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Apsara is Star Plus's next big fiction launch, and it is a clear change of mood for the channel's late-night slot. The supernatural drama stars Samiksha Jaiswal and Paras Kalnawat, is produced by Mukta Dhond, and premieres on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 10:30 PM. It takes over the slot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. Here is what has been confirmed so far about the cast, the story, the timing and the promo, and what is still only talk.
Apsara at a glance
- Channel: Star Plus (also streaming on JioHotstar)
- Premiere: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
- Time: 10:30 PM
- Genre: Supernatural fantasy drama
- Leads: Samiksha Jaiswal (Sunehri) and Paras Kalnawat
- Producer: Mukta Dhond (Malhar Content Creations)
- Replaces: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 in the 10:30 PM slot
Launch date and timing
IANS, Dainik Jagran English, IWMBuzz and Connect Gujarat all report the same date and time: 21 October at 10:30 PM on Star Plus. That matches the date that had been going round on fan forums, so the forum post was right on this one. Dussehra falls the day before, on Tuesday 20 October, which makes Apsara the channel's first new launch after the festival.
The plan was not always October. In late September, IWMBuzz reported that the show was expected in early November. Star Plus has since moved it up to 21 October, and every report from October onwards gives that date.
Star Plus has not said which days of the week the show will air. Most Star Plus prime-time fiction runs daily, but treat that as likely, not confirmed. Fan posts also mention a run of about 70 episodes. No outlet has reported that number, and the makers have not said how long the show will run.
You can watch the premiere live on our Star Plus HD live page. Our Star Plus live guide explains how to tune in on mobile and TV.
Which show is Apsara replacing?
Apsara takes over the 10:30 PM slot from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, the Balaji Telefilms revival led by Smriti Irani. IANS, Dainik Jagran and IWMBuzz all report the swap. Jagran and IWMBuzz say the revival is expected to air its last episode on 20 October, the night before Apsara begins.
Not every report agrees on the end date. One NewsBytes report said Kyunki 2 would sign off in November. Until Star Plus announces the finale, the 20 October date is reported, not official. Either way, the 10:30 PM slot belongs to Apsara from 21 October.
Story: an Apsara who guards the Amrit
The show draws on the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean in Hindu mythology that produced the Amrit, the nectar of immortality. In the world of Apsara, the Amrit was never lost. It still exists, and the Apsaras, celestial beings, have guarded it ever since. Evil forces want the Amrit Kalash for themselves, and its guardians have to keep it out of the wrong hands.
Samiksha Jaiswal plays Sunehri, an Apsara entrusted with protecting the Amrit while also looking after the people she loves. IANS describes the show as the story of an Apsara who becomes the bridge between an ancient power and those who want to possess it. In interviews around the first look, Samiksha said Sunehri is not defined by her beauty. Her Sunehri does not wait for a hero to save her. She does the saving herself.
Star Plus has not revealed Paras Kalnawat's character or who the main villain will be.
Apsara cast
| Actor | Role (as reported) |
|---|---|
| Samiksha Jaiswal | Sunehri, the Apsara (female lead) |
| Paras Kalnawat | Male lead (character not yet revealed) |
| Adaa Khan | Pivotal role |
| Avika Gor | Special role |
| Manish Raisinghan | Special role |
| Anushka Merchande | Key role |
| Mona Vasu | Key role |
| Poorva Gokhale | Key role |
The leads are familiar TV faces. IWMBuzz reports this is Samiksha Jaiswal's first supernatural role. Avika Gor and Manish Raisinghan also appear: according to IWMBuzz, they share a cameo as a couple, and Adaa Khan's part is short but important.
IWMBuzz also names Sanket Ranadive, Priyambda Singh and Preet Kaur in the cast. No other outlet has reported them yet, so take their roles as reported.
Production house
Apsara is produced by Mukta Dhond, a veteran TV writer and producer. IWMBuzz and BizAsia credit her company, Malhar Content Creations, as the production house. All of the reports cited here name Dhond as the person behind the show.
The promo and first look
Star Plus has teased Apsara in stages. BizAsia reported a new promo on 27 September, at which point the channel was only saying "October". In early October, Star Plus released the first look at Samiksha as Sunehri, together with the 21 October date. Connect Gujarat, IANS and Dainik Jagran all covered it.
IWMBuzz describes the first promo like this. Someone Sunehri knows calls her a witch. Then she turns into an Apsara and saves a train from an accident, and Paras Kalnawat appears briefly. That gives an idea of the tone: a heroine with powers, mixed with family drama.
Also on the way: the Gaurav Khanna and Shraddha Arya show
Viewers have also been asking about a reported Balaji Telefilms romantic drama with Gaurav Khanna and Shraddha Arya, which would be their first show together. Pinkvilla and Dainik Jagran reported in August that the pair were in talks to lead the show on Star Plus. The makers have not confirmed the cast, title, launch date or time slot. It has nothing to do with Apsara, and we will cover it once it is officially announced.
For more of what's on TV this week, browse all live TV channels, including Star Bharat HD, or catch up on full shows in our TV series section.
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Frequently asked questions
When does Apsara start on Star Plus?
Apsara premieres on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, on Star Plus. IANS, Dainik Jagran, IWMBuzz and Connect Gujarat all report this date.
What is the Apsara serial timing?
Apsara airs at 10:30 PM on Star Plus. The channel has not yet said which days of the week it will air.
Who is in the cast of Apsara?
Samiksha Jaiswal plays Sunehri, the Apsara, and Paras Kalnawat is the male lead. The supporting cast includes Adaa Khan, Avika Gor, Manish Raisinghan, Anushka Merchande, Mona Vasu and Poorva Gokhale.
Which show is Apsara replacing?
Apsara replaces Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 in the 10:30 PM slot. Most reports say Kyunki 2 ends on 20 October, but one said November, so the exact finale date is not official yet.
What is the story of Apsara?
The story is inspired by the Samudra Manthan. In the show, the Amrit still exists and is guarded by Apsaras. Sunehri has to protect it from evil forces while also looking after her family.
Who is producing Apsara?
The show is produced by Mukta Dhond. IWMBuzz and BizAsia name her company, Malhar Content Creations, as the production house.
