In their shoes

Rubina Dilaik — Gia Manek
Jeannie in Jeannie Aur Juju
Gia Manek had become synonymous with her onscreen character Jeannie in Jeannie Aur Juju, so news about her being replaced was shocking. As it happens with most actors, Gia apparently wanted a hike in her remuneration, which did not go down well with the channel and they decided to replace her. Rubina Dilaik was zeroed in on as a replacement. But Rubina maintains that her Jeannie is different from Gia and that hers is a new character.

Yash Gera — Ather Habib
 Shaurya in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Ather Habib had reached saturation point as Shaurya in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. He felt he had nothing new to offer in the role and opted out. Yash Gera has taken over and is endeavouring to bring a new dimension to Shaurya’s character with his personal style and inventiveness. Replacing an actor is common, he says, and the fact that he is working with producer Rajan Shahi has got him excited.

Sargun Mehta — Sriti Jha
 Ganga in Balika Vadhu
Sriti Jha had been playing the role of Ganga since last December. Even as the Jagya-Ganga track was gaining prominence, Sriti decided to opt out of the show as she was not happy with the way her role was shaping up. Several actresses including Anjali Abrol and Rishina Kandhari were auditioned before Sargun Mehta was finalised. Sargun who has played urban characters and a dacoit wanted to play a typical bahu and couldn’t have asked for a better role. She says it’s a challenge to replace an actress who is identified with the role and is sure that with time, people will warm up to her as Ganga and “forget the old face in the same character.”

Rithvik Dhanjani — Vikrant Massey
 Host of Yeh Hai Aashiqui
Yeh Hai Aashiqui was the first outing as a host for Vikrant Massey. However, within a few weeks, there were whispers of Vikrant, who is also doing Qubool Hai, acting difficult and not alloting enough dates for the show. There were talks of his wanting to opt out and pursue his film career having won critical acclaim for his role as Ranveer Singh’s friend in Lootera. Looks like Vikrant has finally opted out and Rithvik Dhanjani, who had hosted one episode and also acted in one based on the Jia Khan case, has taken over as the host. However, Vikrant says that he has suffered a back injury and been advised bed rest.

Pragati Mehra — Shilpa Shinde
 Dayamaayi in Do Dil Ek Jaan
The case of the actor playing Dayamaayi in Do Dil Ek Jaan seems to be as mysterious as the character. Initially, Kamya Punjabi was to play the role but even before it went on air, she quit to be a part of Bigg Boss 7. Shilpa Shinde was roped in for the role and within a couple of months she had some creative issues with the makers regarding her role. Now, she is out and Pragati Mehra seen in Uttaran has walked in. Pragati, on her part, feels the character is very strong and claims she was the first choice for Dayamaayi but couldn’t do it because she was busy with Uttaran.

Seema Kapoor - Navneet Nishan
 Pabbo in Madhubala -Ek Ishq Ek Junoon
Navneet Nishan entered Madhubala as Pabbo in September and within a month was out. She had some personal issues with the channel and sources say she was not regular for her shoots. Consequently, she was replaced with Seema Kapoor. Seema who had been playing urban characters was only too happy to explore the rural side to her.

Sonia Balani – Fennil Umrigar
 Pihu in Bade Acche Laggte Hai
When Bade Acche Laggte Hai took a leap, Fennil Umrigar was brought in to play the teenage Pihu. However, a few episodes later she was replaced with Sonia Balani. The reason: Fennil couldn’t connect with the audience. Also, her role was to turn negative and the producer felt that she wouldn’t look the part. So she was out, and Sonia was brought in. Sonia’s Pihu is rebelling against her mother Priya since she came.