Shaan out of Ek Main...

Come next week, there will be a brand new host on Ek Main...! Shaan will no longer play anchor on the show although he has promised to be back.

On 30 June, it's going to be a year since Challenge 2005 began. Shaan has announced on the episode to be aired on 19 May, that he will be away to fulfill his prior commitments. Except for a few weeks break between the Challenge series and the current Ek Main Aur Ek Tu series, the entire team behind the show has been working tirelessly every Monday to complete the shoot of two episodes aired every week.

"It has been tough handling assignments and fulfilling commitments when one has to return to Mumbai every Monday for the shoot, this past year. My commitments abroad were suffering and I can't postpone them any longer. Anchoring the show for past so many years is something I enjoy and taking a break now at the crucial final rounds is also difficult for me. But, just as I am commited here, I had promised others too," says Shaan.

At the time of filing the report, director Gajendrra Siingh revealed that a replacement had not yet been confirmed and he was meeting people in this regard. "It is difficult to find a replacement for a popular host like Shaan. I have spoken to Babool Supriyo, Kunal Ganjawala, Sharad Kelkar (Saath Phere), Kunal Kapoor and talks are on with many more. I have to take care that the show does not suffer at this crucial stage. I hope to finalise the name today," says a visibly tired Siingh.

Shaan does mention his absence in the episode to be aired tomorrow and one can immediately see the crest fallen faces of all on the sets. The first to speak out is Ishitta who says, " I will be orphaned if you leave because you have literally baby sat me since I joined this series. And, I was only just getting my footing here.

Just after Challenge 2005, in an interview to our sister site Indiantelevision.com, when asked how has Shaan fared in hosting the show Siingh had said, "Shaan had a large fan following even before he anchored Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. He is the soul of the show. His honesty as he sees talent unravel before his eyes woos the audiences. The fact that he believes in music and has a fine sense of music only adds to the show. He has carried the show on his shoulders very well with his wit, presence of mind and charming smile. He is well liked by all age groups."

It is going to be a tough job for any anchor to takeover.