When Jyothsna Chandola, best known for her role as Khushi Bharadwaj in Sasural Simar Ka, stepped into Simran Budharup’s shoes to play Khushi in Kumkum Bhagya in December, she was thrilled about the potential of the storyline. However, just two months later, her character’s arc was abruptly cut short as the show took a time leap. While Jyothsna accepted the sudden change with grace, she couldn’t hide her disappointment, especially since Kumkum Bhagyamarked her return to television a year after Baazi Ishq Ki concluded.
Reflecting on her brief time with the show, she shares, “I was genuinely excited when I joined Kumkum Bhagya and had a great time working on it. I joined in December, and the leap happened in February. While I was excited, I had mentally prepared myself for the possibility that things might not go as I hoped. Having seen shows go off air unexpectedly or take leaps, I knew it was hard to predict what would happen. If I’d taken on a new show that ended after three months, it would have stung, but it wouldn’t hurt as much as it would have before. The current landscape of shows is unpredictable — many shows aren’t even lasting anymore. Of course, I still feel bad, especially since I was involved until the very end. The love triangle track was progressing nicely, and I was enjoying it. But it ended sooner than expected. I was disappointed because I wished I could have stayed longer; at least six months would have been more enjoyable.”
Jyothsna also reminisces about the days when long-running shows were the norm. She says, “Yes, I do miss those long-running shows and storylines. Sasural Simar Ka, which I was part of, was one such show where the experience was amazing. Since then, I haven’t quite experienced that kind of satisfaction again. I’m still hoping for something similar to come my way, but I’m also mentally prepared because, in today’s television landscape, many shows don’t last long.”
She continues, “The industry has changed dramatically, especially after the pandemic. With shooting schedules disrupted and new content delayed, people discovered that they had more options to entertain themselves. OTT platforms became a major alternative, and viewers, especially older audiences, have now shifted to digital platforms. What’s also changed is the content itself. Earlier, makers were more willing to experiment, but now, many shows follow a predictable pattern after just a few episodes. The choices are limited, and that’s why audiences aren’t as engaged. I’m still waiting for a project that excites me, but at the same time, I’m prepared for anything because these days, anything can happen.”
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