Interesting article!

Kavita Awaasthi , Hindustan Times
Mumbai, May 21, 2013

Walking out of a show after committing to it could be a tough decision to take, but Neha Marda chose to do it anyway. And she had her reasons too. She had signed the lead role in Pratigya season 2, but after waiting for months without any sign of the shoot to begin, she took up a cameo in

What happened with Pratigya 2?
I shot for the pilot episode of Pratigya 2 and things were on track. The show was scheduled to start in August and we were supposed to begin shooting soon. The show is about two girls, the daughters of Pratigya and Komal. My role in Pratigya 2 was that of Komal's daughter. I was happy with the lead role. But there was no progress. So when I got the offer to play Vrinda in Mahadev, I knew I had to do it. I know the role is a short one, and it will last only two months, but I went ahead with it anyway.

Didn't the producers object?
Yes, they called to say I couldn't take up another show as I had already signed Pratigya 2. They also said that they wanted me to make my comeback (post-marriage) with their show. And yes, I was worried and insecure about the fact that if I took up another show, I might lose Pratigya 2. I wanted my comeback role to be strong; something remarkable in a big show. But now that I have been on Mahadev for a few weeks, I think I made the right choice. I took a gamble and opted for Mahadev. I hope that the makers of Pratigya 2 still consider me whenever they start work on the show.

So what is the status of that show now?
I am still on talking terms with the makers, but things are a bit strained between us. Right now, I don't know if Pratigya 2 is even happening. But I have no regrets about choosing Mahadev. People still love me as Gehna, the character I played in Balika Vadhu, but now they appreciate Vrinda's role too. The response has been amazing. Thank God, I didn't return to the screen in a bhabhi or a bahu's role. They say I look like a girl, not a mature woman. I'm happy that I was able to reinvent myself.

it is unfair that the actors are not allowed to take up other work when the makers are themselves not sure when the show is starting...

Hope Ms Grey doesn't threaten to report her to CINTAA for breach of contract like she did the dude for her show that never made it to the screen 😛