Namik Paul joins the cast of Kumkum Bhagya; says, “I’m playing an anti-hero for the first time”

Kumkum Bhagyacontinues to delve into the evolving love story of Prarthana (Pranali Rathod) and Raunak (Akshay Dev Bindra), ushering in a new era filled with emotional turmoil, layered characters, and gripping narratives.Following the much-celebrated return of beloved characters from Kundali Bhagya, Preeta (Shraddha Arya) and Karan (Shakti Anand), the show now introduces another powerful addition to its ensemble—popular television actorNamik Paul, who joins the cast as Shivansh Randhava. He is a man whose intensity and inner conflict are set to shake up the world of Kumkum Bhagya like never before.
Shivansh is a sharp, disciplined businessman who lives by perfection and the values instilled in him by his Bua Maa. Calm and emotionally guarded, he rarely lets anything shake his focus, until a clash with Smita Zaveri (Gurdip Punjj) turns his world upside down. Her sudden presence in his life leaves him deeply unsettled, triggering a burning desire for revenge. Once principled and composed, he is driven by anger, ushering in a gripping new chapter in the show.Essaying this intense and emotionally charged role is popular actor Namik Paul, who is stepping in as theanti-hero.
Namik Paul said, “I’m thrilled to be joining a legacy show like Kumkum Bhagya, which has been a fan favorite for years. What makes this experience even more special is that it marks the first time I’m playing an anti-hero. As an actor, it’s both exciting and challenging to tap into a character who isn’t outright evil but is emotionally damaged and driven by pain.”
He further said, “Shivansh is a good man at heart, but circumstances, pushed him down a darker path. Portraying that shift in his personality, while keeping him real and relatable, will be creatively fulfilling. There’s a lot of suspense around why he turns the way he does, and I’d love for the audience to uncover that as the story unfolds. The team has been amazing, and I’m really looking forward to viewers seeing this new, darker shade of me on screen.”

It will be interesting for viewers to see how his quest for revenge sends shockwaves through the lives of Prarthana and Raunak, drawing them into a storm of emotional upheaval and unexpected twists.