Show or actor, who's bigger? - RS, Angad

Barun Sobati and Sanaya Irani

TV celebs quitting small screen to pursue their dreams in Bollywood, is definitely not new. However, how one actor's decision to quit midway can affect the entire team of a popular show is shocking.

The case in point: Star Plus' Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?'s abrupt end owing to Barun Sobti's (Arnav Singh Raizada) exit from the show, the cast and crew are left high and dry.

His co-star from the show, Sanaya Irani (Khushi Kumari Gupta) is heartbroken, but at the same time is happy about Barun's popularity. "I guess it's a big compliment for Barun. Without his popularity the show couldn't continue. Not just me, but the entire team will miss Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?," says Sanaya.

The producer of Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?Rajesh Chadha claims that like many fans, he is too shocked with the decision. "We tried to retain Barun for the show, but he couldn't make his schedule. It's the channel's internal decision. In fact, few months back, we had adjusted the schedule of the show for Barun's debut film," says Rajesh.

Does the pre-mature death of a popular show leave a scathing mark of injustice on the other actors of the show? "We never planned this. It's never an actor, who is bigger than the show. Probably, it's the first time when a show came to an end because the actor left. It's not that we didn't try to make changes in the script, and I still feel Sanaya has done a brilliant work. In the past, we have examples of Ronit Roy replacing Amar Upadhyay in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi or Hiten Tejwani replacing Sushant Singh Rajput in Pavitra Rishta and still the show doing well. We could have gone ahead with a different storyline. But as I said, probably, there was some pressure on the channel, which made them take the decision," replies Rajesh, who still firmly believes in the potential of the show.

In a quest to know what plays an important role in a show, we contacted producer Rajan Shahi of Bidaai and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. "It varies from case to case. I believe, ideally a show should have the strength so that it can sustain even if one character decides leave. Generally, actors become popular because of the characters. The broadcaster and production house invest a lot in the actor and storyline. Actors should also feel the responsibility towards the show. At the end of the day, it's the story-telling which works and attracts the audience," Rajan opines.

Siddharth Kumar Tewary, producer of Navya, too believes that an actor should be responsible for the character he essays. "Actor quitting the show is not right as the equilibrium of show gets affected since audience is used to seeing particular actors in specific roles. But no actor is bigger than the show. Overall show runs not on one but many characters and the storyline," asserts Siddharth.

Naman Shaw, who replaced Jay Bhanushali in Kairi too believes that it's the character that makes a show. "Being in the industry it's really not true that an actor runs the show. It's the show and the character in it that people connect with," states Naman.

Giaa Manek, who touched new heights of popularity with her portrayal of Gopi bahu in Star Plus' Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, had her own share of disagreement with the channel's decision. "See, honestly I am no one to decide whether it's a fair decision. However, if someone wants to leave the show then there would a reason. There are few reasons which actors can't tell media. You cannot blame one person for it," she says. However, recently, when Manek had decided to opt out of the show, she was replaced by Devoleena Bhattacharjee.

Bigg Boss' most popular participant, Dolly Bindra feels that money and glamour of Bollywood is a possible driver for such decisions taken by the younger cluster of actors. "Might be youngsters get good money. When they see glamour, they get confused. However, it's never easy to win the sheen and dimes in films. An actor may have personal issues, but he should never do injustice to his work. It is important to be close to your audiences. Work is work, and should never be seen as small or big."

Deepika Samson, who dons the role of an ideal wife in Sasuraal Simar Ka rebuts the idea totally and feels that an actor is equally attached to his show as anyone else. "The actors are known because of the character they play and with time they develop their own individuality. Actors love their project as anyone else and they don't quit a show just like that," stresses Deepika.

And while the industry still debates the pros and cons of such a decision and the precedence it would set, few actors have written-off ditching their shows midway. Angad Hasija, who essayed the character of Alekh in Bidaai oath to never quit a show which brings fame. "Whatever name and fame I have got, is because of Alekh, my character in Bidaai. One should never quit a show that gave you success as you are not expected to leave anything in midway, no matter what," says Angad.

Shoaib Ibrahim of Sasuraal Simar Ka doubts that he would be able to gain the same amount of fame and love if he ever quits the show. "Actors have to be loyal to the show that they are a part of. People get used to see an actor in a particular character. And once the character is inscribed in their minds, they don't prefer to see anyone else. Audiences are particular about the character as they are attached. They don't expect replacement. It is not necessary that the actor is going to get the fame, affection and love again," emphasises Shoaib.

While the whole industry is debating the contentious decision taken by the broadcaster, the publicity that Barun Sobti has earned from the controversy has left him wonder, "Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?!"