Shubhangi Atre aka Angoori Bhabhi watched interviews of Rabri Devi to prep for Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai

When she replaced Shilpa Shinde as Angoori bhabhi, the popular character of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, people weren’t sure if Shubhangi Atre would be able to pull it off. That was over a year-and-a-half ago. Not only did Shubhangi successfully take over from her predecessor, she became equally, if not more, popular. “People tell me that when they close their eyes and picture Angoori bhabhi, they think of me and say, ‘Hum bhool gaye pehle kaun thi’ — and that for me is the biggest compliment,” smiles the actress. However, recently, there were reports about her quitting the show as she had some political aspirations. While she doesn’t deny that at some point in the future she would like to make a difference to society, right now, she is happy playing one of the most loved actresses of television. Over to Shubhangi...

When you replaced Shilpa Shinde as Angoori bhabhi, were you apprehensive whether you would be accepted by viewers?

Yes, initially I was. It is a popular show and the character played by somebody else was a hit. But I am the kind of person who loves challenges. If you are in your comfort zone, you will never know what you are and what you can do. So, playing a character essayed by somebody else in an ongoing show was very challenging. Honestly, at that point, I had three offers — two were brand new shows and one was Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. Even my husband, who always supports me, felt that I shouldn’t be taking up a show where I was replacing someone. But I used to watch it and I loved it. I think it was a game-changer, a comedy that had adult content, but was not vulgar. The characters were not caricaturish, they were very earthy and real. I went with my gut feeling and signed the show. 

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Mentally, I was prepared that there will be comparisons and viewers will need some time to switch.For instance, when people are used to eating a particular brand of noodles, they won’t be able to switch to another brand quickly. Whenever you do something different from the routine, it takes time for people to connect. 

On TV, people connect with characters, which is why Parvati (Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii), Tulsi (Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi), and Angoori are popular. So when they see a new face, it takes time to adjust. But I was positive and had the conviction that if I feel the character, people will accept me. Also, as you know, replacements aren’t new on television.

Interestingly, this was the second time you replaced Shilpa in a show. First was in Chidiya Ghar. Is there any similarity between the two of you?

(Laughs) Not that I can think of. I guess it’s just a coincidence that when she left, I got the offer and I accepted. Actually, when I was called by the producers I thought it was for some other show. When I was told about Angoori bhabhi, I had a word with Binaifer (producer). She told me, ‘If  you don’t do it, somebody else will do, so why not you because we want you.’ Also, frankly, it is always a team effort, it’s not because of one person that a show is a hit, that way you are questioning someone’s capability. In the case of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, the show’s writer Manojji (Santoshi) is wonderful. One enjoys even while reading the scene. You never get bored, which is rare on TV. Even my co-stars — Rohitash Gaud, Aashif Sheikh and Saumya Tandon — are perfect in their characters. So many people are connected to the success of a serial.

Did you have to do any kind of prep for the role?

I had played a Bhojpuri character in one of the episodes of Chidiya Ghar. It’s not difficult for me to catch any tone whether it’s Gujarati or South Indian. But the writer told me to watch some interviews of Rabri Devi (former Chief Minister of Bihar) to see how some words are pronounced. So, I did that and also watched some Bhojpuri videos. But to avoid it from becoming typical, I added my own inputs to Angoori because she is basically innocent. 

Playing the character day in and day out, is there anything that you have taken from her?

Yes, the line sahi pakade hain! Whenever someone says something correct, I automatically say this line whether I am at home or with friends.

When actors play the same character for years, fatigue sets in. Do you see that happening?

No. That’s because I’m doing a comedy, in which you get a lot of scope to perform. Different tracks have been introduced — now I am playing a kleptomaniac. Earlier, I played Gulab Jaan, where I was suddenly speaking in Urdu. Then, there was a track similar to Vidya Balan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa with an eerie ghost scene. You can experiment a lot. And I’ve to give credit to the director. Also, doing a comedy show is entertaining. You don’t get tired. Whereas in family drama you get exhausted because of the rona dhona. In fact, it is said that jitna heroine royegi, TRPs utne honge! I have done that in Kasturi and Do Hanson Ka Jodaa, but even playing those characters were fun.

There were reports of you quitting the show as you wanted to join politics...

(Cuts in) I had gone for a political rally in UP. Somebody asked me if given a chance in politics what I would do. I just said, ‘Youngsters ko aana chahiye, that youth energy has to come into politics. Agar hum nahi jayenge, toh what is happening will continue. Educated people have to come in tabhi nayi disha milegi.’ That’s it, and the rumours started. 

But will you join politics?

As of now, I don’t have any such aspirations, but never say never. I have never planned my life. I’m a creative person. But whatever I do, I will do it with honesty.  I feel responsible towards my country. When we go to foreign countries we admire the beautiful, pristine beaches, but back home what are we doing? Polluting the environment. Sri Lanka is a small country, but their cricketers recently refused to play in Delhi because of smog. We should question ourselves what are we offering to our children? If I can inspire or influence people I will definitely raise my voice whenever I get the platform.