‘Comedy sabke bas ki baat nahi hai’: Shilpa Shinde on Shubhangi Atre playing Angoori Bhabhi

Television actress Shilpa Shinde, known for her iconic role as Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, has returned to the character after a long gap. Shubhangi Atre had taken over the role after Shilpa’s controversial exit in 2016 and portrayed Angoori Bhabhi for nearly a decade. With Shubhangi stepping down, Shilpa’s comeback was teased in the Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0 trailer, generating excitement among fans. Earlier, Shubhangi had publicly wished Shilpa well and praised her acting.

In a recent conversation with TellyChakkar, Shilpa reacted to Shubhangi’s long tenure in the role. When told that Shubhangi had called her a good actor, Shilpa replied, “Sahi kaha hai. Sahi pakde hain, use pata hai. (She’s right. She has understood it well, she knows it).” She further elaborated on Shubhangi’s work, saying, “Dekhiye as an actor, maine us waqt bhi bola tha jab controversy chal rahi thi, very frankly, usne kaam kiya hai achha. Achhi actress hai but comedy sabke bas ki baat nahi hai. Aur uske baad kisiko copy karna, wo bohot mushkil hai, bohot pressure hota hai. (Look, as an actor, I had already said it back then during the controversy- very frankly, she did her work well. She is a good actress, but comedy is not easy for everyone. And after that, trying to copy someone is very difficult and comes with a lot of pressure).”

Shilpa added that imitation is never simple, no matter the skill level. “Dekho aaj main kitna bhi sochu kisi actress ko copy karna, toh wo copy ho jaati hai. Chahe main kitni bhi achhi acting karu. (Even today, if I try to copy another actress, it just ends up looking like copying, no matter how good my acting is).” She suggested that had Shubhangi played a completely original character, she might have gained even more popularity, highlighting the challenge of stepping into an established role.

Earlier, Shubhangi Atre reflected on her decade-long portrayal of Angoori Bhabhi in an interview with Bombay Times. She said, “I just want to say that I am ending this replacement game now. I told my mum that Shilpa left the show in nine to ten months, so it felt like she handed me a newborn baby. I raised that baby for ten years and now I am returning it to her. I gave it values and sanskars, and I am passing it back with a full heart. I wish Shilpa all the very best and also the entire team for the 2.0 version of the show. She is a fantastic actor, and I am genuinely fond of her.”

Shilpa’s return marks a significant moment for the show and its viewers, as the original Angoori Bhabhi steps back into the role she made popular.