“CID has been one of the longest-running shows in India because it was always ahead of its time”, says CID actor Dayanand Shetty.

Dayanand Shetty Talking , CID returns on Sony Entertainment Television

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 Dayanand Shetty (Daya) 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 is making a comeback! How does it feel to step back into the shoes of Daya after all these years?

It’s not just me; the entire team is very excited, and even more so, our fans are thrilled. We are returning after 6 years, and the response we’ve received from the fans, the emotions they expressed, made us feel that the show shouldn’t have ended so soon. People continued to follow the show, even old episodes were being re-watched—people saw them on YouTube, in buses, and taxis.

It seemed like they had developed a deep connection not just with the show, but also with the characters. So I can’t be happier reprise my role as the beloved Daya, who will break down even more doors in this new edition of the show.

What has been the most rewarding part of playing Daya for so many years?

It’s been an incredible journey and the most rewarding part is the love I’ve received from fans. Wherever we went, it never felt like our show was off air. People weren’t talking about the shows that were currently on air; instead, people were discussing CID. It felt as if the show was still relevant, as if it was still on air, thanks to our fans.

We have a very dedicated fan base. Even today, some fans manage to get my number and send me WhatsApp messages. I’m not very active on social media, but I hear about how fans keep sharing CID memes and talk about iconic dialogues. Their love and is truly overwhelming.

What’s been the most exciting part of reviving CID? Any challenges you’ve faced this time around?

When you work with the same people for so long, it almost starts to feel like family so the most exciting part for me is to get the opportunity to work with the CID team again. The challenge is to be able to deliver a show that fans can fall in love with again, especially given all their support and wishes that they blessed us with when we were off-air. For example, the dialogues of CID have become iconic.

While we can write and deliver those lines and enact them on screen, it’s ultimately the audience who decides how famous they become. They’re the ones who turn them into memes or make them a part of everyday conversations. For example, just the sight of a door reminds people of “Daya, darwaza tod do!” That’s not something we control—it’s entirely the audience’s love and creativity that keeps it alive. Their connection with CID is what makes it so special, and we’re excited to be back for them!

There is a bigger mystery than ‘Bahubali-Katappa’, why did Inspector Abhijeet kill Daya?

I can tell you that the mystery of why Inspector Abhijeet would kill Daya is something that no one, not even the fans, saw coming! It’s a question that has been on everyone’s minds, and it has left people shocked and curious. But, just like in any great story, there are twists and turns, and you will get to know about it on 21st December.

Did you ever think CID would gain such a cult status and be loved for decades?

To be honest, when we first started CID, none of us imagined it would become such a phenomenon and be loved for decades. The fact that CID has gained a cult status is a testament to the hard work of the entire team—our writers, directors, and co-stars—and, most importantly, the unwavering love of our fans.

It’s incredible how people of all ages, across generations, continue to connect with the show. It’s humbling and heartwarming to see how much it means to so many, and being a part of something that has made such an impact is a feeling I will always treasure.

What’s new that fans can expect in the new season? Are there any new elements or it’s the same format?

No matter how modernized we become or what advancements we achieve, emotions remain the core of what moves and connects people. CID has been one of the longest-running shows in India because it was always ahead of its time. We introduced concepts like forensic science to the audience when these ideas were relatively unknown. For example, back in 2004-05, we did an episode featuring a narco-analysis test.

At that time, people thought it was fiction—how could injecting someone and attaching electrodes to their head reveal whether they were telling the truth or not? But today, these methods are widely known. CID consistently stayed ahead of the curve by showcasing advanced techniques before they became common knowledge.

Moving forward, we’ll need to innovate again and incorporate the latest research and advancements to keep things fresh and engaging, while maintaining the essence of what makes CID special. Ultimately, though, it’s about human connection. People love stories with emotions, relationships, and small, relatable moments of drama and humor. To resonate with the audience, it has to be a complete package that blends innovation with the timeless appeal of human emotions.

The CID audience has been incredibly loyal over the years. What message do you have for your fans who’ve been waiting for the new season?

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our fans who have been so loyal and supportive over the years. Your unwavering love and dedication have been the driving force behind the show’s success. I know many of you have been waiting eagerly for the new season, and I promise you, the wait will be worth it! Your excitement, your messages, and your support have kept us going all these years. We’ve worked hard to make this season just as exciting and entertaining as ever, and we hope it continues to bring joy, suspense, and a sense of justice to your lives. CID is back because of you!