Shilpa Shinde to Smriti Irani: Television actors who made a strong comeback

There is a special kind of joy in seeing a familiar face return to our screens after a long time. We watched them for years, and then they suddenly vanished—some for movies, some for politics, and others just for a well-deserved break. But as they say, the best ones always find their way back home. The wait is finally over. From iconic comedy queens to intense drama stars, here are the actors who are making and have made a grand return to television, reminding us exactly why we missed them in the first place.

The original Angoori Bhabhi is finally back after nearly a decade. Shilpa Shinde is making her grand return to the sitcom that made her a household name. While Shubhangi Atre did a great job carrying the mantle, fans are thrilled to see Shilpa reclaim her iconic role in ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain 2.0’. But there is a catch—this time, things are getting spooky. The makers recently dropped a teaser promising a hilarious yet eerie twist, and we can’t wait to see her signature 'Sahi Pakde Hain' in this new avatar.

After a long break working behind the camera as a director, Manish Agnihotrie is finally back on screen. He has joined the cast of ‘Rangbaazi Dilon Ki’, where he plays Devki Prasad Tiwari, a loving single father who faces the world to protect his daughters. The show’s fresh story and the emotional father-daughter bond were just too good for him to turn down.

After being off the screens for eight years, Sharad Kelkar is now winning hearts with ‘Tumm Se Tumm Tak’ as Aryavardhan. Speaking to The Hindustan Times, he explained, “With experience, you begin to view new roles through a different lens. Saying I was away from television is just one way to put it. Film work demands full commitment; you have to be ready at a moment’s notice. That’s one of the main reasons I didn’t take up daily shows. I needed something that would challenge me."

Known for her roles in ‘Khichdi’ and ‘Hum Paanch’ she is another actor who has made a comeback on television screens with ‘Tumm Se Tumm Tak’ after a six-year hiatus. According to The Hindustan Times, she describes this comeback as a “carefully considered decision since nothing exciting was being offered to her". Vandana expresses, “After working for decades and playing an array of roles, you either want a meaty role or one that pays good money. Television has now become repetitive. When we used to shoot weekly, we had time to think deeply about the character and episodes. Now, with daily shows, it’s very challenging; you have to evolve quickly because there’s less time to work on characters."

Television heartthrob Gaurav Chopra is finally back on the small screen after a five-year hiatus. He has joined the cast of Sony SAB’s ‘Pushpa Impossible’ as the brilliant but cynical Professor Rajvir Shastri. Gaurav revealed that he was drawn to the role’s complexity. His fans couldn't keep calm on his return.

The actress-turned-politician bid farewell to her TV career in 2010. After 15 years, she returned to the screens with the reboot of ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.’ Reflecting on her decision, Smriti told The Hindustan Times, “What drew me in was what Ektaa brings to the table. It’s fascinating to reconnect after 15 years and see her journey. I’m proud that we are in the game of telling the world that Indian TV still rocks. If you look back, we actually stood for things which were not a part of popular media and we did it without being preachy."