Renuka asks to be excused from Kumkum

Tassnim's personal needs

Says Tassnim, "I explained my problem to the producers and we've reached a mutual decision that I will not be able to be a part of the show anymore. My mom has not been keeping well for the last few months, and I cannot keep sacrificing my personal needs for a show. Also, I found the shuffling between Kyunki and Kumkum tough as it wasn't leaving me with any time for myself."

I want to be fit

The hectic shooting schedules were taxing and the actress's health has been deteriorating. In the last few weeks, she has been down with viral fever and ridden with ailments like acidity and vomiting. "Shooting round the clock has taken a toll on my health. I have decided not to burden myself with a lot of work, and I'm making sure I stay fit."

Not happy with the show

Meanwhile, there are rumours that Tassnim is actually quitting the show because she is unhappy with the way Renuka's track developed.

"The Renuka I was told about was not the Renuka I found myself acting out on the show. She was evil and scheming, while I was told the character would be positive. But I have no regrets.

Renuka is a character close to my heart and I enjoyed being her." But according to a source close to the actress, "Tassnim did not enjoy playing Renuka. She had, on several occasions, voiced her unhappiness over the way her character was being developed. The fun element was missing and she was left doing nothing."

Tassnim's death scene

According to the track, Renuka is about to shoot Kumkum (Juhi Parmar). But the police come and before Renuka can fire, she is shot at, by one of the constables. However it won't be shown that Renuka is dead, leaving an obvious gap for the actress to return to the show in the future.

tushar.joshi@mid-day.com