Irrespective of the reasons, fans have always shown resistance to the exit of an actor from a show. The effect of the replacement is such that often an innocent actor who steps in to pay a character bears the brunt of angry fans who are not ready to see a new face in an old role. Very often however it is never the fault of the actor, and any kind of harsh remarks on their work or performance may demoralise their confidence levels.
While examples of actors like Ronit Roy, Hiten Tejwani, Jennifer Winget can be considered exceptions, during most cases fans do not like to see new faces. Kahin Toh Hoga went down after Rajeev Khandelwal quit, same was the case with Choona Hai Aasman post Iqbal Khan's exit. In the recent times we have had the biggest replacement in the form of Gia Manek, who quit Star Plus show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya for Jhalak Dikhlaja!
Latest to join the list, though the news hasn’t been confirmed as yet is Daljeet Bhanot who plays the role of Anjali in Iss Pyar Ko Kyaa Naam Doon on Star Plus. With the buzz doing the rounds that she is soon to leave the show, there have been speculations already as to whether she would be replaced; if she would who would step in and if they want the face or not!
Interestingly when a character is bumped off, it seems like fans are relieved of the burden of seeing a new face, irrespective of the requirement of the story! If the role is not very important to the story may be this is a route one can take, but in case of a central character, the show needs to go on and replacement is the only way out!
Remembering and knowing that shows comprise of characters that go according to the need and demand of a story, one must also be ready to accept various eventualities that are a part of a daily soap!
Written by:
Niharika Vidya Sagar
Writers Gully