HT-M-Vanished into thin air-Zareena Wahab -Meera

H ave you noticed how often TV characters to go missing? Well if you haven't, then let me tell you that many of them are disappearing and most viewers' either don't notice or couldn't care less.

Monica Bedi made a grand entry in Saraswatichandra but within five months her character was packed off. Zarina Wahab's character as Sultan's mother was touted as a big twist in Madhubala, but she disappeared soon after she made the needed impact. Veer, played by Nandish Sandhu and later by Vikas Bhalla, was a crucial character on Uttaran, but it didn't take long for him to be relegated to the sidelines, never to be seen again.

There are many such cases: Archana's youngest sister Vaishali from Pavitra Rishta; Ram's sister in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain; Kumud's extended family in Saraswatichandra and more who are removed from the show once they have served their purpose. Usually, character actors are needed in large families to complement the leads. They are the crutches needed to support the actors, or simply spice up the story.

Most actors know that their roles can be axed any time, at times even within a day's notice. Many others quit when they feel that they aren't able to do to justice to the role. And yet others don't mind standing in the frame with a large family, not uttering a word, but taking home a decent paycheque.

It also depends on the show. In Diya Aur Baati Hum (DABH) or Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH), the entire family is in focus. Actors are needed for crowds during festivals and when the lead is making a big discovery or startling announcement. Then there are recurring characters " Buaji in YRKKH and Sandhya's brother in DABH " who appear when needed.

Viewers, engrossed with the frothy drama, are hardly affected by the disappearances of fringe characters. Once the show is established, being removed abruptly from shows must irk the actors but we guess the show must go on.