Over more than twenty-five years, CID wasn’t merely a TV program; it became an integral part of Indian culture. It was a regular feature during family nights, weekend binge-watching sessions, and late-night repeats, providing both suspenseful mysteries and a feeling of reassurance and continuity. At the heart of this series stood ACP Pradyuman, embodying composed leadership, unyielding ethics, and subtle fortitude.
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In a recent episode of CID, the renowned officer appeared to be engulfed in a deadly blast. Instead of showing his last moments or wrapping up conclusively, they implied his demise with a somber tribute posted on Sony TV’s social platforms: “With love for ACP Pradyuman… The End of an Era (1998–2025)”.
However, instead of being an occasion for a dignified goodbye, it has become a whirlwind of letdown and sorrow, particularly affecting long-time devoted followers. Throughout various channels, the prevailing sentiment is discontent. For this was not merely any character; this was the quintessential figure everyone knew and loved.
ACP Pradyuman, portrayed by Shivaji Satam, wasn’t merely the central character; he embodied the very soul of CID. Known for his astute intellect, memorable one-liners, and unwavering command, he came to represent the series as much as the series represented him. Over 25 years, he served as the backbone of the show, lending an unparalleled authenticity and depth that transcended any plot twists or secondary storylines.
Social media responses have spanned from sadness to anger. Audiences have expressed their dissatisfaction both with the choice to remove the character and with how it was executed—sudden, cold-hearted, and devoid of the respect and dignity that Pradyuman consistently embodied.
A lot of people are struggling to come to terms with this departure, particularly since the series had been regaining its emotional footing. Recently, the original trio—Pradyuman, Daya, and Abhijeet—had made a comeback, helping CID win back the affections of dedicated viewers. It seemed like a joyful reunion, a warm welcome back home. However, the unexpected removal of the main character has disrupted this emotional progression.
During an interview with ETimes, Shivaji Satam spoke about the rumors circulating regarding ACP Pradyuman’s demise. He stated clearly that he is taking a hiatus and hasn’t received any information suggesting that his character will be permanently terminated.
“I’m completely in the dark regarding this. I’ve stepped back for a while now, and the creators are aware of where things stand with the series moving forward. I’ve learned to handle whatever comes my way calmly, and if my storyline has concluded, then I’m fine with it. That being said, nobody has informed me definitively one way or another,” he stated.
He mentioned that he isn’t filming for the show at present and intends to take a vacation in May to spend quality time with his son, who is coming over from another country. Looking back on his career, Satam stated, “For 22 years, I’ve relished portraying ACP during previous seasons. It’s been an incredible ride. The series has provided me with so much. At this moment, I’m simply stepping back for a breather and aiming to savor life. After putting in considerable effort, everyone merits some downtime. If my storyline gets brought back remains known only to those behind the scenes.”
The unclear conclusion of ACP Pradyuman has left an unpleasant taste, not due to resistance against changes, but because viewers anticipated respect for a character cherished by countless people. Despite Shivaji Satam’s justified wish to step back from acting after years of commitment, the duty to preserve his legacy falls upon those telling the stories.
Regardless of whether this genuinely signifies the conclusion or merely a hiatus in his story, one fact remains clear: for countless Indians, ACP Pradyuman wasn’t simply a fictional character; he was a cherished memory, an emblem, and an integral part of their lives. Unlike television programs, such recollections do not diminish with time.
Prachi Mehta
