From being ill-treated on set to sudden leaps: TV actors who have quit shows midway

Sangita Ghosh has quit television show 'Divya Drishti' where she is seen as the antagonist Pishachini. The actress has left the show due to creativity issues. Talking about the same, she told BT, "“There is nothing much left to explore as far as my character is concerned. I realised that I can’t keep dragging on without any clarity. 'Divya Drishti' was supposed to be a finite show with 52 episodes, and was scheduled to wrap up in July last year, but it got an extension. The makers tried to explore my character further, but I was not keen on continuing.” Unaware of being replaced on the show, she shared,"My character’s track will have a proper ending, so it is not clear if they will replace me with another antagonist. In any case, clarity about the character always works for the actor but unfortunately, that is not the case in television." (Photo: Instagram) (By: Neha Maheshwari)

Mohnish Bahl has quit Sanjavani where he played the role of Dr Shashank Gupta. Talking about the same, the actor told BT, "I decided to opt out and it was an amicable decision. I felt that I was not able to justify my role as Dr Shashank Gupta in the current season, as compared to the previous ones. I did not want to let down my viewers, so it was best to move on."

Mohnish was part of the first season of the medical drama. The actor said, "When this show started in August 2019, my track was going well, but things changed later. I discussed it with the makers and we tried exploring new angles, but they didn’t materialise. An actor can creatively enhance his character if there is clarity in the track or he is given the script much in advance, which unfortunately was not the case." Reportedly, the show is all set to take a three-year-leap soon.

Patiala Babes actors Paridhi Sharma and Aniruddh Dave's roles have been axed overnight. The show is set for a five-year leap and the story will revolve around Ashnoor Kaur’s character. In an interview with BT Paridhi spoke about her sudden exit: “I got to know about my exit only on Tuesday. In any case, I wasn’t satisfied with the way my track was shaping up. It started off as a strong and inspiring character, but the storyline digressed and my character started slipping around two months ago. I never wanted to play mother to a teenager, but I took up the show for my role. I am glad that I am not a part of the leap, as there was nothing in it for me to explore. Had they not decided to end my track, I would have exited the show myself. It’s just that it has happened the other way round.” (By: Tanvi Trivedi)

TV actor Aniruddh Dave, who plays the role of Hanuman Singh in Patiala Babes, was also out of the show overnight. The actor said, “I believe that every show goes through a change after it reaches a saturation point. I am happy that my character Hanuman Singh was loved, as he was someone who believed in women’s equality and rights.”

Television actress Eisha Singh, who is seen playing the role of Zara in Ishq Subhan Allah, has bid adieu to the show. The makers will kill her character in one of the upcoming episodes. According to a report in BT, a source said that Eisha had landed a plum film project and wanted a few days off to pursue it. She wanted to resume shooting for the show after completing the film but the makers did not agree to it. The source said, “Unfortunately, she lost out on the film offers due to date issues. And now she has quit the TV show, too, due to certain differences with the production house.” Eisha's mother Rekha Singh told BT, “Eisha wants to look for new opportunities and she also wants a break. Therefore, she has decided to move on.” (By: Tanvi Trivedi)

Actor Vivian Dsena, who plays the role of Harman in Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, has exited the show as it is going for a time leap. The actor does not want to play a father to a grown-up child. According to BT, a source close to the actor said, “Vivian and the makers have ended their association amicably. While the upcoming track will show him become a father, his character will not be seen post the time leap. In fact, there will be no replacement for his character, Harman, on the show.” The source added, “Vivian is averse to playing father to a grown-up child at this stage in his career and hence, he has quit the show. He is expected to wrap up his track by the end of this month.” (By: Neha Maheshwri)

In a sudden turn of events, the makers of 'Ek Thi Rani Ek Tha Raavan' have decided to replace their lead actress Manul Chudasma as the show takes a new turn. This move has triggered off speculation that Manul was not as glamorous and they wanted an actress who would spice things up for the show. Manul is shocked to find herself being replaced overnight. “I am a Mumbai girl and have been brought up in a modern environment, so I wonder if being glamorous was the only reason for replacing me. Wearing stylish and short clothes is not alien to me," she says. Suzana Ghai, the producer of the show, maintains that the show needed a revamp, which led to Manul’s exit. She said, "The show is taking a big turn and we wanted someone, who looks sensuous, stylish and justifies the twist we are bringing in the show. The track requires Rani to outgrow her middle-class beginnings and take on a new avatar."

