Exclusive - Splitsvilla fame Naina Singh quits debut show Kumkum Bhagya, says wasn't happy with the character

Naina Singh, who made her television debut with the hit Ekta Kapoor production Kumkum Bhagya, has quit the show a year after her joining.
Naina, who had won reality show Splitsvilla 10 before venturing into TV, was seen as one of the female leads of Kumkum Bhagya after the show took a 20-year leap in March 2019. Naina played the role of young Rhea, who is a rich spoilt brat.She was loved for her role as Rhea, who is the apple of father's eye but yearns for the love of her mother whom she was separated from at the time of her birth.
Confirming the news with ETimes TV, Naina said 'yes it is very much true' as she felt there was no change in the character and it was becoming very monotonous.
Naina has been wanting to venture into the world of web and movies. The actress said quitting the show has nothing to do with the lockdown and in fact, she took the decision way before lockdown happened in March.
Excerpts from the interview:
Naina there are reports that you have quit Kumkum Bhagya, is it true and what led to such a decision?
Naina: Yes it is very much true. I left it back in February, I wasn’t happy with the character there was no change. Rhea would do things that a normal college going girl would never do and it became very monotonous and was taking a toll on me. I requested the makers but didn’t get any positive response. And along with that I was getting a lot of offers which I had to say no because I was committed to this show. And as an actor, I care about my growth and I think to grow you need to move ahead.
Considering it was your debut show and an Ekta Kapoor production what made you take such a step?
Naina: I was very happy when I got the show as it was considered one of the leads but later it wasn’t going anywhere and became less exciting, and also playing a negative role is very stressful. Being in the character for 12 hours and continuing to do it for months and years you start losing a part of you which I wasn’t okay about. And as an actor, I take my character very seriously.
Was this decision taken during the lockdown period or you had other offers?
Naina: It happened before lockdown. As they say variety is a spice of life and change is good so I wanted to experience and play other characters too.
Your role as Rhea was being loved as it was both a snob and sweet girl. Did you relate to your role?
Naina: Well, being Rhea was fun.. dressing up as Rhea was my favourite part and the only part I could relate to hahaha.!! Rhea and Naina are poles apart.!
Did you quit the show because of other meaty offers? Is it true?
Naina: Partially yes.!! But I could have not stayed for li'l longer as I said there wasn’t much to do.
Are you also eyeing Bollywood or Web?
Naina: I want to do both. I’m on talking terms with the web and movies as well, maybe if this pandemic wouldn’t have happened I might have started shooting for one or the other.
You were the winner of Splitsvilla 10, was that the reason you bagged an Ekta Kapoor production for your debut.
Naina: Well I don’t know. I gave auditions earlier for different projects in Balaji and called for a web show before Kumkum Bhagya but I wasn’t comfortable doing that show so later Kumkum Bhagya happened.
Kumkum Bhagya is a successful show don't you think it is too early to have left the show.
Naina: Well it's never too early or late, it’s just always the right time and I think it was the right time. But it’s not the end we may work in the future together for sure as they have a variety of shows. Just my part of playing Rhea ends here. I’m gonna miss everyone, especially the crew, they all are very hardworking and amazing people and my Mehra family. Will of course miss being Rhea Mehra.
Naina is from Moradabad and was crowned as Femina Most Stylish Diva 2013.