In a dramatic television comeback, actress Shilpa Shinde has reclaimed her iconic role as Angoori Bhabhi in the popular sitcom 'Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain!' after a decade-long absence. Her return follows the exit of actress Shubhangi Atre, who had been portraying the character. In an exclusive and candid conversation, Shinde addressed the past controversies that led to her departure, the allegations of breaking the team, and her pointed comments about her successor's performance.
A Decade-Long Hiatus and Emotional Return
Shilpa Shinde's exit from the show in 2015 was marred by major disputes with the makers, creating a rift that seemed permanent. Reflecting on that period, Shinde attributed the fallout to a severe communication gap and third-party interference. "When there's a communication gap and a third person steps in, misunderstandings easily turn into conflicts," she explained, drawing a parallel to her experience on reality show Bigg Boss.
Despite the acrimony, Shinde expressed overwhelming happiness about her return, which was confirmed in December 2025. "I obviously feel great, really happy about it. What makes me even happier is that the audience is loving it," she shared. The actress revealed that the show's late writer, Manoj, had persistently wished for her return, a desire she finally fulfilled, viewing it as a posthumous blessing.
Addressing Allegations and the 'Copying' Controversy
One of the most significant burdens Shinde carried was being blamed for the original team's breakup. "Everyone pointed fingers at me, saying I was responsible for breaking the team. My performance was hardly acknowledged," she recalled. However, she finds solace in the impact her work had, recounting a touching story about a fan whose ailing mother smiled while watching her performance before passing away.
The conversation took a direct turn when Shinde addressed Shubhangi Atre's portrayal of Angoori. She asserted that the core issue was that Atre was asked to copy her performance rather than make the role her own. "Kyunki usko copy karne ke liye bol diya, toh gadbad hogayi (The issue arose because she was told to copy)," Shinde stated. She believes that if Atre had been allowed to interpret the character independently, comparisons would have been unnecessary, and Atre, a talented actress in her own right, could have created something unique.
No Comparisons, Only the Original Angoori
For Shilpa Shinde, there is no room for comparison. She firmly believes that the character of Angoori Bhabhi is intrinsically linked to her. "Bhabhi Ji has always been identified with Shilpa Shinde, and that's precisely why I'm standing here even after a decade," she declared. Walking back onto the set felt less like a comeback and more like resuming a journey from where she had paused.
Her primary challenge now is not the past drama but the performance itself. "The only real challenge for me is that viewers should see the character on screen, not Shilpa Shinde behind it. That, according to me, is the true test," she concluded, marking the start of a new chapter for a beloved television character and the actress who made her famous.
