05 February,2014 01:09 PM IST | | Shakti Shetty
For several reasons, lead actors on TV call it quits and soon after, another name takes over. A look at lead actors who have been replaced by other names on primetime television
While rumours about films' casting continue to abound in the industry, it's not common practice for big actors to replace one another. In the television industry, however, this is not the case. For several reasons, lead actors on TV call it quits - this, despite garnering popularity thanks to the said show - and soon after, another name takes over. HitList trains its sights on television actors who were replaced after highly successful stints.
Pratyusha Banerjee replaced by Toral Rasputra
Show: Balika Vadhu
Active since: July 2010
Replaced in: March 2013
Lowdown: According to the initial buzz, Pratyusha wanted to try her luck in Bollywood and hence, decided to leave a highly-rated TV show. Following her exit, Toral took up the lead character of Anandi.
Giaa Manek replaced by Devoleena Bhattacharjee
Show: Saath Nibhaana Saathiya
Active since: May 2010
Replaced in: June 2012
Lowdown: Giaa left the show, after much reported clash between her and the producers. Given her popularity, this development was followed by a notable backlash on social media. Then Devoleena was brought in as replacement. She is currently playing Gopi Modi.
Vivian Dsena replaced by Karanvir Bohra
Show: Madhubala-Ek Ishq Ek Junoon
Active since: May 2012
Replaced in: Feb 2014
Lowdown: Protagonist RK, played by Vivian, won't be part of the storyline anymore. The show will take a tried-and-tested 20 year leap, where a new lead character, to be essayed by Karanvir, is going to be introduced.
Sushant Singh Rajput replaced by Hiten Tejwani
Show: Pavitra Rishta
Active since: June 2009
Replaced in: October 2011
Lowdown: Sushant played the affable Manav Deshmukh in this hugely popular show, before he decided to turn attention to Bollywood. He made his film debut with Kai Po Che last year. The actor was replaced in the TV show by Hiten Tejwani.
Nandish Sandhu replaced by Vikas Bhalla
Show: Uttaran
Active since: June 2009
Replaced in: May 2012
Lowdown: This never-ending show has seen everything - from high-intense melodrama to travel in a time machine. Over the years, characters have been bumped off and reintroduced. Veer's character, initially played by Nandish Sandhu and then replaced by Vikas Bhalla, has survived all these changes.
Karan Singh Grover replaced by Raqesh Vashisth
Show: Qubool Hai
Active since: October 2012
Replaced in: January 2014
Lowdown: This popular TV soap that explored love against a Muslim milieu saw the abrupt exit of Karan. He successfully portrayed the character of Asad Khan before quitting the show on medical grounds. Raqesh then took over the mantle with minimum fuss.
No replacement yet?
Sunil Grover
Show: Comedy Nights with Kapil
Active since: June 2013
Left in: November 2013
Lowdown: Sunil gained immense popularity thanks to his drag character Gutthi. However, there were reports that he wanted his fees to be hiked and when producers didn't give in to this demand, he left the show to start a new one along with actor-host Manish Paul. Till date, no replacement has been found for Gutthi's character.
Early recall
Karan Patel took over Cezanne Khan's role in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein even before the show hit the small screen late last year. Karan had admitted to feeling weird about stepping in at such an early stage.
