TV Star Returns After Decade to Honor Dying Friend's Wish

A decade-long grudge dissolved into forgiveness after a TV producer witnessed an extraordinary act of kindness from the actress she once vowed never to work with again.

Shilpa Shinde has returned to the hit Indian sitcom "Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai" after leaving the show in 2016 following a bitter legal battle with producers Benaifer and Sanjay Kohli. The reconciliation seemed impossible until Benaifer saw something that changed her heart completely.

When the show's beloved writer Manoj Santoshi traveled to Hyderabad for a kidney transplant, Shilpa became his full-time caregiver. She rented an apartment near the hospital, ate hospital food alongside him, and stayed by his side 24/7 during his treatment.

"She has a level of kindness that is unmatched," Benaifer told SCREEN in an exclusive interview. "After what I saw Shilpa do for Manoj, I decided that I will look after her lifelong."

Manoj made one final request before he passed away. He wanted his "Angoori" back on the show, calling Shilpa by her character's name even in his final days.

Benaifer promised she would make it happen. The decision meant letting go of Shubhangi Atre, who had played the character for 10 years after replacing Shilpa.

Why This Inspires

This story shows how compassion can heal even the deepest professional wounds. Shilpa's selfless care for a friend in need reminded everyone involved what truly matters beyond contracts and conflicts.

The producers faced real business challenges to keep their promise. They're now producing the show's second season on a budget 20 percent smaller than before, dealing with post-pandemic advertising cuts and rising production costs.

But Benaifer and Sanjay never considered breaking the promise they made to their dying friend. They brought Shilpa back not just as an actress, but as family.

The show's second season is now streaming successfully on Zee5, proving that stories rooted in genuine human connection resonate with audiences.

Sometimes the best endings come from second chances, and the greatest productions happen when people choose kindness over grudges.