6 min readMumbaiUpdated: May 17, 2026 08:00 PM IST Veteran actor Chhaya Vora began her career in Gujarati theatre in 1986. After spending nearly eight years working in theatre and television, she stepped away from acting altogether. Following a 13-year hiatus, Chhaya returned to the industry with a successful second innings. From appearing in Mitron to landing a role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, she steadily rebuilt her career and most recently played a grandmother in Bhoot Bangla. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Chhaya spoke about her journey and said, “I took a break for 13 years after I got married. When my son turned 12, my friends from the theatre industry asked me to resume work. I wanted to enjoy family life. So, I resumed doing plays, because it was convenient and gave me time too. I also worked on television. I did Zee TV’s first show, Dillagi. In my second innings, I played Jackky Bhangnani’s mother in Mitron, then played Alia Bhatt’s mother in Gangubai Kathiawadi.” Also Read: ‘Should be ashamed’: …