"It doesn’t feel like there was a six-year break at all; it feels like we just finished shooting yesterday, and today started working on the next one", says Shivaji Satam aka ACP Pradyuman

The iconic crime investigation show CID is all set to make a grand comeback on Sony Entertainment Television starting 21st December 2024, and will air every Saturday – Sunday at 10 PM. Shivaji Satam (ACP Pradyuman), Dayanand Shetty (Daya), and Aditya Srivastava (Abhijeet), will reprise their roles in this fan – favourite drama. In a candid interview, actor Shivaji Satam (ACP Pradyuman) speaks about the excitement of returning to the show and reconnecting with the audience, sharing that the new season will feature a mix of nostalgia and fresh, engaging cases and much more.

CID has been on-air for almost three decades now. Over this time, what changes have you observed? How does the era back then compare to the present?  

You won’t believe it, but during the six-year gap when the show was off-air, it never really felt like it was gone. On the first day back on set, it didn’t feel strange or unfamiliar at all—just like how a pilot takes control of a glider, everything felt natural. From the very beginning until now, our journeys have been intertwined. Everyone's journey has been a collective one.  The directors, the writers, and especially the creator, B.P. Singh—working with them has been an amazing experience for me. Technology has changed so much over the years. Back then, we worked with cassette tapes, VCRs, and basic VFX, which required extensive dubbing. But now, the advancements are incredible. Digital sound recording has made everything so seamless, whether it’s sound effects, music, or even the camera work. In every aspect, there’s been significant progress. Personally, I have a deep love for my character, and over time, I’ve added nuances to it. It’s like creating intricate artwork—adding finer details and depth to bring the character to life. Even now, going back to that office set doesn’t feel tiresome at all. Before we realised it, we had already shot for two episodes, and it didn’t even feel like work! It doesn’t feel like there was a six-year break at all; it feels like we just finished shooting yesterday, and today started working on the next one.

To create a connection with the audience, the storyline must be strong, and CID has always delivered on that front, showcasing diverse and complete narratives. What's your view on this?

In the back of my mind, I always carry the thought that I am ACP Pradyuman, and my main goal is to convey to the audience how ACP Pradyuman solves cases. That is the essence. Through this, I aim to firmly establish my character so that the audience believes, "If ACP Pradyuman is on the case, it will now gain momentum and be solved." This entire thought process is constantly at work. And I always remind myself that ACP Pradyuman is not me but a character that I need to portray. I have to bring him to life with his personality, his dialogues, and his composure. He is the head of the group, a fatherly figure who takes everyone along and ensures that the case moves forward. There are so many layers to his personality. The bond between ACP Pradyuman and Dr. Salunkhe is another highlight. It's a friendship that shows how friends tease each other yet deeply respect one another. As I often say, in friendship, there should be fun and laughter, but respect is equally important. Without respect, mere teasing and fun hold no meaning in life. This dynamic, too, reflects a normal, everyday human relationship. And this is what we strive to portray authentically.

Fans love the camaraderie between ACP Pradyuman, Daya and Abhijeet. What was the secret to your on-screen chemistry with the team?

I believe the secret to our on-screen chemistry lies in the deep bond we share off-screen. Beyond just colleagues, we’ve always been like a family, and that connection has stood the test of time. We’ve stayed in touch not just occasionally, but almost daily, even when we weren’t shooting. Whether it’s meeting for meals, casual get-togethers, or catching up on life, our bond has remained strong. Sometimes our meetups are planned, and other times they happen spontaneously, but the effort to stay connected has always been mutual. We also make it a point to visit BP Singh, our guiding force, and those moments bring back so many cherished memories. This tradition of staying close, sharing laughter, and supporting one another has continued over the years, and I think it’s this genuine affection and respect that translated so naturally into the camaraderie you see on screen. 

ACP Pradyuman’s dialogues, like "Daya, darwaza tod do," have become legendary. How do you feel about this phrase becoming part of pop culture?

Ah, "Daya, darwaza tod do" has truly taken on a life of its own, hasn’t it? Honestly, I feel incredibly humbled and amused by how this dialogue has become such a beloved part of pop culture. When we first started using it, we had no idea it would resonate with audiences in this way or become such an iconic catchphrase. It’s amazing to see how fans have embraced it, using it in memes, jokes, and even day-to-day conversations. It shows the deep connection people have with CID and its characters. For me, it’s a reminder of the impact the show has had over the years—it’s not just a dialogue; it’s a symbol of all the action, drama, and fun that CID brought into people’s lives. I feel immense gratitude toward the fans who’ve kept the spirit of the show alive, making a simple line like this a cultural phenomenon. It’s proof that the work we did resonated deeply, and I’m proud to be part of something so timeless.

With CID making a comeback after more than 1,500 episodes, how has the show been revamped to cater to the tastes and expectations of today’s audience?

The new episodes will be thrilling, with fresh and diverse storylines. They will incorporate modern investigation techniques, making it easier for viewers to relate to the cases and the challenges faced by the characters. While the core essence of the show will remain the same but will be presented in a more interesting and updated way. After so many years, coming back with the same old approach wouldn’t make sense, especially since audience expectations have grown. For those like you who watched CID as a child and continued to cherish it through college and beyond, the love for the show remains constant. Now, the expectations are even higher, and our aim is to meet those expectations fully. We are determined to deliver something exciting, engaging, and fresh while staying true to what made CID special. This time, it has to be better, and we’re confident it will be!

After so many years in the industry, what message would you like to share with your fans, especially with CID making its return?

To all the fans who have supported CID and me over the years, I want to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love and loyalty have meant the world to us, and it’s because of you that CID has remained such a cherished part of Indian television. As the show makes its return, we promise to continue delivering exciting stories, thrilling cases, and of course, moments that will touch your hearts. I hope you all continue to watch and support us in this new chapter. Remember, justice never takes a break — and neither does ACP Pradyuman! Stay tuned, and we look forward to entertaining you once again.