From single motherhood to her separation from late ex-husband Piyush due to his alcohol addiction, Shubhangi Atre opens up about her life and career

Shubhangi Atre has entertained audiences with her hit shows like Kasturi, Chidiya Ghar and Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai. In a recent interview with Tellymasala, the actress discussed how she started her journey in the TV industry, bagged her first project, and formed a bond with Shweta Tiwari and Rupa Ganguly. She also opened up about her personal life, including raising her daughter as a single mother and her separation from her late ex-husband Piyush. (Photo: Instagram)

I learned about auditions happening in Koregaon Park for Balaji Telefilms. I went there with my baby, who was just a few months old. While others helped take care of her, I went in and gave a simple audition with whatever little I knew. Within a few days, I got a call. I was first considered for a role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, but things didn’t work out. Then I started working on Kasautii Zindagii Kay for a short time, and after that, Ekta ma’am gave me Kasturi. (Photo: Instagram)

I don’t come from an acting background. There’s no one in my family from this industry, I’m the only one. So I learnt everything by observing people around me. During Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Shweta Tiwari helped me a lot. Since she was also a mother, she understood my situation. My daughter was in Pune while I was working in Mumbai, and I could only meet her on weekends. Shweta always supported me and made sure I got time to see my child. I’m very grateful to her and truly admire her. (Photo: Instagram)

Later, on Kasturi, I worked with Rupa Ganguly, who played my mother. I learnt so much from her. She guided me in every small detail, from how to face the camera to how to handle emotions on screen. She was like an acting school for me. I still call her ‘mama’, and my daughter calls her ‘nani’. (Photo: Instagram)

That day, everyone on set noticed the difference. My look was much better, and people started seeing my potential. I truly give that credit to Shweta. She was also the first person to tell me that I had been selected as the lead for Kasturi. I still remember, she hugged me and shared the news. I was completely blank at that moment, but it was such a big and happy moment for me. (Photo: Instagram)

I didn’t reject it, but after I finished Kasturi, that time Anand L Rai was our director. I auditioned for a role in Tanu Weds Manu, which was being made by Anand L. Rai. I was very excited about it. But around the same time, I got an offer to play the lead in Rajshri’s show. Since it was a main role, I chose that instead. I had auditioned for the role of Swara Bhaskar. (Photo: Instagram)

My journey has been quite unexpected. Things just happened suddenly, without me even realising. That’s why I have a lot of faith in Mahadev and I believe in surrendering completely. When I entered the industry, I didn’t know anything. I didn’t know how to act or even face the camera. Whatever I’ve learnt, I’ve learnt here, and it’s been a beautiful journey. I was in Pune when I did a small regional ad for a shampoo and earned Rs 2,500. My photographers encouraged me to try acting because they felt I had a very Indian face. I remember Anurag Basu telling me that whenever you go on a set, go like a blank page so you can absorb and learn everything. I truly believe an actor should be like water, able to adjust to any role or situation.

As an actor, you always want to do more, and I honestly wanted to do both. But with a daily soap, you have to give it your full time and commitment. Sometimes you feel confused about what to choose, but I believe you should go with your gut feeling. I don’t regret it. That show is very close to my heart. But yes, sometimes in life you have two good options in front of you, and you have to choose one. (Photo: Instagram)

There were many moments when I had mom's guilt. But from the beginning, I had financial responsibilities, so I had to keep working. Now, I do feel guilty at times because I live alone and can meet my daughter only once a year. But at the same time, it gives me peace when she thanks me and says, ‘Mom, thank you for giving me this life. I’m happy and living my dream.’ She has always wanted to study astrophysics and work in space research, and the fact that I can support her dream means everything to me. (Photo: Instagram)

My daughter and I are best of friends, and she is my biggest critic. She guides me on everything—what I should wear, what I should do next. Even on Instagram, she tells me, ‘Mom, this post is too cringe, don’t post this, post something else.’ She even helps me create content. We share a very strong bond, with no complaints at all. We’re just really good friends. (Photo: Instagram)

Piyush is no more. He will always be there in Ashi and my memories. Unki blessings humesha humare saath rahenge. Alcohol addiction became the reason behind our separation. But his contribution to my life when I wanted to become an actor has been immense. He supported me a lot. I believe in spirituality a lot and I think joh bhi insaan aapki life mein aaraha hai na as a challenge, experience or as a blessing, ab jab main uss chapter ko dekhti hoon toh usko main blessings ki tarah he dekhti hoon. He always supported me. When I wanted to become an actor, he told me, "Okay, do it." If you want to drive, okay, go. If I ever wanted to go shopping, he would say, "You go." He let me do things on my own. I was always scared of staying alone but because of his nature, I learnt to do it. I feel he was training me for it. We all are in this world to do our task. Now, I don’t complain about people because I know each person we meet in life is here to teach us something. (Photo: Instagram)