This afternoon, Surbhi spoke to us at length. Thank heavens, some people in this world are still frank and forthcoming. Without consuming anymore of your time, let's go over to what we asked her and what she replied:
There is too much speculation over the reasons of your departure from Ishqbaaaz. Fans are furiously trolling the show's producer Gul Khan. Tell us what's precisely happening. What made you take such a major step?
How can I be a part of the show anymore when the show is taking a leap and I am not a part of it? The producer (Gul Khan) had this plan to take the story ahead in that way, so I haven't taken any decision.

Well honestly, I haven't read the tweets but a lot of people have been messaging me that such a thing is happening, something even to the effect #NoSurbhiNo Isqbaaz. I understand the sentiments that have caused this. Viewers are very attached to my character.
But aren't you disappointed that you won't be a part of the show in days to come?
Not really, it's the producer's call. She is the maker. Who am I to ask her a question about her creative decision? Usko jo theek lagega, woh karegi na.
I have been a part of Ishqbaaaz for two-and-half years and received so much of love and appreciation from people. It is far more than I would have ever imagined. I am signing off on a contented note. I have no hard feelings. Producer ne bhi kuch socke plan kiya hoga na.

Not yet. We continue to have lots of fun on the set and life continues normal.
Yet that feeling that one day soon you will get up and remember that you aren't going for the shoot anymore...
But didn't you ask Gul Khan anything on how you hadn't been included in the story ahead, post leap?
No, I really didn't.
Buzz is, you didn't want to play mother and hence you saying goodbye to the show...
The mother was just a one/two weeks long track and they would have shown me pregnant. After that, it was the leap. So I didn't think that I should play that portion. I have had so many graphs in my character, Anika. I didn't think that I was ready to play a mother in my very first show. I feel that I have many facets yet to explore as an artiste before I play mother.

No argument. The producer understood my viewpoint and accepted it. It was all very mutually done.
There have been many actresses who have politely discontinued in their respective show, when they've been asked to play mom. What is the reason for this?
I can answer this for only myself. I think I am too young to play mom. Thodi age to hone doh. I can play mom at a later stage in my career. As I said I now want to explore some new roles.
All said and done, no animosity between Khan and you. Right?
Absolutely.