Actress Rhea Chakraborty has officially announced her return to the entertainment industry after a prolonged hiatus of nearly seven years. She's set to make her comeback with the upcoming Netflix web series titled 'Family Business'. This project marks a significant transition in her professional life, which had been largely on hold since 2020 due to personal and legal challenges. Chakraborty described this new phase as 'Chapter 2' of her life and career.
The announcement follows a major legal development in March 2025, when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) granted Rhea Chakraborty a clean bill of health in the investigation related to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. With the legal hurdles cleared, the actress has resumed her professional commitments. In an emotional social media post, she reflected on her journey from being a 17-year-old aspiring actor in Mumbai to returning to a film set after several years of uncertainty.
The Emotional Announcement of 'Chapter 2'
Rhea Chakraborty shared a video on Instagram documenting her return to the camera. She noted that it had been approximately seven years since she last worked on a professional set. In her message, she expressed that while a part of her had moved forward, another part remained stationary, waiting for the right moment to return to her craft. She emphasized that despite the changes time has brought, her passion for acting remains unchanged. The post received significant attention from the industry and fans alike, marking a formal end to her professional isolation.
'Family Business': Plot and Directorial Vision
'Family Business' is described as a high-stakes corporate drama produced for Netflix. The series is directed by Hansal Mehta, a National Award-winning filmmaker renowned for his realistic storytelling in projects like 'Scam 1992' and 'Scoop'. The narrative revolves around power dynamics, familial conflicts, and corporate betrayals, while according to industry observers, Mehta's involvement suggests a gritty and authentic portrayal of the business world, providing a substantial platform for the cast to showcase their dramatic range.
A Power-Packed Ensemble Cast
One of the most notable aspects of 'Family Business' is its extensive and high-profile cast. Rhea Chakraborty will be sharing the screen with veteran actor Anil Kapoor and the critically acclaimed Vijay Varma, while this series marks the first collaboration between Kapoor and Varma. The ensemble also includes Neha Dhupia, Raima Sen, Akash Khurana, Kanwaljit Singh, Anant Nag, Dhruv Sehgal, Nandish Sandhu, and Tina Desai. The diversity of the cast indicates a multi-layered narrative structure typical of high-budget streaming productions.
Legal Journey and Career Trajectory
Rhea Chakraborty began her career in 2009 as a VJ on MTV's 'Teen Diva'. She made her acting debut in the 2012 Telugu film 'Tuniiga Tuniiga' and entered Bollywood with 'Mere Dad Ki Maruti' in 2013. Her career faced a sudden halt in 2020 following the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, leading to a highly publicized legal battle and media trial. She spent 28 days in Mumbai's Byculla Jail before being granted bail. The CBI's final clearance in March 2025 has been the primary catalyst for her return to mainstream acting projects.
Industry Analysis and Conclusion
According to film industry analysts, Chakraborty's return signifies the evolving nature of the Indian digital space, where talent is increasingly being evaluated based on professional merit. Critics suggest that collaborating with a director of Hansal Mehta's caliber is a strategic move that could help redefine her public and professional image. 'Family Business' is currently in production and is expected to be a major release on Netflix. The series represents not just a new role for Chakraborty, but a significant shift in her career trajectory after years of professional absence.