Actress Hunar Gandhi, who plays the role of Meeta in Patiala Babes, is all set to bid adieu to the show. The petite actress was disappointed with the recent turn of events that led to her exit. Hunar told the makers that she does not want to play the role of mother on the show. But she was informed that the makers were planning to wrap her role as they will show Meeta (Hunar) will leave for London. The actress said that she was quite disappointed as she never wanted to quit. In an interview with BT, Hunar expressed her disappointment and said, “Just because I told them I don’t want to play a mother, they decided to axe my role overnight. It is so strange that Meeta, who was portrayed as this independent and strong woman, will go back to London like a coward. Anyway, I am happy that I was a part of a show that's inspirational for women. I am thankful to the makers that they offered me this role. TV is a great medium to be a part of, but at times there is no clarity about how your role will shape up in the future. That’s the sad part.” (By: Tanvi Trivedi)

After Aalisha Panwar, actress Sonarika Bhadoria, who currently plays the role of Netra Sharma in Ishq Mein Marjawan has quit the show. The actress has put down her papers and is currently serving one month notice. According to reports, Sonarika doesn't feel ‘creatively satisfied’ with the developments on the show. The show took a leap of three months and the makers roped in Sonarika. But the actress is not happy with the ongoing track and has decided to quit the show. (Photo - Instagram)

Parul Chauhan, who plays the role of Swarna in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has quit the show. The actress has not been seen in the daily soap for over a month now. Apparently, she doesn't want to play a grandmother too early in her career. Talking exclusively to the TimesofIndia.com, the actress confirmed the news and said, "Yes, I have quit the show as I was not ready to play the role of a grandmother's role at such an early stage of my career. I felt I won't be able to do justice to the role. I spoke to Rajan sir (Producer) and thankfully he understood my concerns." Parul played the role of Kartik's mother and Naira's mother-in-law in the show. On the personal front, the actress got married last year in December. She is now enjoying the break and spending time with her family.

It was a dream opportunity for Aalisha Panwar, when she got to play both the protagonist (Aarohi) and antagonist (Tara) in the show — 'Ishq Mein Marjawan'. However, the actress couldn’t escape the fate faced by every TV show that runs indefinitely. Following the 'rule', the storyline of such shows undergoes several changes, and principal characters often go through major reshuffling. For 'Ishq Mein Marjawan', it all started when the makers went in for a three-month leap in July 2018, and introduced Nia Sharma as the new Aarohi. In turn, Aalisha was left with the antagonist's character alone. The show took another three-month time leap recently, leaving little scope for Aalisha to explore her character any further. Keeping in mind with the way the track and her on-screen character are shaping up, the actress has decided to quit the show. In fact, currently, she is serving her notice period. When contacted, Aalisha refused to divulge any details and said, “Yes, I have decided to move on. I would like to play a positive character now.” (Photo: Instagram).

With 'Kumkum Bhagya' taking a 20-year leap, popular TV actress Shikha Singh has confirmed to an entertainment portal that she has quit the show and won't be seen on it now. Shikha is seen as the antagonist Alia. She stated that her character had less scope post leap as the makers were changing the entire plot. Shikha has been associated with the long-running daily soap right from the start and this might come as a setback to her fans who love to see her in 'Kumkum...'. Not just Shikha, even Leena Jumani, who is seen as Tanu, is quitting the show. She told The Times of India, "Yes, it's true I am quitting the show. The show is going for a leap and I don't want to age on-screen. I have informed the production house (Balaji Telelfilm's) about my apprehension." Fate of Mishal Raheja, who joined as King - Pragya's lover, also hangs in suspension. It remains to be seen how the viewers receive the new shift and new characters on the show.

