Narayani to discontinue as Megha

It's official, Narayani Shastri will no longer throw tantrums as Megha nor will she conspire against her screen mother, Rimjhim in Piya Ka Ghar. She's been asked to discontinue.

Since the day Narayani Shastri (who plays the role of Rimjhim in Piya Ka Ghar) expressed her desire to play the role of Megha, Rimjhim's daughter, things weren't too smooth between producer Sheel Kumar and the actress.

The reason for the role being taken off Narayani is believed to be her refusal to allot block dates to the producer. Sheel Kumar felt she could do with more work and required her presence in every frame of the soap, while Shastri was confident she fit Megha's boots perfectly and was giving enough to the character.

Says Shastri, "I was asked to give 26 block dates and I was already giving them 15. I am also working in other serials and besides I was doing shifts even on the days I hadn't blocked for Piya Ka Ghar. I am confident I was doing the role quite well, but that's not the only thing I want to do."

"I told Mr Kumar I can easily manage both the roles with the dates I had already given, but there was no point in arguing. I gave in because I didn't want to create and issues, the show is very close to my heart," she adds.

After taking the generation leap, Kumar wasn't too pleased with Narayani. She apparently threatened to walk out if she wasn't allowed to play the daughter's role as well. "I let it go for as long as it worked. The workload has increased since the show started being aired five days a week. Being the protagonist and also playing two roles, I wanted Narayani's presence in every frame. I find it impossible to shoot her part in the limited number of dates she's allotted for my serial," says Kumar.

Coming to who would replace Narayani as Megha, the search is still on. Sheel Kumar explains, "We need to work on the character sketch, but haven't found the time since I was very busy with Yakeen, my film starring Arjun Rampal and Priyanka Chopra.

Now that the film is released, I can concentrate on finding a new Megha." He however maintains that the change hasn't strained his relationship with the actress.

Narayani's mature looks could be another reason, for Kumar feels that the character of Megha require a young, fresh look and Narayani doesn't fit the description. "The new Megha will have a fresh and energetic look," says Kumar.

Narayani begs to differ. "Megha is supposed to be 22-years old and I don't think I look older than 22. Initially. Megha's character was that of a demented eight-year-old and my performance was appreciated by everyone. Now I don't need to prove myself to anybody.

I understand the demands of the character and I will make sure I fulfil them," she shoots back. Rumours are afoot that Zee has offered her a new show. But as of now Narayani wants to concentrate on looking into other projects.

She says, "I have been told that my track in Kkusum has been given a new twist. I may get back to Kkusum, if I find the twist interesting." Besides she has been offered a role in a new show, Mumbai Times where she plays a journalist.