Avika Gor Returns to TV as the Queen of the Apsaras: Star Plus Bets Big on Apsara to Replace Smriti Irani's Kyunki 2 -

The Balika Vadhu star is back on the small screen in Mukta Dhond’s Samudra Manthan-inspired supernatural saga, premiering October 21 at 10:30 pm.

Mumbai, October 19, 2026

Television’s favourite Anandi is coming home. Avika Gor is making her return to the small screen as the Queen of the Apsaras in Star Plus’s new supernatural saga Apsara, and the countdown has begun. The show premieres on October 21 at 10:30 pm on Star Plus and JioHotstar, and it comes with myth, magic, a big-name cast and a very high-stakes time slot.

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The Show: Samudra Manthan, Reimagined

Produced by Mukta Dhond, Apsara draws inspiration from the legendary Samudra Manthan. At its centre is Sunehri, played by Samiksha Jaiswal, an Apsara entrusted with protecting the Amrit from evil forces. She has to fight those who want to seize its power while keeping the people she loves safe.

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The makers describe the show as a blend of fantasy, action and emotional relationships, set in a world where duty and love test courage. Samiksha has said what excites her is that her character’s story goes beyond beauty, and that this Apsara does not wait around for a hero to rescue her. That line alone is likely to be quoted a lot once the show begins.

The Cast: Big Names, Bigger Buzz

Samiksha Jaiswal and Paras Kalnawat lead the show. The ensemble also features Anushka Merchande, Adaa Khan, Mona Vasu and Poorva Gokhale, with Avika Gor playing the Queen of the Apsaras in the grand premiere episode. Adaa Khan, known for her supernatural-genre roles on television, is an especially apt addition to a fantasy of this kind.

Avika Gor on Why She Said Yes

For Avika, the decision was about the role, not the medium. She says the character and the story have always mattered more to her than the format, and that this queen impressed her with her many layers. She describes the character as powerful and commanding, yet with her own vulnerabilities. The role also let her explore romance, action, emotional moments and dance in a single part.

She spoke warmly about the look of the show. Elaborate costumes, jewellery and styling, she says, were an experience in themselves, with every detail helping her step into the character. She credited producer Mukta Dhond and Vikram Ghai for building a visually distinctive world, and said working with her co-stars, including Adaa Khan, made the shoot more enjoyable.

The most emotional note came when she spoke about returning to television. In her words, TV is where so much of her growth as an actor happened, and coming back reminded her that no matter how much you grow or explore other mediums, you should never forget your roots.

The Balika Vadhu Connection

Fans will see the full-circle moment. Avika became a household name at just 11 years old with Colors’ record-breaking Balika Vadhu, where she played Anandi. She followed it with Sasural Simar Ka as Roli, and then built a strong film career in Telugu, starting with Uyyala Jampala in 2013, which won her the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut in Telugu. She later launched her own production house, Avika Screen Creations, becoming one of the youngest producers in Indian cinema.

Now she returns as a queen of mythical beings, a long way from the village child bride who made India cry. The contrast is part of the appeal.

The Slot Story: Replacing a TRP Giant

There is a gossipy angle here too. Apsara takes the 10:30 pm slot currently occupied by Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, Smriti Irani’s revival of the iconic family drama. That show began airing on July 29, 2025, and was reported to have topped TRP charts after its comeback. Reports say it is wrapping up around October 20, though one report suggested the show would end in November, so the exact finale date is worth confirming.

Replacing a household name is a gutsy move for any new show. Star Plus is clearly betting that audiences are ready for a very different flavour, moving from the Virani family’s drama to gods, guardians and an elixir of immortality.

What This Means for Everyone Involved

For Avika Gor: A comeback to television in a powerful role could refresh her presence among TV audiences while she continues to work across languages and mediums. If the Queen of the Apsaras makes a strong impression in the premiere, it may open the door to more genre-heavy projects.

For Samiksha Jaiswal: As the title character’s protagonist, Sunehri puts her at the centre of Star Plus’s prime-time plan. Strong early numbers would be a major boost for her career.

For Star Plus: The channel is taking a calculated risk. The 10:30 pm slot needs viewers who loved the family-drama format, and Apsara has to convince them to follow it into fantasy. A good opening week will decide how long the channel can hold that confidence.

For Mukta Dhond: A supernatural saga on this scale shows the production house’s appetite for big visual worlds. Success would strengthen the case for more mythology-driven television.

For the genre: Indian TV has had a long relationship with fantasy and mythology, and a hit would likely inspire more shows rooted in epics. With simultaneous streaming on JioHotstar, the show also has a chance to reach viewers who do not follow daily television.

What Happens Next

The first big moment is the premiere itself. After that, the key numbers will be the early TRP and streaming figures, and whether the supporting cast and the Samudra Manthan backdrop keep viewers hooked. None of this can be known yet, so the next week will be telling.

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The Bottom Line

Avika Gor’s return, a stacked cast and a mythological premise give Apsara plenty of buzz before its first episode. It also carries the pressure of taking over from one of television’s most famous names. The Queen of the Apsaras has arrived, and now the audience decides whether her reign lasts.

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