DC: Punar Vivah postponed/Anirudh as Adarsh!

Shashi and Sumeet Mittal's first production for Zee Punar Vivah was planned for February 6 telecast. Till the end of last week, there was no change in the launch date. But now the show has been rescheduled for February 20 launch. The reason for two-week delay is that the current 10.30 pm show Bhangowali needs another two weeks to wind up on a logical note. But the more important reason is Punar Vivah hasn't got enough promotional space so far. Zee is planning to promote the new daily in a big way on multiple platforms before it goes on air. "The 10.30 pm slot is very competitive with shows like Pratigya and Bade Ache Lagte Hain doing very well. Zee is hoping that Punar Vivah has potential to stand competition.Hence it needs adequate pre-launch promotion," says a source in the channel.

Aman out of Choti Bahu
Aman Verma's stint in Choti Bahu has ended this week. He was roped in for the show a few months ago to play the role of Asur, a reincarnation of evil whose sole intention is to create havoc in Radhika's life. The character was a cameo and couldn't have lasted beyond a couple of months. But Aman is not too happy about his exit though he knew the end would come sooner than later. "I am happy that the show shot up in ratings and viewers liked the good versus evil track. But I am bit sad that the track came to an end so soon," he says. According to Aman, Choti Bahu has the potential to garner higher ratings because Avinash Sachdev and Rubina Dilaik who play lead roles in the show and are also a couple in real life share an excellent chemistry. "I think their chemistry can take the show to newer heights," he adds.

Finally, there is clarity on Maryada's fate. The late-night show for adult viewing was supposed to wind up this month. But Star Plus had second thoughts. The buzz was that it will be shifted to the afternoon band. But now, the channel has not only given it a six-month extension but finally decided to continue the show in its original slot.

According to an informed source, the decision to retain Maryada at 11 pm is a result of compulsion to fight competition from Sony which will shift its 8 pm daily Kuch To Log Kahenge to 11 pm from February 27. "Both the shows are targeted at a mature audience. Maryada is already an established one-year-old show. Hence vacating the slot and giving a free run to Sony which is gradually increasing its audience share would not have been a wise decision," says the source.

Anirudh now in Pratigya
Recently, Pratigya had a change of guard for the role of Pratigya's brother Adarsh Saxena. Seasoned actor Ankit Gera who was playing the character was replaced by Aniruddh Singh. Ankit quit the show because he didn't want to play father after the generation leap. "Already I was playing an older guy and wasn't comfortable with the idea of playing a father. I want to play roles closer to my age," admits Ankit. However, Aniruddh who was last seen in Chajje Chajje Ka Pyaar has no issues about playing father and sees a good opportunity for him to be part of the popular show which is still doing well.