Kumkum Bhagya: Shraddha Arya and Shakti Anand exit the show

In a major shake-up on Zee TV’s long-running serial Kumkum Bhagya, popular actors Shraddha Arya and Shakti Anand are preparing to make their exit. Both stars have been integral to the show—Shraddha as Preeta and Shakti as Karan Luthra—yet will depart soon following significant storyline developments and production shifts.

Shraddha Arya, more familiar to audiences as Preeta in the show’s prequel Kundali Bhagya, initially joined Kumkum Bhagya after a maternity break. She had left Kundali Bhagya when it concluded in December 2024 after 7½ years. Now, adding emotional depth and nostalgia, she reprised her celebrated role in Kumkum Bhagya. However, recent developments suggest that her character’s arc is nearing its conclusion, prompting her exit from the series.

Joining her on this journey is Shakti Anand, who took over the role of Karan Luthra from Shakti Arora in Kundali Bhagya's generation leap in March 2023. With Shraddha's entry into Kumkum Bhagya, he too reprised his character, rekindling their on-screen chemistry. Their reunion delighted fans, but typical of TV production, a new plot direction is underway—and their moment in the spotlight has now come to an end.

Their departures are tied to a new generational leap within Kumkum Bhagya, shifting the narrative focus towards younger characters, including Prarthana and Raunak. Industry sources say this leap aims to refresh the storyline and bring fresh faces and drama. As part of this transformation, the original pair's storyline naturally comes to a close.

For fans, the exit of Shraddha and Shakti marks the end of an era. Over years of episodes, their performances built an emotional connection with viewers, and their return to Kumkum Bhagya was greeted with excitement—especially after Shraddha's maternity break and her shared journey as a mother of twins. Now, both actors are stepping away to make room for the new ensemble.

While it’s common in Indian daily soaps to phase out veteran leads after a leap and a refreshed narrative priority, this round of exits is particularly poignant. Shraddha Arya—whose Preeta originated in Kundali Bhagya and later appeared in Kumkum Bhagya—and Shakti Anand—who became the third actor to portray Karan—leave behind a loyal fan base. Their departures underscore the story's evolution and shifting focus.

As their characters exit the storyline, viewers can expect a transition with new leads at the center. Production insiders hint that the next chapters of Kumkum Bhagya will dive deeper into the journeys of Prarthana and Raunak, along with an emerging crop of younger characters.

For now, fans can celebrate the final scenes of Shraddha and Shakti in Kumkum Bhagya, acknowledging their contribution to the show’s rich legacy—and eagerly await the new narrative path that lies ahead.