The off screen drama surrounding STAR Plus show, Ishqbaaz: Pyaar Ki Ek Dhinchak Kahani continues to get more bizarre by the day. This very popular Gul Khan presentation, now rechristened as Dhinchak Ishqbaaz, first earned the wrath of loyal Ishqbaaaz fans when the entire lead cast, except for Nakuul Mehta, was removed. Most viewers were especially miffed at the absence of Surbhi Chandna, who reportedly quit as she did not want to become a mother on screen so early in her career.
Gul then went on to explain her side of the story, saying that the show was not rating well, forget on broadcast, but even on Hotstar, STAR’s digital arm.
Sources inform us that the channel took this risk, for 4 Lions Films has delivered hits before across platforms (Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?, Qubool Hai, etc). But yes, needless to say she was also told that if the numbers don’t rise asap, certain harsh decisions might have to be considered down the line.
“While leaps are a common tool to keep shows running, here Gul has not only changed the entire lead cast, but also brought about a complete generational overhaul with an entire ensemble cast, barring the two grandmothers. This has never happened before,” pointed out an insider.
But sadly for Gul and the channel, the leap has not brought in big numbers. However, the show has not seen a drastic drop too in ratings.
Well now, we hear that the creative think-tank might be bringing in new twist and turns.
Yesterday it was reported by a portal that the new lead, Manjiri Pupala (ACP Aditi Deshmukh) might be replaced and that the casting is on for a fresh lead.
However, we at IWMBuzz.com hear that Manjiri will not be axed from the show but might stay on as a negative lead. Yes, this only means that the casting that has been on is not apparently to replace Manjiri, but to bring in another lead girl on the show.
When contacted, Manjiri told us, “Honestly, I have no idea about it whatsoever. It is as bizarre to me as it must be to you.”
She did not revert on the follow-up news about her character turning negative.
We also texted Gul and STAR head honcho, Gaurav Banerjee, to get clarity on this evolving situation, but could not reach them till the time of filing this story.
We truly hope Ishqbaaz continues to entertain fan bases!!
