After a six-year hiatus, Raavee Gupta returned to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, reprising her original role in the show’s new season. The actress, who was last seen in Naagin 5 in 2021, says her disappearance from television was a conscious decision. “I disappeared, but intentionally. I didn’t want to be on screen just to stay relevant,” she says candidly, adding, “Television can become a treadmill — you’re busy, visible, but not necessarily evolving. I’d rather be remembered than be overexposed and interchangeable.”In an industry that often glorifies youth, Raavee says she doesn’t feel the need to compete. “I’m not interested in playing characters that are much younger than I am. I’ve retired from competing with my younger self and that’s actually very liberating,” she adds.Talking about how television helps an actor grow, she says, “Being a part of television shows is not easy – it comes with its set of challenges, but TV prepares you as an actor. Sometimes you get just 10 minutes to prepare for a 4-5 page scene owing to deadlines. But that’s what makes you a bankable actor.”Box:‘Legacy opens doors, but also invites comparisons’Being the daughter of veteran actor Rajendra Gupta has often led people to assume opportunities came easily, but Raavee says, “Legacy is a double-edged sword — it opens doors, but also comes with comparisons. There’s absolutely no shortcut to finding your own voice.”