Post the news of Disha Vakani aka Daya Ben quitting Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah made headlines, here's another actress from the cast who is all set to bid adieu to the show. According to reports, Nidhi Bhanushali, who essays the role of Sonu Bhide in the show, is quitting the popular sitcom. Nidhi wants to concentrate on her further studies. The actress, who is pursuing her BA from a college in Mumbai, wants to devote her entire time to studies. The makers of the show have planned to show Sonu going abroad for her further studies. They have given Nidhi more time to study and have allotted her less time for the shoot. It seems as Nidhi is finding it really hard to strike a perfect balance on her professional and personal life and decided to put down her papers. Nidhi replaced Jheel Mehta as Sonu in 2012 and won hearts with her performance. Nidhi made her television debut with Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and has been part of it for more than 6 years. (Photo: Instagram).

Hina Khan, who plays the role of Komolika in Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2, will not be seen on the show post April. Confirming the news in a live chat on Instagram, the actress said she has prior film commitments to fulfill and hence, will not be seen on Kasautii after April for 4 to 5 months. She was also unsure about her return to the show. She stated that they will see if the character fits in the track after 6 months. She dismissed reports of being unhappy with her part and told her fans 'not to blame Ekta Kapoor for the length of her role'. She said that the production house was understanding and has given her a break. This is not the first time that Hina will go missing on the show. Previously, too, right after her entry on the show, she was nowhere to be seen, making fans notice her absence from the screen. (Photo: Instagram)

Actor Vijayendra Kumeria, the male lead of TV show 'Udann', has called it quits. The show is going in for a time leap of around 10 years — this will be the third leap — and the actor doesn’t wish to play father to a teenager, yet. He shares, “The decision was an amicable one and there is no bad blood between the production house and me. I was in discussion with them from the time they decided to go in for the time leap. I was already playing father to an eight-year-old (Anjor), but was hesitant to play dad to a teenager. As an actor, I have to justify every character, but it’s too early for me to play father to an 18-year-old. The makers also understood my apprehension.”

Actor Vin Rana, who currently plays the role of Purab in Kumkum Bhagya has decided to quit the show. According to reports, the actor has already spoken to the production house about his exit and is keen on not playing the role of father to grown up kids post leap. The makers of the show are planning to launch a spin-off of their show. The show will take a major generation leap of 25 years. (Photo - Instagram).

Saath Nibhaana Saathiya actor Mohammad Nazim will soon play the negative role of Ranveer in Roop - Mard Ka Naya Swaroop. The actor has replaced Neil Bhatt in the show. Neil has quit the show midway and was quoted by Bombay Times saying, “Ranveer was at the pinnacle of being a bad man. Though I didn’t expect my track to end at this point, I didn’t want it to be stretched either. I anyways don’t do shows that drag on. It’s not that I am leaving Roop; it has been a logical end for my character. I would rather leave on a high note than be pushed out. I don’t wish to overstay my welcome anywhere.” Nazim has no qualms playing a negative role in the show and said, “Whether an actor plays a negative role or positive role on TV, it is of no consequence anymore. Besides, there’s not much scope to perform in the positive space. I did that for eight years on Saathiya as Ahem. Negative characters are more challenging; they allow you to showcase your graph as an actor. I want to slot myself as a good actor, who can perform any part. Today, people are finding it difficult to get work. You need to be seen to get more work.” (Photo - Instagram)

The news of actor Gaurav Sareen quitting his show Krishna Chali London came as a shocker to many. Fans were seen disheartened but Gaurav is absolutely optimistic about the new twist. Gaurav in a conversation with TimesofIndia.com, stated that he was shocked at the new twist that eventually bumped off his character in the show. "Yes, it was quite shocking for me when I got to know about my character will end in the show. I got to know about it just a day before we shot the scene. I was initially taken aback but I soon realized that probably it was the need of the hour in the show. The makers probably wanted to get in new twists and turns for better TRPs and I completely understand. I have no qualms about the fact that my character, despite being the lead one, was bumped off. I know something better is on my way and I look forward to it." He further adds, "There hasn't been a single day where I have had any issues with anyone from the show's team, be it the makers or my co-stars. In fact, I shall be having a reunion with my team this evening. I have no hard feelings for anyone. I understand that it is a creative requirement. But it is just that I shall be missing my team way too much. I had bought my house near the sets of my show so that its easier to commute. And I know I shall be visiting my sets every now and then to meet my professional family." On a signing note, Gaurav said, "I will be relaxing now that I have time in hand and meeting my family whom I haven't met properly since a long time. Also, I just want to tell my fans not to be upset at all as they will surely see me in a better and bigger avatar on TV. I can't thank them for their love in abundance and their constant support." By- Rasika Deshpande.

