Recently, we had been reporting about huge changes in Star Plus’ FPC. It is now confirmed that the Gul Khan produced Ishqbaaaz-Pyaar Ki Ek Dhinchak Kahani will bid adieu on 15th March. Yesterday we had exclusively reported that the channel mandarins were also contemplating to take out two more shows. First was the Saurabh Tewari helmed Krishna Chali London. We were unsure of the second name.
We can now state that it is none other than Balaji Telefilms cult show, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (YHM), is what we have been told by our sources.
This very long-running series (Dec 2013 start) starring Divyanka Tripathi and Karan Patel had been underperforming for a while now. And now with Star engaged in a neck to neck fight with Colors, the channel is getting strict with numbers.
Unfortunately for Star, most of their recently launched properties have also not delivered and the channel is depending on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Kulfi Kumar Bajewala. No wonder the former Rajan Shahi production is being given a spin off with Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, which as we reported, will replace Ishqbaaaz. YHM, with its huge fan following, resurrected the career of Divyanka Tripathi, who is now regarded as one of the tube’s top stars. Karan Patel too gave his heart and sweat to his character. Anita Hassanandani will also be forever remembered for her superb job as the vamp, Shagun.
Thanks to YHM, even other cast members such as Krishna Mukherjee, Shireen Mirza and Nikhil Chaddha were noticed big time.
In today’s scenario, when shows shut down left right and centre, to last 5 years with continuous critical acclaim is no mean task. When YHM first went on air, it rocked the 11 pm time slot, which was then regarded dead. Today, Nazar at the same time delivers good ratings for the channel.
Later YHM generated good TRPs at 7.30 pm as well.
Star seems quite happy with Divyanka. No wonder they have given her hosting duties in The Voice.
Our attempts to reach producer Ekta Kapoor, channel head (Gaurav Banerjee) and both the leads came to naught.
Aditi Bhatia, who has played Ruhi since 2016, said, “We don’t have official information about the show going off, but yes have heard rumours.”