2025 has been a remarkable year for both Bollywood and Indian television, marked by the triumphant returns of several iconic figures who had been away from the screen for varying periods. From veteran actors reclaiming their space to television stars reprising beloved roles, the entertainment industry has witnessed a resurgence of familiar faces, sparking nostalgia and excitement among audiences.
One of the most notable comebacks of the year was that of Zeenat Aman. The legendary actress, known for her roles in classics such as "Yaadon Ki Baaraat" and "Don," made a strong return to acting with the Netflix series "The Royals," released on May 9. In the series, she played Rajmata Maji Saheba Bhagyashree Devi, the matriarch of Motibagh Palace and Ishaan Khatter's grandmother. In late December 2024, Aman reflected on her busy 2024, expressing gratitude for opportunities and admiration while mentioning her shoots for "Bun Tikki" and "The Royals".
Smriti Irani, the actress-turned-politician, also made a significant comeback in 2025. After a 15-year break dedicated to her political career, Irani reprised her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2," the sequel to the beloved television show. Her return to the small screen after 17 years was highly anticipated, and she reportedly became the highest-paid TV star, charging ₹14 lakh per episode. Irani, who has been actively involved in politics, clarified that her return to acting was a "side project," emphasizing her continued commitment to her political career. In addition to her acting comeback, Irani made headlines by launching a global initiative to empower 100,000 women entrepreneurs across 300 cities in India, showcasing her influence on the global stage.
The year also saw the return of other prominent Bollywood figures. Aamir Khan made a comeback with "Sitaare Zameen Par," a remake of a Spanish film, earning praise for its emotional depth. Madhuri Dixit made a striking return in the dark thriller "Mrs. Deshpande". Akshaye Khanna had a stellar year, with roles in "Dhurandhar" and another film that collectively grossed ₹1900 crore at the box office. Rajat Bedi, known for films like "Koi... Mil Gaya," re-emerged in Aryan Khan's "The Ba***ds of Bollywood".
Several other television actors also made notable comebacks in 2025. Shilpa Shinde reprised her role as Angoori Bhabhi in "Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0" after a decade-long absence. Sharad Kelkar surprised audiences with his return in "Tum Se Tum Tak". Mahhi Vij made her comeback with "Seher Hone Ko Hai," playing a Muslim mother who encourages her daughter's dreams. Vandana Pathak of "Hum Paanch" fame returned with "Tum Se Tum Tak".
The trend of comebacks wasn't limited to individuals; romantic dramas also made a resurgence in Bollywood. Films like Mohit Suri's "Saiyaara" and Aanand L Rai's "Tere Ishk Mein" resonated with audiences, emphasizing the importance of contemporary and emotionally engaging storytelling.
2025 underlined the entertainment industry's cyclical nature, offering veteran artists a chance to reconnect with their audiences and showcase their enduring talent. These comebacks reflect not only the enduring appeal of these stars but also the evolving preferences of audiences who appreciate both nostalgia and fresh, compelling content.
