Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani: Surekha Sikri bids adieu, Iqbal Khan enters as the antagonist

Surekha Sikri, who has been the main antagonist in Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani, is bidding adieu to the show. Sources say that it is primarily due to her health issues. “Surekhaji has been part of the serial since its inception over a year ago. But lately, due to her health issues, it was getting a little difficult adjusting the shooting schedules according to her convenience, though to her credit, she did not complain ever. Neither were there any clashes. Also, the veteran actress has taken up another show and that would have made it more difficult. So, now her track will be over. As dadi and badidadi (Ranima), she tried her utmost to create havoc in Raja and Rani’s lives to acquire the rajmahal. She will finally give up and be shown committing suicide.”

However, that doesn’t mean Raja (Sartaj Gill) and Rani (Eisha Singh) will live happily. Surekha’s exit will mark Iqbal Khan’s entry as the new antagonist.The actor will play his namesake, a guy with strong beliefs. Says Iqbal, “This guy is somebody who respects humanity. He respects women, but at the same time he has his rules which he strongly believes in. His character is neither black nor white. Nobody is perfect, but yes he will create turbulence in the protagonist’s life.”    

Sources say that his entry will eventually lead to a love triangle with his character being obsessed with Rani. “That’s when his character turns dark,” adds the source.