By Anil Merani: Bhavika Sharma’s return to Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin (GHKPM) could potentially draw back some viewers, but its success in reversing the show’s declining ratings (from 2.0 to 1.3) and reconnecting with audiences hinges on several factors. Let’s break it down:
Can Bhavika Sharma’s Return Bring Back Fans?
Potential to Attract Viewers: Bhavika’s portrayal of Savi was a beloved part of the show, particularly in the second generation alongside Shakti Arora and later with Hitesh Bharadwaj. Her return has stirred up a wave of nostalgia, with fans expressing excitement on soical media platforms like X, Insta and Reditt where posts describe her comeback as a chance to revive the show’s popularity. Her chemistry with previous co-stars, especially Shakti Arora, resonated strongly, and many fans who left after her exit or the third-generation leap (featuring Param Singh, Vaibhavi Hankare, and Sanam Johar) may be tempted to return for a trip down memory lane.
Challenges in Regaining Viewers: The audience’s disconnection stems not only from Bhavika’s exit but also from the show’s narrative shifts. The third-generation leap introduced a new love triangle (Neil, Tejaswini, and Rituraj) that failed to connect, leading to a drop in TRP ratings and the show slipping to 10th or 11th place. Fans have voiced frustration over the storyline going “awry,” and some even criticized the new leads’ appeal. Bhavika’s return alone may not suffice if the story doesn’t address these broader issues. Additionally, not all viewers are “hard-core Bhavika stans”; many were invested in her pairing with Shakti Arora, and his confirmed non-return could dampen enthusiasm.
Will Makers Address the “Elephant in the Room” (Story Issues)?
Efforts to Revamp the Story: The makers seem aware of the show’s struggles, as evidenced by their decision to bring back Bhavika and replace Vaibhavi Hankare, whose performance reportedly didn’t resonate with audiences. Reports suggest a storyline overhaul, with Bhavika returning as Savi, now a single mother, paired romantically with Param Singh’s Dr. Neil Pradhan, while Sanam Johar’s Rituraj remains an antagonist. This indicates an attempt to blend nostalgia (Savi’s return) with fresh drama. However, there’s no clear indication they’re directly addressing the core issue of narrative missteps, such as the abrupt end to popular tracks like Savi-Rajat or the lack of emotional depth in the new story.
Risk of Repeating Mistakes: The show’s history of frequent leaps and cast changes (three generations since 2020) has frustrated viewers, with some SM users calling Bhavika’s return a “low” move that undermines the closure of Savi’s arc. Without a compelling, cohesive plot, the makers risk alienating fans further. The show’s time slot changes during the IPL (Indian Premier League) season, a popular cricket tournament, and competition from top-rated shows like Udne Ki Aasha and Anupamaa add external pressures.
Audience Reconnection Challenges
Fickle Audience Dynamics: Audiences are fickle, and regaining trust after losing viewers is tough. The show’s drop from the top 5 to outside the top 10 reflects a significant loss of engagement. Fans who loved Bhavika’s chemistry with Shakti Arora or Hitesh Bharadwaj may not warm to her new pairing with Param Singh, especially if the writing doesn’t match the emotional pull of past seasons. Social media sentiment shows mixed reactions—some fans are thrilled, but others feel the show’s constant reboots dilute its appeal. It’s clear that the audience’s feelings are varied and complex, and their reactions are a testament to their investment in the show.
Bhavika’s Appeal vs. Story Quality: While Bhavika’s return is a strategic move to leverage her popularity, the show’s success hinges on the makers’ ability to craft a story that recaptures the emotional stakes of earlier seasons. The second generation’s success was driven by strong character arcs and chemistry, not just Bhavika’s presence. If the new track can deliver a compelling, well-crafted plot that resonates with the audience, even her star power may not be enough to save the show.
Conclusion
Bhavika Sharma’s return could bring back some Ghum Hai fans, particularly those who adored Savi, but it’s not a guaranteed fix for the show’s woes. The ratings drop from 2.0 to 1.3 reflects deeper issues with the story and cast transitions, which the makers are attempting to address through a revamp. However, without tackling the erratic narrative and loss of audience trust—reconnection will be an uphill battle. The absence of Shakti Arora and uncertainty around Hitesh Bharadwaj’s return further complicates things for fans who loved those pairings. For now, the makers are banking on Bhavika’s appeal and a fresh storyline, but they’ll need to deliver a compelling plot to win back the fickle audience. Fans are watching closely, with hope tempered by skepticism.