The iconic character of Angoori Bhabhi from the popular sitcom 'Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai' is once again at the centre of a heated social media debate. The discussion, which questions the portrayal and statements surrounding the role, has been reignited with the arrival of the show's new version, 'Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0'. This has brought the two actresses associated with the character, Shilpa Shinde and Shubhangi Atre, back into the limelight, along with their past comments and accusations.
The Spark: Shilpa Shinde's Mimicry Claim
Shilpa Shinde, who originally donned the saree of Angoori Bhabhi for a brief period before exiting amidst controversies, has previously claimed that her successor tried to mimic her performance. Shinde asserted that Shubhangi Atre failed in this attempt due to a perceived lack of comedic timing and skills. These old statements have found fresh oxygen online as fans and netizens revisit the casting change.
Shubhangi Atre's Firm Denial
In response, Shubhangi Atre, who has been playing Angoori Bhabhi for years now, has consistently denied these allegations. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan earlier this year, Atre directly addressed the accusations of copying Shinde's flair. "Yes, I'm aware of it, and I even responded to her. But the truth is, I am not copying her at all," she stated clearly.
Atre acknowledged the love for the character, saying, "Look, I completely understand. It's a great show, and Angoori Bhabhi is such a sweet character. It's a very interesting role, and such characters are rarely written for television these days." However, she emphasized that her interpretation is her own.
Adapting to the Character, Not the Actor
Elaborating on her process, Shubhangi Atre explained that she adapted to the character's inherent traits as written in the script, not to Shinde's portrayal. "When Shilpa made that comment, I did respond and made it clear that I'm not copying her in any way, especially not in my personal life. I'm simply doing what's required within the frame of Angoori Bhabhi," she said.
She gave a practical example: "If the character speaks in Bhojpuri, then I have to speak in Bhojpuri. I can't change her language." Atre also highlighted that the success of the character was inevitable due to strong writing, regardless of the actor. She believes that whoever stepped into the role would have succeeded, but also pointed out that individual differences in portrayal naturally bring a change to the character's on-screen persona.
The renewed attention on these comments has split the show's fanbase online, with some defending Shinde's original charm and others applauding Atre's long-standing and successful tenure. The debate underscores how a beloved television character can become a point of public comparison long after a casting change.