Photo- Instagram.

Actor Rishi Dev, who essayed the role of Naksh Singhania in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has quit the show. The actor is off to South Africa for work purposes in the show. While talking to TimesofIndia.com, the actor said that he has put down his papers and his tenure with the show has come to an end. The makers of the show have roped in Bepannah actor Shehzad Shaikh to play the role of new Naksh. (Photo - Instagram)

Actress Ketki Dave, who played the negative role of Dhana Nanda’s dhai maa on the historical show 'Chandragupta Maurya', has quit the show midway owing to acute motion sickness. The actress realized that she won’t be able to commute to Umbergaon for shoots and spoke to the producers regarding her problem. The makers have roped in Pragati Mehra to play the character. In a recent interview with BT, she said “Initially, I didn’t want to talk about the reason for quitting, because I don’t want to dissuade any artiste from taking up shows that are being shot outside the city. I have acute motion sickness. I can travel on straight roads, but uneven surfaces and curves spell trouble for me. That’s exactly what happened on my maiden trip to Umbergaon. Daily soap shoots are hectic and I can’t tell the team to let me rest till I recover. Besides, I want to be perfectly fine when I am shooting. Had the schedule been fixed, I would have contemplated continuing on the show and prepared myself physically and mentally. But that’s not possible in a daily soap. There are times when you are called on short notice and there are also days, when you report on the set only to realize that your shoot has been canceled. I can’t return home unlike others because of my problem. I even thought of revoking my decision, assuming that my body will adjust to the schedule, but there is no guarantee how much time that would take. I didn’t want to tell the producers midway that I can’t continue on the show. That wouldn’t have been good for them or me. I could have taken the risk, but what if it backfired? I don’t want stress to hamper my performance.” (Photo - Instagram)

After months of speculation, Surbhi Chandna has finally confirmed her exit from the show, Ishqbaaz. Surbhi's character Anika has been loved by fans for years. Hence, she couldn't keep them in the dark for long. In her Instagram post, Surbhi wrote, "Signing off as YOUR KHIDKITOD ANNIKA with gratitude and affection.I promise to be back with a bang and entertain you all in a new avatar very soon. Just keep loving me, i'll keep loving you and the rest will fall in place." Surbhi has quit the show due to the upcoming leap in Ishqbaaz, which requires her to play the role of a mother. The actress isn't keen on doing so at this stage of her career. Several fans have protested against this move of hers by writing to the producer of the show. However, it seems that the makers are more keen to take the plot forward than retain Anika as the lead. (Photo: Instagram)

Television actor Apurva Agnihotri, who played a cameo in Bepannah, has bid adieu to the show. According to reports, the actor has finally quit the show owing to his other work commitments. Apurva played the character of a cop with grey shades and was against Aditya Hooda and his father Harshvardhan. Apurva's character created rift between Aditya and Zoya. But the makers of the show killed Apurva's character in the last episode. According to reports, Bepannah will end by November, 2018. (Photo: Instagram)

A replacement is on the cards on the historical show, 'Chandragupta Maurya'. According to Bombay Times, actress Shefali Sharma, who was roped in to play Chandragupta’s mother, Mura, has been replaced by Sneha Wagh. A source associated with the project told BT, “Shefali had been finalised and was about to start shooting. However, right before commencing the shoot, she wanted to renegotiate and made unreasonable demands, being fully aware that the shoot was scheduled for the very next day. After being unable to resolve the issue, the makers decided to bring in a replacement." However, Shefali denied the news and shared, “It’s true that I am not doing the show, but there is no truth to the rumour that I made unreasonable demands. We have mutually and amicably decided to part ways due to some unforeseen circumstances. I am sure that we will work together again in the near future.” (Photo: Instagram).

