Shubhangi Atre, the beloved actress known for her portrayal of Angoori Bhabhi in the hit sitcom Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain, is bidding a heartfelt goodbye to her iconic screen persona with the release of the new movie adaptation. In an exclusive interview, she reflects on her decade-long journey, the evolving landscape for actors, and her aspirations beyond the homely wife character that made her a household name.
Embracing Change and Audience Acceptance
Atre emphasizes that today's audience has become more accepting, allowing actors to break free from being tied to a single role. "Social media has been a huge benefit for actors," she notes. "It gives you a platform to showcase different looks and personas. Earlier, if you played a character on TV, you became that identity—like how Arun Govil ji was revered as Lord Ram from Ramayan. Now, people know me as Angoori on the show, but they also recognize me as Shubhangi."
She recalls a touching incident at the airport while traveling to Bhopal to visit her mother. "A group of women on a jungle safari spotted me and eagerly took pictures. They asked why I left the show, and when I explained my desire to explore new roles, they sweetly offered suggestions. That shows how supportive and open-minded viewers have become."
Stepping into an Iconic Role
Atre took on the role of Angoori Bhabhi in 2016 after Shilpa Shinde's departure due to creative differences. "I was scared to step into a character that had already become iconic," she admits. "It felt like climbing into a moving car. But the cast welcomed me with immense love and support. Being from Madhya Pradesh and having observed women whose lives revolve around their husbands, I channeled that understanding into my performance. Thankfully, audiences embraced my version wholeheartedly."
The Perfect Closure with the Film
The movie Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain, featuring a star-studded cast including Vidisha Srivastava, Aasif Sheikh, and Ravi Kishan, serves as a fitting tribute to the show's legacy. "We learned about the film plans in November 2024 and were thrilled," Atre shares. "It was a dream of our late writer Manoj Santoshi ji, and this project is our best tribute to him. Shooting in Mussoorie was a delightful experience—I adore the mountains."
Looking Beyond Angoori
Atre is excited to explore diverse opportunities post-Bhabhiji. "There's no stigma attached to moving on from a role anymore. With a short break, you can start afresh," she asserts. Inspired by co-star Saumya Tandon's praised performance in Dhurandhar, she adds, "I called Saumya to congratulate her—she was graceful and spoke through her eyes, something director Anurag Basu once advised me to do. Now, I'm eager to experiment with new characters and have some offers lined up."
Memories and Legacy
Over 10 years, the show became a second family for Atre. "We spent 12-hour days on set, celebrating festivals and bonding deeply. During Covid, we were in a bio-bubble in Surat, where I cooked paalak ke pakode and puris for Aasif ji and the crew—they're all like family." Her catchphrase, "Sahi pakde hain," has become ingrained, even slipping out during saree shopping trips.
Leaving Angoori behind is bittersweet, but Atre cherishes the memories and sees the film as perfect closure. "I'm grateful for this journey and ready to embrace new challenges in my acting career," she concludes, looking forward to a future beyond the kitchen and broken English humor that defined her beloved character.
