Shubhangi Atre on whether she sees 'influencers' as competition: 'Acting is not about how many followers..'

Television actress Shubhangi Atre, who is known for her show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain , gets candid about the evolving landscape of entertainment. With Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi making a comeback, the conversation around content preferences has taken centre stage again.

“I feel today’s audience is very smart,” she says. “They enjoy stories that are either relatable or completely entertaining. Realistic shows do well because people see their own lives in them. But at the same time, shows with drama and emotions, like Kyunki, still have a big fan base,” she explains. “So, I think a good story, whether realistic or dramatic, always finds its audience.”

Talking about the kind of work she now looks forward to, Shubhangi admits she’s open to new formats. “I’ve been part of long-running shows for many years and they give you so much love and stability. But I would also love to explore a limited series now,” she says. “It gives an actor a fresh challenge—you have to say a lot in a short time.”

On whether she views influencers stepping into acting as competition, she smiles and says, “Honestly, I don’t look at anyone as competition. Everyone has their own journey. Acting is not about how many followers you have—it’s about feeling the role.”

Shubhangi also feels Indian television has space to grow. “TV still plays safe sometimes. I wish we could experiment more with new topics like mental health, single parenting, or women’s real challenges,” she adds. “We need to break stereotypes and trust that the audience is ready for fresh stories.”

Honestly, I don’t look at anyone as competition. Everyone has their own journey. Acting is not about how many followers you have—it’s about feeling the role.

- Shubhangi Atre

When asked about OTT, her eyes light up. “I’d love to do a slice-of-life story or something emotional. Maybe a story about a woman rediscovering herself,” she shares. “I also wouldn’t mind doing a thriller—just to surprise the audience and myself!”