Year-Ender: Zeenat Aman To Smriti Irani, Biggest Bollywood And TV Comebacks

The year 2025 turned out to be an exciting one for Indian entertainment fans as several Bollywood and television actors made memorable comebacks after long breaks. From veteran stars returning to the screen

to popular TV faces reclaiming their iconic roles, these comebacks thrilled fans and dominated conversations throughout the year.

Before we ring in 2026, here’s a look at the actors whose returns made 2025 truly unforgettable.

Zeenat Aman

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman made a powerful return to acting with the Netflix series The Royals, released on May 9. She portrayed Rajmata Maji Saheba Bhagyashree Devi, the regal matriarch of Motibagh Palace in Morpur and Ishaan Khatter’s grandmother. Her performance was widely praised and marked a graceful comeback.

Rajat Bedi

Fondly remembered for films like Koi… Mil Gaya and Jaani Dushman, Rajat Bedi returned to Hindi entertainment nearly two decades after his last major appearance. In 2025, he played Jaraj Saxena in Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. Since then, he has enjoyed a massive fan following.

Genelia D’Souza

Genelia D’Souza made her big Bollywood comeback with Sitaare Zameen Par (2025). She played Sunita Arora, Aamir Khan’s wife, in the blockbuster film. Her return was welcomed warmly by fans who had long missed her on the big screen.

Swara Bhasker

After taking a break due to pregnancy, Swara Bhasker returned to on-screen work with the reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga. She appeared alongside her politician husband Fahad Ahmad, marking a new phase in her career.

Dino Morea

Dino Morea marked his Bollywood comeback with Mere Husband Ki Biwi, playing Rakul Preet Singh’s brother, Ricky Khanna. He went on to appear in multiple projects in 2025, including Housefull 5, The Royals, Rana Naidu and Four More Shots Please!.

Farhan Akhtar

Actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar returned to acting with the historical war film 120 Bahadur, his first acting role since Toofaan (2021). The film, based on the bravery of Charlie Company of the Kumaon Regiment, featured Farhan as Major Shaitan Singh, with Raashii Khanna playing his wife, Shagun Kanwar.

Shilpa Shirodkar

Shilpa Shirodkar made her big screen comeback with the Telugu film Jatadhara after a 13-year break. She had earlier re-entered the limelight with her appearance on Bigg Boss 18. Now, she has multiple projects lined up in her pipeline.

Smriti Irani

Coming to television comebacks, Smriti Irani’s comeback was one of the most unexpected and talked-about of 2025. The actress-politician reprised her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, returning to acting after a 15-year break devoted to politics.

Shilpa Shinde

Shilpa Shinde recently made a much-awaited return as Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0. She had originally quit the show in 2016, and her comeback after nearly a decade delighted longtime viewers.

Priyanka Chahar Choudhary

After gaining popularity post Bigg Boss 16, Priyanka Chahar Choudhary returned to television with Naagin 7. The beloved show stars her alongside Eisha Singh, Namik Paul, and Karan Kundrra.

Mahhi Vij

Jay Bhanushali’s wife, Mahhi Vij, returned to television after a nine-year hiatus with Seher Hone Ko Hai. She played Kausar, a strong and determined mother fighting for her daughter’s education.