Star attraction

Lately, we have seen a lot of known faces being added to ongoing serials even if their characters were not part of the original storyline. Here’s a look at actors who have been roped in to infuse freshness and drama in a show.

Vikrant Massey in Qubool Hai



When the Muslim social aimed at dispelling certain stereotypes started, the main attraction was the hot and happening Karan Singh Grover, as the other male and female lead were completely new. However, mid-way through the show Rishabh Sinha who was playing Ayaan was sacked for his “unprofessional behaviour”. “The makers wanted to replace him with another newcomer only but despite several auditions they couldn’t find anybody who fit into the role.

That is when they started looking for a known face and Vikrant Massey who has a young, boyish look and a chilled out personality was chosen,” adds the source. Vikrant is best known for his role as Shyam in Balika Vadhu. He has also done serials like Dhoom Machao Dhoom and Dharam Veer and is set to make his film debut with Lootera.

Priti Amin in Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat



Khoobsurat started out as a fairy tale based on Beauty and the Beast. The beauty Aradhya wanted to marry a handsome prince but ended up with an ugly looking Madhav (Rohit Khurana). He loved her, she hated him. However, like the fable, we thought eventually Madhav will win her over with his caring nature. Three months into the show, there is a drastic change in the track and it’s become a love triangle.

Priti Amin made an entry as Madhav’s aka radio jockey Ehsaas’s fan. With Madhav and Aradhya’s marriage on the rocks, the situation was ripe for another romance. Producer Sumeet Mittal says he brought in Priti’s character to make the story peppy. “Her character is full of life and bubbly – exactly what Soumya’s character was before marriage,” he adds.  However,  looks like the new angle isn’t working as speculation is rife that the  serial is likely to go off air!

Deepshikha in Balveer



There’s still confusion over whether Deepshikha has replaced Shama Shikandar or if she has been added on to the show. Both are playing evil characters and their names and attire are also very similar — while Shama is Bhayankar Pari, Deepshikha is Bhavandar Pari. Sources say that Shama wanted to quit the show as she wanted to pursue other things but she says she is still part of the show and will be available whenever they need her! In any case, Deepshikha who has done serials like Sonpari and Shaktiman – her last being Hongey Judaa Na Hum — has obviously been brought to infuse more drama into the fantasy-based show.

Rakshanda Khan in Bade Acche Laggte Hai



Whenever a shows needs to be spiced up, makers usually turn to Rakshanda Khan. From Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, Kyunki Saas Bhi Bahu Thi to Kasam Seh, Rakshanda’s character has always generated enough masala to grab eyeballs. Little wonder then that producer Ekta Kapoor thought of introducing her as Ram’s (Ram Kapoor) college friend in Bade Acche Laggte Hai. With Ram and Priya (Sakshi Tanwar) reuniting and becoming lovey-dovey, the serial was turning out to be sugary sweet. Now Rakshanda’s character Isha is creating a rift between the two by making Priya suspicious about her relationship with Ram and bringing in the much-needed drama in this long-running soap.

Sara Khan in Junoon  — Aisi Nafrat Toh Kaisa Ishq



It started out as a love triangle between Prithvi (Aditya Redij), Meera (Mouni Roy) and Akash (Ajay Choudhary). However, the much-hyped serial was not doing well and there was talk of it being under the scanner. That’s when a completely new angle was introduced with Sara Khan as Shalu, a parallel female lead. She is taking Prithvi’s help to find her husband, now whether a romance will develop between the two, is something one has to wait and watch.

The actress is best known for her hit debut show Bidaai and a sensational stint in Bigg Boss. All eyes are now on the actress to see if she will be able to turnaround the show.

Says producer Yash Patnaik, “For the role of Shalu we needed a known actor who could act also. A known face surely garners attention. Soon we will be introducing a new track.”

Angad Hasija in Amrit Manthan



Amrit Manthan has undergone so many twists and turns since its launch that it would be difficult to trace the original plot. It’s essentially a story of rivalry between two sisters – while that continues — the family saga has turned into a mystery drama. Recently, the male lead Agam played by Navin Bhangu was killed and a new lead got been introduced in the form of Angad Hasija. His character is mysterious in the complicated story. Says producer  Rajan Shahi,“I needed a seasoned actor to play the complex role. Also, I have a certain comfort level with Angad (He made his debut with Rajan’s Bidaai) and while no actor guarantees TRPs, (Television Rating Points) it certainly helps catch attention.”

Ram Kapoor in Sanskaar Dharohar Apnon Ki
Ram Kapoor has just made an entry in Sanskaar as a rich NRI businessman Purshottam Patel Kapoor, fondly called Paddy. A jovial guy, he is shown to be Bhoomi’s (Shamim Mannan – the female lead) brother. The show has not been rating high on the charts, the makers are probably hoping that Ram will give it the necessary boost. He, however, will be on the show only for a week.