- CID premiered in 1998 and ended its original run in 2018 after nearly two decades on air
- The show returned in 2024 with a new season featuring several beloved characters
- Internal conflicts in 2016 over producer changes led to the show's abrupt cancellation
The long-running television crime drama CID has remained a favourite among Indian television audiences even years after its original run ended. The show, which premiered in 1998, aired for nearly two decades before going off air in 2018.
It returned to television with a new season in 2024, bringing back several of its much-loved characters. Now, actor Dayanand Shetty, best known for playing Senior Inspector Daya, has opened up about what led to the original show's abrupt end.
What's Happening
In an interview with Siddharth Kannan on his podcast, Dayanand Shetty said that internal differences between the channel, producers and cast eventually played a role in the show's closure.
According to the actor, the trouble began around 2016 when the channel wanted to replace the show's producers. The cast, who had developed a close bond with the producers over the years, opposed the decision.
"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."
Shetty also recalled how the issue surrounding the actors' contracts came to light. He said that when the channel asked for the cast's contracts in 2016, the producers revealed that the actors had never formally signed any. Despite the show's long association with the channel and its producers, the actors had continued working based on their understanding with the production team.
The actor also spoke about the popularity CID continued to enjoy among viewers. He pointed out that the show's loyal fan base has remained vocal on social media, including in the comments section of Sony's posts, particularly when the channel announced the revival of another crime show.
'Lata Mangeshkar Fought For Us'
However, Shetty's most striking revelation was about the late legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, who was a known admirer of CID. According to him, Mangeshkar strongly objected to the show's closure and even reached out to the channel to express her disappointment.
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 first premiered on Sony Entertainment Television in 1998 and went on to become one of India's most recognisable television crime dramas.
Led by characters such as ACP Pradyuman, Daya and Abhijeet, the series built a dedicated following through its investigative storylines, memorable characters and signature dialogues.
After ending its original run in 2018, the show made a comeback in 2024, reuniting its iconic characters while also introducing CID to a new generation of viewers.
