By Anil Merani: Shraddha Arya’s return to Kumkum Bhagya as Preeta Arora, alongside Shakti Anand as Karan Luthra, is a strategic move by the show’s makers to revive its declining TRP (Television Rating Point) ratings, a key measure of a show’s popularity, and reconnect with its fanbase. Given the context and recent developments, let’s break down whether her comeback can save the show or if it’s a case of too little, too late, leaving her to bear the burden of an already struggling production.
Can Shraddha Arya Save Kumkum Bhagya?
Arguments in Favor:
Proven Fan Appeal: Shraddha’s portrayal of Preeta in Kundali Bhagya made her a household name, with the character’s emotional depth and chemistry with Karan Luthra (previously Dheeraj Dhoopar, later Shakti Anand) driving significant viewership. Her return to Kumkum Bhagya has ignited a wave of excitement on social media, with fans eagerly anticipating the comeback of the iconic Preeta-Karan pairing.
Nostalgic Pull: Kundali Bhagya, a spin-off of Kumkum Bhagya, concluded its seven-and-a-half-year run in December 2024, leaving fans longing for Preeta’s story. Reintroducing her and Karan into Kumkum Bhagya taps into this nostalgia, potentially drawing back lapsed viewers who followed their journey.
Strategic Crossover: The integration of Kundali Bhagya characters into Kumkum Bhagya is a bold narrative choice that promises to refresh the storyline. Preeta’s emotional core and her history with the Luthra family align with Kumkum Bhagya’s focus on family dynamics and romance, potentially adding new layers of drama to keep the audience engaged.
Shraddha’s Star Power: As one of Hindi television’s leading actresses, Shraddha’s return post-maternity break (after welcoming twins in November 2024) has been celebrated. Her professionalism and ability to connect with audiences could elevate the show’s visibility.
Challenges and Risks:
Declining TRPs: Kumkum Bhagya has struggled with low ratings despite introducing new leads like Pranali Rathod and Akshay Bindra as Prarthana and Raunak. Recent efforts, such as bringing back Purvi (Rachi Sharma), failed to significantly improve viewership, suggesting audience fatigue with the show’s formula.
2Narrative Overload: The show’s complex, multi-generational storyline—now featuring Prarthana, Purvi, and a web of familial conflicts—may struggle to integrate Preeta and Karan seamlessly. Fan discussions on platforms like India Forums have raised concerns about convoluted plots, with some questioning the logic of characters like Preeta and Purvi both having memory loss. This complexity could potentially dilute the impact of Shraddha’s return.
Late Timing: Kumkum Bhagya has been on air since 2014, and its longevity (over 2200 episodes) may indicate diminishing returns. Reports suggest the channel issued warnings about potential cancellation if TRPs don’t improve, putting immense pressure on Shraddha’s return to deliver quickly.
4Audience Skepticism: While some fans are thrilled, others express mixed emotions, with social media posts indicating fatigue with long-running shows. Comparisons to Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai suggest concerns that Kumkum Bhagya may be stretching its narrative too far, potentially diluting Preeta’s impact.
Will Shraddha Be Left Holding the Sack? Or Will She Lead the Show to New Heights?
If Kumkum Bhagya fails to recover, Shraddha risks being associated with a sinking ship, despite her star power. The show’s fate hinges on factors beyond her control:
Creative Execution: The success of Preeta’s re-entry depends on how the writers weave her into the existing plot. A poorly executed arc could alienate fans, unfairly reflecting on Shraddha’s comeback.
Channel and Production Decisions: The abrupt end of Kundali Bhagya (described as a “sudden and shocking move” by actors like Shakti Anand and Paras Kalnawat) suggests that Zee TV and Balaji Telefilms may make swift decisions if ratings don’t improve, potentially cutting Kumkum Bhagya short.
Audience Retention: Even with Shraddha’s return, retaining viewers in a competitive TV landscape—where newer shows and OTT platforms vie for attention—is a challenge. The show’s reliance on familiar characters like Preeta and Karan, rather than innovative storytelling, may not suffice to keep viewers engaged. This could be a significant hurdle for the show’s long-term success.However, Shraddha’s established reputation and versatility (evident in roles across Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki, Tumhari Paakhi, and Dream Girl) mean she’s unlikely to face long-term career damage. Her decision to return post-maternity break demonstrates confidence, and her fanbase remains loyal, as seen in social media reactions.
Critical Perspective
The decision to bring Shraddha Arya and Shakti Anand into Kumkum Bhagya feels like a calculated but risky gamble. While the move leverages nostalgia and star power, it doesn’t address deeper issues like audience fatigue or narrative stagnation. Indian TV often relies on recycling popular characters to prop up flagging shows, but this strategy can backfire if the storytelling feels forced or repetitive. The show’s makers need to balance Preeta’s return with fresh, compelling arcs to avoid alienating viewers who crave novelty.
Conclusion
Shraddha Arya’s return could give Kumkum Bhagya a temporary boost, capitalizing on her popularity and the Preeta-Karan chemistry. However, saving the show long-term requires more than star power—it demands innovative storytelling and a clear vision to combat declining TRPs. It’s not too late if the makers execute well, but the window is narrow. Shraddha is unlikely to be left “holding the sack” given her established career, but the pressure is on for Kumkum Bhagya to deliver. Fans should watch upcoming episodes closely, as Preeta’s arc will likely determine the show’s trajectory.