For over two decades, CID ruled Indian television as one of the longest-running crime investigation shows. But if there was a heart, soul, and unmistakable signature to the show, it was undoubtedly the legendary trio of ACP Pradyuman, Senior Inspector Abhijeet, and Inspector Daya. Their chemistry, quirks, and catchphrases became cultural icons. From “Daya, darwaza tod do” to ACP Pradyuman’s intense glare, this trio wasn't just a part of CID—they were CID.
What made this trio truly special was their balance of authority, intellect, and action. ACP Pradyuman, portrayed by Shivaji Satam, brought gravitas and moral strength to the show. His calm demeanor, piercing gaze, and investigative brilliance grounded the team. Daya, played by Dayanand Shetty, wasn’t just the muscle—his loyalty, emotional range, and comic timing added depth. Meanwhile, Aditya Srivastava as Abhijeet brought the brooding detective archetype with a twist—sharp, emotionally complex, and fiercely dedicated.
Together, they formed more than a crime-fighting team; they represented justice, loyalty, and friendship. Their bond carried the emotional weight of the show, giving viewers characters they could root for week after week.
So why change what worked so well? A shocking twist introduced years later with Tigmanshu Dhulia aka Barbosa’s entry has miffed the ardent fans and audience.
According to reports actor Shivaji Satam, who plays ACP Pradyuman is on a leave and hence Parth Samthaan will be stepping in his shoes. This news got a mixed reaction online. While some are excited for the same, others are shocked on how the channel replaced Shivaji Satam with Parth Samthaan.
Comments read like: ‘We want acp pradyuman back’, ‘I'm not watching this show, unless you bring ACP Sir back’, ‘Legends always Legends’ and a lot more.
This twist came with a price. Without the consistent presence of Pradyuman, many fans felt the emotional core of the show had weakened. The trio wasn’t just about solving crimes—they brought familiarity, nostalgia, and a sense of continuity that newer characters couldn’t immediately replicate.
Also read: Tabu joins Vijay Sethupathi in director Puri Jagannadh's upcoming pan-India film
Like any long-running series, CID faced the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. Audience expectations were shifting with the rise of slicker crime shows, faster narratives, and more psychologically layered storytelling. The makers of CID needed to refresh the format to keep the intrigue alive.
The ACP-Daya-Abhijeet trio isn’t just irreplaceable—they were timeless. Their presence defined an era of Indian television, and their absence reminded us just how powerful the right characters can be.
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