Nidhi Bhanushali Reveals Whether She'd Ever Return To TMKOC: 'Wouldn't That Defeat…?'

News18

2 days ago

Last Updated:
Nidhi Bhanushali, Sonu from TMKOC, left the sitcom to explore life beyond acting. She revealed whether she'd return to the show given a choice.
Nidhi Bhanushali, who became a household name with her portrayal of Sonu on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), chose to step away from the beloved sitcom several years ago. In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, she opened up about why she left, how life has changed since, and her recent creative explorations – from music videos to a deeper connection with herself.
Nidhi on whether she would ever return to TMKOC
After spending seven years growing up on the sets of TMKOC, Nidhi made the bold decision to move on. Looking back, she calls it a 'calling." 'Leaving the show after seven wonderful years wasn't an impulsive decision, it was a calling," she reflected, adding, 'I felt it was time to step out and explore everything else the world had to offer. Working on the show was one of the most enriching experiences of my life, but I had always known there was more I wanted to do. I wanted to study more, travel, and experience life in a way that a 12-hour shoot day often doesn't allow."
So, if the makers approached her to return, would she consider it? 'Wouldn't that defeat the very purpose of why I chose to leave in the first place?" she said. 'I left because I felt a strong inner calling to explore life beyond that set and discover myself outside the framework of one character. Returning would feel like undoing that decision, and everything it taught me. I carry so much love and gratitude for the show, but that chapter gave me exactly what it needed to. Now, I'm focused on building the next ones – with fresh stories, new experiences, and a different kind of creative freedom," Nidhi shared.
Nidhi shares whether she is still in touch with her TMKOC co-stars
Even though she has moved on, her bonds with some of her co-actors have remained strong. 'Yes, with some of them, absolutely," she said, adding, 'I feel really grateful to have crossed paths with such wonderful human beings. Over the years, you build bonds that go beyond the screen. I'm very close to Dilkhush didi, who used to play Roshan Bhabhi, and Ambika didi, who plays Komal. They've always been like family, and we try to meet up whenever our schedules allow. With Kush and Bhavya, we stay in touch occasionally. Life gets busy, and it's hard to align our different paths and timelines. But we always try to share the good moments with each other when we can. That connection remains, even if we're not in touch every day."
Nidhi on her passion for music
For Nidhi, leaving the show opened up a world of experiences she had always longed for. 'I wanted to slow down, reconnect with my music, listen to my heart more deeply, and give time to everything that had been waiting patiently inside me," she said. 'I remember watching Into the Wild and being deeply moved by the protagonist's words: 'Career is a 21st-century invention.' That hit something in me. It made me realise I wanted to live a little differently for a while," she expressed.
Nidhi went on to complete a bachelor's degree in Films, Television, and New Media Production, before taking to the road. 'The road became one of my greatest teachers. I learned how to build with earth, how to dive and surf, explored different art forms, immersed myself in diverse cultures, and embraced both the beauty and the mess of life. I eventually went on to pursue a master's in Human Consciousness and Yogic Sciences, which brought even more depth to my understanding of self and the world. And now, after all that wandering, life has brought me back to Mumbai, back to acting – but this time with a renewed spirit, a fresh perspective, and a much deeper connection to who I am and what I want to do," she shared.
Nidhi talks about collaborating with singer Iqlipse Nova
Nidhi recently featured in singer Iqlipse Nova's soulful music video Saawariya. For her, it was a meaningful and exciting experience. She said, 'I've always been deeply connected to music, so stepping into the music video space feels like a very natural progression for me," she explains. 'There's something incredibly powerful about expressing a story or a mood without saying a single word – just through movement, presence, and emotion. What draws me most to acting is this gift of constant transformation. Every project, every frame, offers a chance to step into someone else's shoes, to explore a new world, to live a different life."
Saawariya, she added, 'had soul, it had stillness, and it gave me space to bring something new to the screen. I'm definitely excited to keep exploring more work that combines my love for performance and music."
From sitcom fame to soul-searching and creative reinvention, Nidhi Bhanushali continues to evolve – at her own pace, on her own terms.
First Published:
July 19, 2025, 21:15 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.