Bidding adieu

A lot of actors who were playing the lead roles in serial have called it quits in the last five months. While some of them like Mohammad Nazim (Ahem of Saath Nibhana Saathiya) and Karan Mehra (Naitik of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai) were part of the show for six-seven years, others like Eisha Singh (Dhaani of Ishq Ka Rang Safed) and Siddhant Gupta (Kunj of Tashn-E- Ishq) have been associated with the show only for a few months. While some quit to pursue career in films, others quit for greener pastures, read another show, and some did not want to play characters that were older to them. Here’s a look at the actors who bid adieu to their shows...

Karan Mehra – Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

After playing the loving husband, ideal son and a caring father to two kids for seven years, Karan who became a household name as Naitik decided to leave the show in a rather dramatic way. His wife Nisha Rawal posted an emotional letter citing the reasons for his exit, the primary one being his health issues. Karan himself said that for two-three months the producer and the channel were trying various means to find a solution to the problem but could not. As a result he decided to opt out and is now planning a long vacation with his wife. “I will get recharged, rejuvenated and come back,” he says but makes it clear that he won’t be part of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai anymore. Meanwhile, the makers of the show are still figuring out how to take the story forward. “Either they will find his replacement or eventually kill his character,” says a source.

Shilpa Shinde – Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai

When Shilpa, who became a household name as bhabhiji, decided to quit the serial to be a part of Kapil Sharma’s show there was a huge furore. There were allegations by her against the makers of not giving her a raise, harassing her and asking her to sign an exclusivity contract — the reason for her quitting the show. The producer, on the other hand, claimed that the exclusivity contract was already in place and she had been given a raise twice in one year. The issue went to Cine And Television Artists Association who ruled in the producer’s favour and sent a directive to Shilpa to report on the sets. She, however, failed to turn up and the makers sent her a legal notice. Eventually, she was replaced with Shubhangi Atre, but because of her legal tussle Shilpa even lost out on Kapil’s show.

Drashti Dhami – Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani

A period drama, Drashti played Rani Gayatri and made a good pair with Siddhanth Karnik who played Rana Indravardhan. However, after eight months of airing, and a lot of twists and turns, the makers decided to introduce a generation leap. This meant Drashti’s character becoming a mother, which didn’t go down well with the actress. In an interview she said she is neither mentally prepared nor ready to play a mother right now. With her quitting the show, even Siddhant’s track was brought to an end and a new set of actors have been introduced.

Eisha Singh - Ishq Ka Rang Safed

Eisha played the lead role of Dhaani, a widow, who is wooed by a rich boy Viplav (Mishal Raheja). He goes against the orthodox society to marry her. The serial was set to take a five year leap and both were to be shown as parents. Eisha who is a teenager didn’t want to play a mother and apparently felt that if she does, it will hamper her chances of playing younger characters. Sanjeeda Sheikh has replaced her.

Sidhant Gupta – Tashn-E- Ishq

He made his debut with the serial, but that didn’t stop Sidhant from quitting when he was offered a big reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. He played Kunj and his chemistry with Twinkle (Jasmine Bhasin) had clicked big time with the viewers, but he couldn’t resist the lure of the dance reality show. Naman Shaw has

replaced him.

Avika Gor - Sasural Simar Ka

Early this year, Avika Gor aka Roli quit the show simply because she wanted to take a break. Avika who was part of the show and played Simar’s sister since its inception five years ago, has recently been doing South films and was finding it difficult to juggle the show and her movie commitments. However, Roli continues to be part of the serial with another actress Mansi Srivastava essaying it. Avika in the meantime has produced and acted in a short film with her Sasural Simar Ka co-star Manish Raisinghani.

Mohammad Nazim – Saath Nibhana Saathiya

As Ahem, he played the supportive husband to Gopi for six years. He also essayed a father to grown-up kids played by actors who were closer to his age. But it was when he had to play a grandfather following a leap that Mohammad decided to call it a day. At the age of 30, he didn’t want to play a grandpa! Also, around the same time he was offered a Punjabi film, the shoot of which was in Australia. As for his character, he is shown to be dead. However, murmurs of him making a comeback have begun. In the past we have seen characters coming back from the dead, so it won’t be shocking if Ahem does!