Shubhangi Atre says doctors prescribe Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain to patients, reacts to criticism that the show is ‘vulgar’

Sharing a rather heartfelt anecdote, Shubhangi Atre said that the comedy series has made an impact in audiences’ lives, and they look forward to watch it every night. During Covid times, people would reach out to them about how it’s the only thing that’s kept them positive. “One of my close friends, his father is bedridden but he religiously switches on the television to watch the show, and has a good laugh. A lot of cancer patients have told us how they watch Bhabiji to have some light moments. Doctors have actually prescribed our show to patients, as it’s a stressbuster. It’s rightly said how laughter is the best therapy and I am glad we can add some positivity around.”

She shared that Pandit Jasraj was one of their ardent watchers and recalled how Asha Bhosle wanted to meet the team at a party. “I remember we were at a party and she was like ‘Angoori kahan hai?’. That was such a big moment for me. I felt like I have attained moksh (salvation),” she laughed.

However, the show has also had to deal with criticisms of using ‘adult humour’ for laughs. Reacting to the same, Shubhangi said that while there are some double-meaning jokes, it’s always ‘underplayed’ and is never vulgar. She said, “I watch this show with my family too and we assure that it’s not below the belt. There’s some healthy flirting involved. That should be allowed in a comedy show, na?”

Talking about her character Angoori, the actor said that she loves her innocence, which is also quite a ‘relatable’ quality. She added that Angoori also takes in only things that matter to her and goes, “Aain kya bole?” to things she doesn’t want to give importance to. As for the thing that’s ‘unrelatable’ she shared how she believes that women should be ‘independent’ not just financially but also emotionally.

Shubhangi Atre was recently in news for her separation with husband Piyush Poorey. Given comedy is a tough genre, we wondered how one tends to make people laugh, while they might be going through a tough time personally. “Kalakur hu (I am an artiste),” she said with a smile, adding, “It’s my responsibility to do my job. As an actor, I always assure that I leave behind my domestic life when I reach the set, and vice versa. Also, I am a very private person, I don’t go out for parties. Work is like meditation for me and I live like that.”

Talking about her journey, the actor said that while she has enjoyed ‘rona dhona’, it does leave one exhausted. This is why she has enjoyed comedy with Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain. But with aspirations of doing something ‘substantial’ in Bollywood, the actor is waiting for a good offer. She added that she will take a break after this show as it would be tough for audiences to see her in a new avatar. “But as actors, we are like water. We tend to take the shape in the roles we are put in,” she concluded.

Also starring Aasif Sheikh, Rohitashv Gaur and Vidisha Srivastava, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain airs on AndTV.