By Anil Merani: Surbhi Chandna, celebrated for her roles in Ishqbaaaz Naagin 5, and Sanjivani, has taken a noticeable break from television following her wedding in March 2024. This raised concerns about whether a long hiatus could harm her career, considering the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality prevalent in the Indian entertainment industry. This analysis explores whether her current break poses a risk to her stardom by examining her career history, industry trends, and ongoing activities.
Navigating Breaks: Surbhi’s Strategic Career Pauses
Surbhi has a history of taking intentional breaks that have often benefited her career. After Ishqbaaaz(2016–2018), she took a 6- to 7-month hiatus before starring in Sanjivani (2019) as Dr. Ishani Arora, which showcased her versatility. Similarly, after Sanjivani she took a brief pause before taking on the demanding role of Bani Singhania in Naagin 5(2020–2021), earning an ITA Award for her performance. These breaks allowed her to select impactful roles and demonstrated that strategic pauses can enhance her brand. Her current break, following Sherdil Shergill (2022–2023) and her wedding, aligns with this pattern, although its longer duration raises questions about its impact.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind? Risks and Resilience
The Indian TV industry is fast-paced, with new talent and shows constantly vying for attention. A prolonged absence can lead to reduced visibility, as seen with actors like Aalisha Panwar, who faced challenges after Ishq Mein Marjawan. However, Surbhi’s established fanbase, built around iconic roles like Anika, mitigates this risk. With 6.2 million followers on Instagram, her fans actively engage with her posts about personal milestones (e.g., her wedding and anniversary), which helps keep her relevant. Additionally, her ventures into OTT with Rakshak – India’s Braves: Chapter (2024) and a music label with her husband Karan Sharma further diversify her presence, countering the “out of sight” narrative.
Current Context and Career Move
Since her 2024 wedding, Surbhi has focused on her personal life and smaller projects, stepping back from daily soaps. Her OTT debut in Rakshak—although a supporting role—signals a shift toward new platforms, while her music label venture shows her entrepreneurial drive. Social media keeps her connected to fans, with posts about festivals and personal updates garnering affection. However, a prolonged absence from leading TV roles could allow newer actors to attract audience attention, especially with shows like Udne Ki Aasha dominating the ratings.
Risks and Protective Factor
A long break risks audience disengagement, particularly if Surbhi delays her return beyond 1 to 2 years, as TV preferences can change rapidly. Her reluctance to take on older roles, similar to her exit from Ishqbaaazcould limit her options if producers hesitate to cast her as a lead. Nevertheless, her versatility, glamour, and accolades (e.g., being listed among Times’ Most Desirable Women) enhance her marketability. Making strategic choices, such as returning with a high-profile project, could be essential. Factors like her fanbase, social media presence, and selective role choices position her well for a strong comeback.
Conclusion: Can Surbhi Overcome the Break
Surbhi Chandna’s current break, while longer than her past ones, is unlikely to derail her career if she leverages her fanbase and returns strategically. Within 1 to 2 years, a lead role in a major show or OTT series could reinstate her stardom. By maintaining social media engagement, exploring diverse ventures, and choosing impactful projects, Surbhi can defy the “out of sight, out of mind” trap and sustain her illustrious career.