Roadies 5.0 fame Shambhavi Sharma on returning to Roadies 21 after 19 years: This is not simply a comeback; it is a new beginning |
Nineteen years after making her television debut with Roadies 5.0, Shambhavi Sharma has returned to the franchise with Roadies 21: Rebirth, which premiered on October 16. The actress, who went on to play the female protagonist in Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar (2011), has since explored different professional paths, including law and business. Her return to the reality show, whose theme of rebirth resonates with her own journey, marks a new chapter in her association with the entertainment industry.Shambhavi recalls how her audition became an opportunity to revisit her past and explain the choices that took her away from television. She says, “I started my journey in showbiz with Roadies 5.0, which was a defining phase of my life. Now, I have returned to the very universe with Roadies 21: Roadies Rebirth. This season is particularly special because the concept is Roadies Rebirth, and, in many ways, it reflects my own life. During the audition round, I shared a candid and controversial account of my journey. I spoke honestly about where I was, what made me step away from the television industry, the experiences that shaped me during that time, and why I am choosing to return now. For me, it was more than just an audition. It was an opportunity to tell my story in my own words and reconnect with a part of myself that had always been there. Life took me in different directions, including law and other professional pursuits, but the entertainment industry has always remained close to my heart.”Reflecting on how her experiences have changed her outlook, Shambhavi adds, “I think the beauty of rebirth is that you don’t return as the same person. You return with new experiences, a different perspective and a better understanding of yourself. That is exactly what this journey represents for me. This is not simply a comeback; it is a new beginning.”After Roadies 5.0, Shambhavi worked as a VJ, played the female protagonist in Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar and appeared in South Indian films. In 2015, she moved to Australia, where she established businesses. Explaining the circumstances behind her long absence from Indian television, she says, “I took a break in 2015 and moved to Australia, where I set up a few businesses that kept me busy. I couldn’t return to India because of work commitments, but now I’m back for good.”With her return to India, Shambhavi is keen to explore opportunities across television and digital entertainment. Her experience as a VJ has also kept her interested in hosting, while her varied professional background has shaped the kind of work she hopes to pursue. She says, “I am looking for impactful opportunities across television and digital entertainment. I would love to be part of fiction shows, non-fiction formats like Bigg Boss, Rise and Fall and Alliance, vertical web series and OTT projects. Hosting is also something I genuinely enjoy, given my experience as a VJ. I am open to exploring different formats and genres, but my focus is on projects that offer visibility, creative growth and the opportunity to connect with audiences. At this stage, I want to be associated with good content that allows me to showcase my versatility and make a meaningful impact.”Beyond entertainment, Shambhavi has also pursued social initiatives. She was recently honoured with an Appreciation Award from the Ministry of Social Justice for her contribution towards curbing drug abuse and supporting the welfare objectives of the Nasha Mukti Abhiyaan in Punjab. She sees this recognition as an important part of a journey that extends beyond her on-screen work. She says, “For me, success is not just about being seen on screen. It is also about using your voice, position and abilities to contribute to society. My journey may not have been conventional, but every chapter has shaped the person I am today. I believe I bring a unique combination of creativity, legal understanding and social commitment to whatever I do. I have experienced different phases of life and taken professional paths that have shaped me in unexpected ways. Now, I want to bring all those experiences into my work and make this next chapter count. For me, this is not simply a comeback; it is a new beginning with greater clarity, maturity and ambition.”