Actor Yash Tonkk is dissatisfied with his track on the show, 'Roop — Mard Ka Naya Swaroop'. What started off as the prominent character of a dabang cop and a stern father (Shamsher Singh Vaghela), has been relegated to one of the many faces on the show, ever since the focus shifted to the love story between the lead couple, played by Shashank Vyas and Donal Bisht.

Talking about his dissatisfaction, he says, "I had a prominent track on the show before the time leap. But, it looks rather lost in the current scheme of things. I have told the makers that I’d like to quit the show if they plan to stick to the love story. The new-generation boy can’t be just a lover boy, especially on a show, which talks about the different aspects of being a man." He adds, "These days, every show on TV looks the same, making it difficult to identify with them. As an artiste, I aspire to take up something different and that’s the reason I gave my nod to Roop. I have no qualms about the story moving forward and focussing on other characters, but in the process, pivotal characters shouldn’t lose their sheen." (By - Neha Maheshwari) (Photo: Instagram)

Popular actor Annup Soni recently bid adieu to the crime based show - Crime Patrol. The actor was a part of the show for 8 years and says now he wants to explore himself as an actor. He was quoted by BT saying, "I was the anchor for eight years. It is and will always remain close to my heart, but it was time to look beyond. Now, I am looking at challenges as an actor, be it in cinema or any other medium. I want to experiment... the actor in me is hungry! Things may not happen overnight and I know that I I will have to be patient. I may have to do ten smaller roles to get that big one, but I am ready for that. Recently, the actor underwent a makeover to explore himself as an actor. (By: Roshni Olivera)

Actor Avinash Mishra has decided to quit the show Mariam Khan - Reporting Live! and put down his papers. The actor plays the role of Zain on the show and is apparently dissatisfied with the screen time given to his character. Unhappy with the track, Avinash will quit the show in mid-September. (Photo-Instagram)

Nirbhay Wadhwa, who played the role of Kalasur in Karishma Tanna and Vivek Dahiya starrer Qayamat Ki Raat is apparently being replaced on the show. According to an entertainment portal, Saurish Singh Athwal, who was last seen in 21 Sarfarosh: Saragarhi 1897 will be stepping into his shoes to play the role. Earlier, Bombay Times had reported that the production house was not happy with his unpunctual behaviour and there were also creative differences. Thus, they were planning to replace him on the show. Now, the actor while talking a portal revealed that the production house did not inform him about his replacement. The actor also stated that at the time of signing the show, he was told that he would be shooting for 20 days but he shot for just 5 days which made difficult for him to survive in a city like Mumbai. The production house also did not sign any exclusive contract with him and hence he did other projects as well. (Photo: Instagram).

Television actor Bhanu Uday, who plays the lead role on Saam Daam Dand Bhed is all set to bid adieu to his show. The actor has put down his papers and is currently serving his notice period. A source associated with the show informed BT, “Bhanu has been working on the show for the past one-and-a-half years and he felt it was time to explore newer opportunities that challenge him as an actor. He also wants to take some time off to focus on his personal life." He further added saying that, His contract ends on August 28, but the actor has chosen not to renew it after discussing the same with the production house. The makers have requested him to shoot with them till September 21. His exit track is being worked upon currently. The decision hasn’t caused any bad blood between the actor and the production house." (By: Neha Maheshwri)

Dimpled actor, Vishal Karwal, who played the role of Vishnu in mythological series Paramavatar Shri Krishna has bid a goodbye to the show. According to an entertainment portal, the has walked out of the project. The actor confirmed the news to the portal and also said that he has quit the show as he wants to do other characters and shows. He has wrapped up his shoot on June 30th.

Poonam Dhillon, who was roped in to play the male lead Karan Kundra's mother in the show 'Dil Hi Toh Hai', has opted out of the project. After a couple of days of shoot, Poonam realised she wasn't happy with her character. Actress Rajeshwari Sachdev is all set to replace her in the show. Talking to BT, Poonam confirmed the news and said, "I wasn’t happy with the way my track was shaping up. It was centered around the male lead’s love story and my character was just incidental, not meaty enough to excite me. After my last two TV experiences — 'Ek Nayi Pehchaan' and 'Kittie Party' — I was looking for central roles, which I thought this would be. I don’t mind putting in extra hours in a distant location, if the role is fulfilling. So, rather than wait for a few more weeks and create discomfort between the production house and me, I decided to quit immediately. The makers were considerate enough to accept my decision." (By: Neha Maheshwari)

