Remember the time when every primetime slot was loaded with dramatic twists and turns in the life of Tulsi, Prerna, Parvati and Jassi? Now when we reminisce about the golden era of Indian television, it is impossible not to recall the actresses who brought the iconic characters to life. Here’s a look at what some of the most popular TV actresses from the early 2000s are doing in 2024.
Shweta Tiwari: Fondly remembered as Prerna from Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Shweta Tiwari captivated audiences with her grace and charisma. Over the years, she has worked in both fiction and reality shows, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her daughter Palak made her Bollywood debut with Salman Khan’s Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan in 2023. Shweta was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s web series Indian Police Force earlier this year.
Sakshi Tanwar: From her portrayal of Parvati in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii to her stellar performance as Priya in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Sakshi Tanwar has mesmerised viewers with her versatility for several years. Sakshi also has numerous movies and web series to her credit, including Dangal, Samrat Prithviraj and Mission Over Mars. Her last screen appearance was in the Netflix revenge thriller Mai: A Mother's Rage (2022).
Aamna Sharif: Who can forget Kashish Garewal from Ekta Kapoor's Kahiin to Hoga! Aamna Sharif and her co-star Rajeev Khandelwal became one of the most adored on-screen couples in the early 2000s. Although Aamna featured in a few more shows after Kahiin to Hoga, none achieved the same level of success as her debut venture. Her latest appearance was in the web series Aadha Ishq on Voot Select in 2022. She is married to Amit Kapoor, a film distributor-turned-producer. The couple have a son, Arain Kapoor.
Juhi Parmar: Although she began her acting career in 1998, Juhi gained widespread admiration four years later with her performance in Kumkum Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan. In her two-decade-long career Juhi has featured in 15 shows, nine reality TV programmes (including a victory in Bigg Boss 5), and three films. Beyond the screen, she embraces the role of a mommy blogger, sharing glimpses of her journey as a mother with her fans.
Anita Hassanandani: With her girl-next-door charm, Anita Hassanandani enchanted audiences across various shows like Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii (2011), Koi Apna Sa (2003) and Kkavyanjali (2005). Anita received widespread acclaim as Shagun Arora/Bhalla in the popular television series Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (2013). Anita marked her film debut with the 2003 thriller Kucch To Hai and subsequently appeared in the supernatural thriller Krishna Cottage. Her last on-screen appearance was in the show Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum in 2023.
Kavita Kaushik: Renowned for her depiction of Chandramukhi Chautala in the popular SAB TV sitcom F.I.R., Kavita Kaushik marked her entry into the entertainment world with Ekta Kapoor's Kutumb in 2003. Over the years, she ventured into reality television, showcasing her versatility on shows like Nach Baliye (2007), Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (2015), and Bigg Boss (2020). Her most recent appearance was in the Punjabi film Carry on Jatta 3 in 2023.
Mona Singh: Rising to prominence in the early 2000s as the lead character in the television series Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin (2003), Mona Singh has since diversified her portfolio with various television and film projects. She has also made a notable mark in the realm of OTT platforms, featuring in acclaimed shows such as Yeh Meri Family, Mission Over Mars, Made in Heaven, and Kaala Paani. Mona tied the knot with filmmaker Shyam Rajagopalan in 2019.
Urvashi Dholakia: Forever etched in our memories as the iconic Komolika from Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Urvashi Dholakia has featured in several other Ekta Kapoor shows like Ghar Ek Mandir, Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii and Kahiin To Hoga. She made her mark in reality television by winning Bigg Boss 6 in 2012. Last year, she participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11. After getting married at a young age of 16, Dholakia became a mother to twin boys, Kshitij and Sagar, at 17, and has admirably raised them as a single parent.
Rakshanda Khan: A well-known face in television in the 2000s, Rakshanda Khan rose to prominence with her roles in Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin (2003), Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2004) and Kasamh Se (2006). She is also known for portraying the antagonist in Naagin 3 (2018). Rakshanda currently works in the Colors TV show Pracchand Ashok. She is married to actor Sachin Tyagi and the couple have a 10-year-old daughter.
Gauri Pradhan: Gauri Paradhan began her acting career in 2000. However, it was her role in Kutumb (2001) that shot her to fame. Her husband, Hiten Tejwani, also starred in the show alongside her. Subsequently, she ventured into 15 additional television projects, including Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2004) and most recently Tu Aashiqui (2017). Presently, she is part of the Sony SAB show Pashmina – Dhaage Mohabbat Ke.