Payal Sarkar replaces Madhura in Shakuntala..

Payal Sarkar who was last seen in Sony's Waqt Batayega Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya is replacing Madhura Naik in Sagar Arts' Shakuntala, and will now play Princess Gauri.

As reported earlier by Telly Buzz, Madhura had decided to opt out of the Star One show as she found it tough to manage her other show, Kis Desh Main Hai Meraa Dil.

Well, as they say one person's loss is another one's gain!! And talking about the new role, Payal says, "I know that Madhura was earlier playing the role of Gauri, but I have not seen the episodes where she featured. So I will take the character in the way I feel and will give my best shot. I will also provide my inputs to the characters' growth in the show". 

When asked why she took this role, the actress quips "I like the character of Gauri, as she is the total opposite of Shakuntala. And above all, I get a chance to play the royal Princess here (smiles)".

So are you happy playing second fiddle in the show? "In daily soaps, I don't think playing a lead is important. It's the character that matters and if you play the best character on screen, obviously audience will like it".

Payal was earlier seen in SAB's Love story where she was paired opposite Mishal Raheja. In Shakuntala, she plays sister to Dushyant who will later fall in love with Veer (Gagan Malik), the Senapathi working for Dushyant.

Well, we just hope this Gauri sticks to her guns and stays put in the show for long!!

Reporter and Author: Ranjini Nair