Dayanand Shetty’s portrayal of Senior Inspector Daya on CID not only showcased his strong screen presence but also highlighted the sheer physicality he brought to the role. However, behind the forceful action scenes and iconic door-breaking moments, there was a man constantly aware of his strength and cautious not to harm anyone.
Before stepping into the world of television and cinema, Shetty was a professional athlete. His background in shot put gave him a naturally powerful build. Years of rigorous training shaped his physique, but a knee injury abruptly ended his sports journey. That very strength later became both an asset and a challenge when he transitioned into acting.
Shetty, known for his imposing screen presence, had to learn how to control his power, especially during scenes that required physical action. In a recent chat with Filmee Keeda, he opened up about the behind-the-scenes realities of shooting intense moments. He admitted being highly aware of how dangerous even a slight misstep could be during such scenes. He said, “I have broken many doors on CID set but I would never make contact with anyone’s face while slapping them.”
He explained that although his scenes looked real on-screen, they were executed with great care. Physical contact, especially during slapping sequences, was always avoided. But even with all the caution, there was one moment that stayed with him. Shetty said, “Once my fingers touched someone’s nose during a slapping scene and he started bleeding. It can be that dangerous but that happened only once in my 22-year CID career.”
Despite countless action sequences, Shetty ensured that no one got hurt. His priority was always the safety of his fellow actors, even when the scene demanded intensity. The audience saw powerful performances and believable action, unaware of the careful choreography behind it.
CID, which began airing in 1998, quickly became one of the longest-running shows in Indian television history. It ran uninterrupted for 20 years, capturing the imagination of viewers with its thrilling investigations, loyal characters, and signature dialogues. The show wrapped up in 2018, leaving behind a legacy few could match.
Due to continuous fan requests and nostalgic demand, CID made its return in 2024. It came back on Sony TV and also began streaming on Netflix. The news was met with excitement by loyal fans who grew up watching Daya, ACP Pradyuman, and Abhijeet solve complex cases. The revival promised to bring back the old charm and action-packed sequences that made it a classic.
However, despite the initial buzz, the new season has struggled to maintain strong viewership numbers. The TRPs have been underwhelming, even though the familiar faces and format remain. While fans celebrated its return, the show hasn’t been able to match its earlier success, perhaps due to changing viewer preferences and the rise of newer crime dramas.
