Upasana Singh has carved a niche for herself with her versatility and memorable performances. Among her many roles, her portrayal of Bua ji in Comedy Nights With Kapil remains iconic. However, her departure from the show sparked curiosity among fans, and in a recent chat with Siddharth Kannan, the actress opened up about her reasons for leaving.
Contrary to rumors, Upasana clarified that there were no disputes with Kapil Sharma. Instead, she felt sidelined creatively and found the atmosphere tense due to conflicts between Kapil and the channel. Sharing her perspective, she explained that after two and a half years of the show’s dominance, her role began to feel redundant. She confided this to Kapil, emphasizing their continued friendship and mutual respect.
Another major factor in her decision was her contractual obligations. Upasana explained that her agreement was with the channel, not Kapil’s team. This created complications when Kapil shifted to another network, leaving her bound to stay with the original channel. As a result, she had to work on a show featuring Krushna Abhishek instead of joining Kapil’s new project. This transition was challenging for her, as she often felt creatively stifled. She candidly described the experience as frustrating, particularly when her punchlines were cut, making her feel undervalued.
Upasana revealed that her colleague Ali Asgar faced similar issues, which further highlighted the dissatisfaction among the cast. Although Kapil later extended an invitation for her to rejoin his team, she chose to focus on producing films by that time. She recalled Kapil lending his voice to her Punjabi films, which showed their ongoing professional camaraderie. However, even with his involvement, she admitted that her creative needs weren’t fully met.
Beyond television, Upasana has had a fascinating career trajectory. In the same interview, she recounted her early days in Mumbai and her interaction with Sooraj Barjatya. He had initially chosen her for the role of Suman in Maine Pyar Kiya after her audition. However, his father, Raj Kumar Barjatya, was not convinced. She recalled Sooraj assuring her that she was finalized but asking her to meet his father the following day.
When she met Raj Kumar Barjatya, he didn’t openly reject her but never followed up, leaving her out of the project. Years later, the truth behind this decision surfaced while working on Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. Raj Kumar Barjatya revealed to the cast that Upasana was their first choice for Suman. This revelation surprised her colleagues, including Kareena Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan, who were present on set.
Raj Kumar Barjatya explained his reasons, mentioning, “If I selected you, then you would have also left the movies like Bhagyashree.” He also shared that her height was a factor, as they wanted a shorter lead opposite Salman Khan. Upasana reflected on the incident with humor and grace, appreciating the honesty and warmth of the Barjatya family despite the missed opportunity.
Today, Upasana is celebrated for her work across various platforms, including shows like Sonpari and Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein. Her journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the ability to find success beyond setbacks.