faced in the television industry, pointing out issues like politics, unhealthy competition, and constant pressure to look a certain way. A devotee of Lord Krishna, she decided to leave acting and return to Pune to focus on her spiritual journey. Since then, she has been sharing updates on her devotion and simple lifestyle, keeping in touch with her fans through social media. (Photo: Instagram)

Mohena Kumari Singh first rose to fame as a contestant on Dance India Dance, showcasing her dancing talent. She later acted in television shows like Dil Dostii Dance and became well-known for her role in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. In 2019, she stepped away from the entertainment industry after marrying businessman and politician Suyash Rawat. She is now a mother to two children—Ayaansh, born in 2022, and Gauritaa, born in 2024. Although she has left acting, Mohena still shares her passion for dance on social media and remains connected with her fans. (Photo: Instagram)

Rishika Mihani, who appeared in shows like Ishqbaaz, decided to step away from acting a few years ago. After leaving television, she moved to Dubai to begin a new chapter in her career. She is now working as a real estate broker and is exploring life in a completely different profession. In an interview with ETimes TV, she shared that she works as a property consultant and is excited to test herself in this new role. Rishika also mentioned that just like Mumbai accepted her, she hopes Dubai will give her the same opportunities and success. (Photo: Instagram)

Addite Malik is best remembered for her role in the fantasy comedy show Shararat. She appeared in other TV projects like Kohi Apna Sa and Junior G, and her last television appearance was in Chabbis Barah in 2012. After stepping away from acting, she chose to pursue her passion for food and hospitality. Today, she runs successful restaurants in Mumbai along with her husband, actor Mohit Malik. The couple married in 2010 and welcomed their son, Ekbir, in 2021. Addite often shares glimpses of her family life and restaurant ventures on social media. (Photo: Instagram)

Nupur Alankar was a familiar face on Indian television, known for her work in shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum, Shaktimaan, and Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo. After a long career in acting, she decided to leave the entertainment industry to follow her spiritual path. In February, she formally took sanyaas and chose to dedicate her life to spirituality and service. Nupur revealed that she had always been inclined towards spiritualism and found deep guidance after meeting her guru, Shambhu Sharan Jha. Today, she focuses her time on helping those in need and living a life of simplicity and devotion. (Photo: Instagram)

Sameksha Singh, who acted in shows like Porus and appeared in films across Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, has stepped away from acting. She got married to Singapore-based businessman and singer Shael Oswal in a private ceremony. After marriage, she announced that she had said “goodbye” to the television industry. Sameksha is now focusing on scriptwriting and film production, working on projects along with her husband. Apart from her professional plans, she is also devoted to her family life, living with Shael, his children, and her son from her earlier marriage. (Photo: Instagram)

Mihika Verma became a household name with her role in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein. However, in 2016 she decided to quit the entertainment industry after marrying Anand Kapai, who is based in the United States. Since then, she has been living in the US with her family and has not returned to television. After moving abroad, Mihika pursued an MBA degree to focus on academics and personal growth. She and Anand welcomed their son, Izaan Kapai and has since dedicated her time to family life. (Photo: Instagram)