Very few television shows manage to strike a lasting chord with audiences and eventually become timeless classics. One such show is CID, which first premiered in 1998 and went on to entertain viewers for nearly two decades before going off air in 2018. The popular crime series returned with a new season in 2024, bringing its iconic characters back to the screen. Now, in a conversation with Siddharth Kannan on his podcast, Dayanand Shetty, who played the beloved Daya, has opened up about why the show was originally pulled off air. He also recalled how legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar intervened and fought with the makers when the decision to end the show was announced.
Dayanand Shetty reveals why CID went off air
Dayanand revealed that the CID actors were very fond of the show’s producers. However, in 2018, the channel wanted to change the producers, a move the actors objected to. He revealed, “It was pulled off air due to internal politics. The problem started in 2016. The channel wanted to change the producers, which the actors didn’t agree to. We didn’t know Sony; we were fireworks actors. It had been 21 years, but we never signed any contract, all on the producers’ words. It was a surprise for the channel. Initially, we felt bad.”
He recalled that in 2016, when the channel asked for the actors’ contracts, the producers revealed that the actors had never signed any contracts. He also spoke about CID’s immense popularity, revealing how fans have been flooding Sony’s comment section after the channel decided to revive another crime show.
Dayanand further revealed how late legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar fought for the cast when the show was pulled off air. He said, “Lata ji was a big fan. She loved us. She was a big support for us. Even when they show went off air, she fought for us. Matlab Sony America tak call karke gaaliyan di hai unhone (I mean, she even called Sony America and abused them). She said I watch this show, why are you pulling it off air? What is your problem?”
About CID
CID is one of Indian television’s most iconic crime investigation shows. The show premiered on Sony Entertainment Television in 1998 and enjoyed a remarkable run until 2018, becoming a favourite among viewers for its gripping cases, memorable characters and signature dialogues. The show was later revived in 2024 with a new season, bringing back its beloved characters and introducing the franchise to a new generation of viewers.
Among the most recognisable characters from CID is Senior Inspector Daya, played by Dayanand Shetty. His famous ability to break doors with his bare hands became one of the series’ most popular running gags and eventually turned into a pop-culture phenomenon.
Daya’s camaraderie with ACP Pradyuman, played by Shivaji Satam and Senior Inspector Abhijeet, played by Aditya Srivastava, was central to the show’s appeal.
