Unveiling the secret lives of TV stars India — how your favorite celebrities spend their time beyond the camera.
When the cameras stop rolling and the sets go dark, the glamorous world of Indian television reveals a side few fans ever get to see. While millions watch them play dramatic roles on screen, India’s top TV stars lead fascinating, diverse lives off-camera—often as entrepreneurs, philanthropists, artists, or even farmers. In this exclusive feature, we uncover the secret lives of your favorite small-screen celebs and share how they’re redefining fame with substance and style.
From Reel to Real: TV Stars Who Mean Business
Television may have made them famous, but these stars aren’t content with just acting—they’re building empires.
Rupali Ganguly: From ‘Anupamaa’ to Animal Rights Advocate
She may rule prime time as the fearless Anupamaa on Star Plus, but off-screen, Rupali Ganguly is a fierce advocate for animal welfare. A passionate supporter of PETA India, Rupali has been involved in several campaigns to protect stray animals and promote cruelty-free living.
In a 2023 interview with The Indian Express, Rupali shared, “Fame gives you a platform. I use mine for voiceless creatures who need love and safety.” Her Instagram feed often features rescue stories, fundraising appeals, and moments with her own pets. In 2021, she received the Humane Icon Award from the Animal Welfare Board of India.
The Actor-Turned-Entrepreneur Club
Many television actors have found success in ventures far from the studio floor, proving their talents go well beyond the script.
Ronit Roy: Security Mogul of the Stars
Known for intense roles in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Adaalat, Ronit Roy owns Ace Security and Protection, a private security firm trusted by Bollywood A-listers. According to The Times of India, his company has handled security for Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and even the Bachchan family.
Ronit told Mid-Day in a candid 2022 profile, “I started the company to support my family between acting projects. I didn’t expect it to grow this big.” Today, he balances acting gigs with boardroom meetings, and has even been recognized by trade publications for his contributions to the security industry.
Hearts of Gold: Philanthropic Stars Changing Lives
Smriti Irani: From ‘Kyunki Saas…’ to Cabinet Minister
One of the most compelling off-screen success stories is that of Smriti Irani. Once the quintessential bahu in Ekta Kapoor’s Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Irani transitioned into politics and is now a Union Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development.
Her journey from television sets to Parliament has inspired thousands, especially young women from non-metropolitan backgrounds. In 2020, she was featured in The Hindu for her initiatives in promoting girls’ education and menstrual hygiene awareness in rural India.
Smriti is a rare example of someone who successfully straddled the worlds of mass entertainment and policymaking, turning popularity into public service.
Stars with Artistic Souls: Hidden Talents Unveiled
Sriti Jha: The Poet Behind Pragya
While most know her as the strong-willed Pragya from Kumkum Bhagya, Sriti Jha is also a spoken-word poet who regularly performs at open mic nights and poetry slams. Her piece “Confessions of a Romantic Asexual” went viral in 2021 for its brave and honest take on identity and relationships.
Featured in The Hindu‘s cultural section, Sriti was praised for using her platform to spark conversations on sexuality and mental health. “Poetry is how I connect with my truth,” she shared during a TEDx Talk in Mumbai.
Unexpected Hustles: From Farming to Fashion
Shivangi Joshi: A Passion for Painting and Charity
Best known for her role in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Shivangi Joshi uses her downtime to paint. In 2023, she held her first charity art auction in Delhi, raising over ₹10 lakh for underprivileged children affected by floods in Assam. Her work was covered by The Hindustan Times, calling it “a blend of innocence and intensity—just like her screen persona.”
Back to the Roots: Organic Living and Farming
Mohit Raina: Growing Greens in the Himalayas
Mohit Raina, who shot to fame as Lord Shiva in Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, now spends a part of each year in his hometown in Jammu and Kashmir, where he has helped his family turn their ancestral land into an organic farm. According to a 2024 Indian Express feature, Mohit promotes sustainable agriculture and often documents his planting seasons on Instagram.
“There’s nothing like growing your own food. It grounds you,” he said in the interview.
Award-Winning Altruism
These TV celebrities are not only loved for their performances but also recognized for their real-life achievements.
- Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya won the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award 2021 for Most Versatile Actress, but what went underreported is her initiative to sponsor education for five girl children through the NGO Nanhi Kali.
- Karan Patel, known for Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, runs a free drama workshop for economically disadvantaged youth in Mumbai. In 2023, he was honored with a Special Mention by the Maharashtra State Government for his work in arts education.
More Than Just Stars
India’s TV icons are no longer confined to their screen personas. They are multi-talented, socially conscious individuals who juggle fame with purpose. Whether they are building businesses, supporting charities, or quietly planting seeds in rural fields, these stars prove that life beyond the limelight can be just as inspiring.
So next time you watch your favorite daily soap, remember—there’s a world of real drama, passion, and purpose happening after the director yells “Cut!”
