TOI: Playing a father out of question at this stage-Ather

Ather Habib on quitting Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

Actor Ather Habib, who has played Shaurya " Akshara's brother " in Rajan Shahi's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai for five years, has quit the show after growing tired of it. "I have lived the character completely and there was nothing left to explore in it. What else could I have done? Play Ananya's protective father and as she grows up, deal with her boyfriend issues and get her enrolled in the college?"

The actor feels that playing a character for so long can easily typecast you. "The viewers just can't see you in any other role. It's difficult to break away from it. Also, it's tough for you to switch off from the character you have been playing for long. I felt I was also ageing with the show and at this stage, I would like to play a hero."

However, the decision to quit wasn't easy. "I am happy that my producer was cooperative and he understood my reason for leaving it." So, would he play a father again? "Playing a father or a father figure is out of question as of now. I want to play my age," Ather says.