Shilpa Shinde calls Shubhangi Atre ‘copycat’ as she returns to Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai; former Angoori bhabi reveals why she quit show

She said: “I felt from within that it was time for me to try something new. My daughter, who is my best friend and my biggest critic, also told me, ‘Mom, you should try something different now.’ So I thought it was the right time. Coincidentally, season one was also reaching its end. I had promised Mrs. Kohli (the producer of the show), and it’s also in my nature that I never leave anything unfinished. I wanted to take this show to its destination with complete respect and dignity. Thankfully, that’s what happened, the season ended, and I shot till the very last day, treated everyone with a ‘jalebi party,’ said my goodbyes, and left. There couldn’t be a bigger blessing than that.”

Speaking about her relationship with producer Binaifer Kohli, Shubhangi said that the producer supported her through every hardship. “She always supported me. There used to be a time when for two hours we didn’t used to shoot because I was going through my breakdown when Piyush (ex-husband) passed away. It was a very disturbing time, and I was back on set the next day, but they all supported me, and I am very grateful.”

Shubhangi also revealed that she continued to work despite severe illness. “Just recently, when season one was about to end, I had a fever of 102–103, but I was shooting because we had to finish within a particular timeline. I have shot many times while having a fever, but some responsibilities are like commitments, and you can’t be dishonest to them.” Addressing rumours that her exit was perhaps due to a salary hike, since Shilpa had reportedly received two hikes in her ten months with the show, Shubhangi clarified: “No, no. I never asked for extra money. For the last ten years, I followed what was written in my contract. I don’t know about her (Shilpa), but I never asked. You can even check with Mrs. Kohli. I always adhered to my contract.”

Shubhangi further explained that she had an exclusive contract with the producers and the channel, which prevented her from taking on other projects. “I had offers from so many shows, web series, reality shows, hosting jobs, and daily soaps. For a web series, I was offered a major role, supposed to be shot in Dehradun, but I didn’t take it. Mainly because I’m a single mother living alone, I already manage a lot. So my prime focus was only on Bhabhiji, even though when I was offered Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.”

She also opened up about her father battling cancer, which she discovered while shooting a music video. “During my separation, my parents were my biggest strength. When I found out about my father’s cancer, I can’t even describe what I went through. There was a void in my stomach; I was shattered. But I had to continue shooting the music video as the entire unit was there.” She added that even during her father’s chemotherapy, the show’s producer constantly supported her. Though she has left the show, Shubhangi said she hasn’t signed anything new yet: “They are talks going on, but nothing has been finalized. But I’ll be back soon.”

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Recently, Shilpa Shinde, who is returning to play Angoori Bhabhi in season two, spoke to Siddharth Kannan about the comparisons following her departure and Shubhangi’s entry. She admitted it was a challenging situation for any actor: “No, I was never insecure. I never felt that way. But when I saw her, I thought maybe it would have been better if she did something of her own. It felt like a copycat, as if she was just replicating the character the way I played it. That’s always a tough spot for any artist.” She added: “If I had replaced someone, I would have added my own flavour to the character.”

In the same conversation, Aasif Sheikh, her co-actor, was asked if the constant changes, from Shilpa to Shubhangi and back to Shilpa, affected him. Before he could answer, Shilpa interjected: “When you are paid a handsome amount per day, it doesn’t matter who leaves or who comes. Flats are bought, cars are bought, you never really care.” Aasif, however, clarified  that he was indeed attached to Shilpa as a co-actor and admired her discipline and punctuality, but he never thought the show would end after she left. “I never felt the show would stop, but when she left, it was a huge jolt. A massive one. Our show was ascending at that time, and her exit made it stagnant.”