Actor Ssudeep Sahir, who was playing the lead role in Woh Apna Sa for a year-and-a-half, quit the show due to his health issues. Ssudeep has been suffering from severe intestinal infection for the past two months and the doctor has advised him to take complete bed rest. The actor wants to take a break from his hectic shooting schedule and focus on his health. The actor shot his exit a few days ago and the makers of the show roped in Doli Armaanon Ki actor Kunal Karan Kapoor to play the lead role in the show. (Photo: Instagram)

Avika Gor, who was seen as Anushka in Laado - Veerpur Ki Mardaani, had taken up the second season of the show with high hopes. After a while, she found her role unconvincing as there were too many changes being made in the storyline. In an interview to the BT, the actress said, “Initially, I was in awe of my character, Anushka. However, the script that was narrated to me turned out to be different from what unfolded." Avika's woes came to an end as the channel soon pulled a plug on the show.

Reena Agarwal had to quit her TV show 'Kya Haal, Mr. Paanchal' because of a dog bite. The actress was unable to shoot after incurring the injury which compelled the makers to look for a replacement. However, according to BT, there is more to the tale. Reena was serving her notice period as she was unhappy with her track and screen time. Even though the creatives had assured her that they'd work on her character, but the dog bite forced her to exit from the show as she was advised rest. (Photo: Facebook)

Rashami Desai, who was seen in Dil Se Dil Tak as Shorvori also quit the show. The news came as a shock to the viewers as her character was quite popular. Talking to TimesofIndia.com, Rashami had confirmed the news and said,"I have quit the show. There was no scope for my character in the upcoming plot. I reached the set and then got to know that my track had ended. Hence, it was a mutual decision between the producers and me." (Photo: Instagram)

Jignesh Joshi, who played the role of Dr. Bharat Kumar in Dil Se Dil Tak' also walked out of the show. The actor had creative issues with the track and had shared BT back then, "It was an amicable decision. Though I enjoyed playing the comic guy, after a while, I started feeling that my character did not have much scope to perform."

Krrip Suri's exit on the show 'Jeet Gayi Toh Piya Morre' was unforeseen. According to BT, a generation leap of 25 years on the show made the makers switch to a new male lead. Hence, Krrip decided to quit as he did not wish to play a father to a 25-year-old.

While Meghna claimed she had to leave Laado 2 due to the death of her character, Ammaji, the rumours surrounding her exit are quite contrary. There were several reports which cited her insecurity about co-actors and unprofessional behaviour as reasons for her exit from the show.

Jyoti Sharma, who played the female lead on Aisi Deewangi along, with her co-star Pranav Misshra alleged inhuman treatment by the makers for her exit from the show. Talking to BT, Jyoti had said, "We have been exploited since the beginning of the shoot, which commenced in January 2017."

Jyoti's co-star on the show Aisi Deewangi also had a similar tale to tell. Sharing his side of the story, he had revealed, "We have been treated worse than animals and are traumatized. I reported to the shoot despite being unwell." (Photo: Instagram)

Sana Amin Sheikh, who was seen as the romantic lead on Bhootu opposite Kinshuk Mahajan, had to part ways with the show when the makers decided to do away with the passionate love story between the protagonists and repackage it as a kids show. (Photo: Instagram)

Kinshuk Mahajan played the male lead in Bhootu and cited the same reason for his exit, too. He had reportedly said that the show was losing TRPs and the makers wanted to attract children. (Photo: Instagram)

Victim of a time leap on TV show Ayushman Bhava, Megha Gupta decided to quit when she was informed that she'd play a 43-year-old with no change in her look post leap. While she contemplated to give it a shot, the decision to leave the show came when the producer was honest enough to let Megha know that her character would not have much to do after some time. (Photo: Instagram)

Riddhi Dogra left popular TV show Woh Apna Se which came as a shock to her fans. Reportedly, the actress was apprehensive of ageing on screen. Thinking of it as a risky proposition, Riddhi informed her decision to the production team and left amicably. (Photo: Instagram)