Article:Telly stars on Padmini-Rupa Gangu

A ccording to the lat- est buzz, Smriti Z Iraani will contin- ue as Tulsi in Star Plus' primetime show Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Only, her track will be on hold for a few months from next week. The show will now focus on the new character, sup- posedly being played by Padmini Kolhapure. The creative team is working out a role of a character that will be as strong and positive as Tulsi. Telly stars give their take on this develpoment.. Ronit Roy plays Mihir in the show. Saying that the cast of Kyunkii.. has not been informed about Padmini's inclusion, he says, "I'm not sure if Pad- mini is replacing Smriti or entering the show as another central character. Either way, it will be great for our show since she has a good body of work behind her." She played the saas for many years in Kyunkii.. Apara Mehta's track was ended amidst controversy of her having problems with Iraani. Says Mehta, "Padmini is a fine actress. I just hope she can take the stress of a daily serial." Rupa Ganguly, who has returned to TV and is seen in Sab's Love Story, says, "Padminiji is fantas- tic. Smriti and she shar- ing screen space, then there will be competition.. because Smriti is a bril- liant actress too. But I wouldn't want to see Pad- miniji in a negative role." Iqbal Khan quit from Balaji's Karam Apna Apna because he needed a break from the long work- ing hours. He says, "Everything is dependent on the story. It's very diffi- cult for a brilliant actor to sustain the show if the script is weak. Finally, it's viewers will decide if they will accept or reject Padmini in her new role in Kyunkii.." Years ago, Mandira Bedi had played the role of the other woman in Tulsi's life. Bedi states, "It's terri- ble for any actress who enters a show like Kyun- ki.. as a replacement of Tulsi or as a parallel char- acter. Smriti has created a very popular character. It's not very easy for any- one to steal the show. Smriti will continue to remain the most impor- tant actor of Kyunki… come what may."