BestOf2016: 10 ‘SHOCKING’ Replacements in popular TV shows!

The casting process for TV shows isn’t just a complicated process at the beginning of the project. In television, just because an actor wins a part, doesn’t mean they can’t be replaced.

There are many forces which result into replacements. Sometimes it’s contract disputes, sometimes other jobs getting in the way, creative differences, not liking the way their character is shaping up.. the list goes on.

Today, IndiaForums.com brings to you the top replacements, where actors got swapped overnight in the most popular TV shows this year!

Kratika Sengar replaced by Shivani Tomar in Kasam on Colors: A TV serial with reincarnation as the central theme, kasam broke a million of hearts with its already planned replacement. Kratika Sengar enchanted the audience with her chemistry with Sharad Malhotra. According to the makers, Tanu was supposed to die after getting married to Rishi and be reborn with a new face. Kratika made way for Shivani Tomar as the new lead but the fans were so mesmerized with the on-screen chemistry Kratika and Sharad shared that Kratika was again brought on-board showing Shivani the door.

Shilpa Shinde replaced by Shubhangi Aatre in Bhabhiji Ghar Pe Hai on &TV: This replacement was a big news not only for the media but also for the ardent fans of the show. Shilpa had nailed it with her character as Bhabhiji but due to personal problems between her and the producer, a non-cooperation directive was issued by Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) and Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) had been issued which meant that no broadcaster or producer will be allowed to work with Shilpa again.And then Shubhangi Atre, who earlier replaced Shilpa Shinde in Chidiya Ghar was roped in as the face of the show.

Karan Mehra replaced by Vishal Singh in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai on Star Plus: Karan Mehra became a household name as Naitik Singhania in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. He shared a surreal chemistry with his co-star Hina Khan but his decision to quit the show left millions of fans disappointed. Vishal Singh, who was in talks with the channel from quite some time was then roped in as the male protagonist and his entry raised many expectations from the actor.

Mohammad Nazim replaced by Khalid Siddiqui (who was yet again replaced by Nazim) in Saath Nibhana Saathiya on Star Plus: After Mohammed Nazim put down his papers, the makers had finally locked on Khalid Siddiqui of “Dream Girl” fame to take over as the man in Gopi’s (Devoleena Bhattacharjee) life. They introduced Khalid as Krishna, who was meant to be Gopi’s new life partner but the chemistry did not go down well with the audience and Nazim was again brought on board as Jaggi, a look-alike of Ahem Modi, thereby kicking out Krishna out of the story.

Urvashi Sharma replaced by Shabana Azmi in Amma on Zee TV: Ek Maa Jo Laakhon Ke Liye Bani Amma is loosely inspired by the life and times of Mumbai’s yesteryear female don, Jenabai Daruwali. Urvashi Sharma, who is fairly young, was not convinced playing an older woman as it would require her to wear prosthetic makeup every day. Her exit brought in one of the most finest actors of Bollywood – Shabana Azmi, who is so good at her craft that she outshines her fellow cast members without even trying. In 1999, she played an underworld character in ‘The Godmother’ for which she bagged a National Award. Now, 17 years later, the actress is yet again playing the role of a mafia queen, albeit on the small screen.

Anushman Malhotra replaced by Pearl V Puri in Nagarjun on Life OK: According to media reports, Anshuman’s poor performance caused the makers to take the decision of replacing him. The short listing of actors soon started where Ruslaan Mumtaz was also considered to play the pivotal character, however, Pearl, who was last seen in Star Plus’ Meri Sasu Maa was finalized to be a part of the project.

Karan V Grover replaced by Raqesh Bapat in Bahu Hamari Rajni_Kant on Life OK: Rumours of Karan quitting ‘Bahu Hamari Rajni_Kant’ and the makers convincing him to stay back as they feared the TRP’s would drop since the show was fairly new then were rife and then Karan actually put down his papers and was serving a notice period. Karan had a big opportunity coming his way (Wedding Pulav) for which he was required to shoot outdoor. This was a comeback show for Raqesh and his looks and personality were one of the few reasons why the makers thought he would be perfect for the role!

Nia Sharma replaced by Shiny Doshi in Jamai Raja on Zee TV: Nia Sharma called it quits because she did not want to portray a matured woman post the leap. But rafting through this news came in another rumor that the real reason for Nia quitting the show was that there was some animosity between her and the production house. Whatever be the reason, Jamai Raja was witnessing a major dip in the TRP charts and the Tashan-E-Ishq (Zee TV) fame Shiny Doshi took over the mantle in a completely revamped storyline opposite Satya (Ravi Dubey).

Ankush Arora replaced by Zain Imam in Yeh Vaada Raha on Zee TV: As the creative team decided to introduce a 15-year leap in Yeh Vaada Raha, Ankush backed off from the show as he felt that he would not be able to do justice to his character which would age in the show. The fans of Zain Imam aka Yuvraj Luthra of Tashan-E-Ishq had a reason to rejoice as the actor was back on the same channel as the new lead of Yeh Vaada Raha!

Sidhant Gupta replaced by Naman Shaw in Tashan-E-Ishq on Zee TV: Sidhanth Gupta, who played the lead role of Kunj on Tashan-E-Ishq quit incidentally because he was offered a better project, which he couldn’t refuse. And it was none other than the celebrity dancing reality show ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa season 9’. Ever since the news of Sidhanth leaving the show went viral, there were a lot of names thrown up to be a part of the project. One of them was of Naagin star Arjun Bijlani but it was Naman Shaw who finally bagged the lead role.

Were you shocked upon the news of any other actor getting into the shoes of a popular on-screen character? Hit the comment section below!