When too many twists spoil the tale

Instead of ending the show on a high and starting a new one, our TV heads prefer to introduce re-births, twins, look-alikes or new faces to stretch the show for a few more years. For example, Saraswatichandra, which was introduced as Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus (Bhansali sold the show to another production house after a few months) on the small screen, is currently going through a new twist with it being rumoured that Gautam Rode, who plays Saraswatichandra, the hero, will be killed and actor Mishal Raheja will be brought in as the new lead to take the show forward.

In Tumhari Paakhi, lead actor Iqbal Khan who used to play business tycoon Anshuman Rathore, now plays Anshuman’s twin, Aryaman, who pretends to be the business tycoon after Anshuman dies in a car accident.

Similarly in Saath Nibhana Saathiya, Rucha Hasabnis’ character, Rashi, will be killed as the actor wants to quit the show.

The examples are so many that this has now become the norm rather than an anomaly. Guess this is the reason behind why the makers of the hit serial Rangrasiya are considering the option of killing off their female lead Paro, played by Sanaya Irani. Barely did poor Paro start enjoying a happy marriage that she will now be shot. But Sanaya need not worry, as she will be brought back as an NRI who looks just like Paro!

The think tank behind the soap Beintehaa was also toying with the option of killing their hero Zain, so that the show could move forward with a new storyline!
Another reason, insiders say, for killing and re-introducing the same faces in new avatars is because actors don’t like ageing on screen.

Tumhari Paakhi’s Iqbal Khan, meanwhile, has definite views on the subject. “It would have been sheer stupidity if the show would have been shut down after a short run after so much of hard work and money being put in. As actors it is our job to give it our best shot, the rest depends on the writers and the creative team. If at all they want the lead female/male to be killed owing to a better story then why not? We as actors need to be open to any changes as the show is more important than any character. Unless we get good viewership our aim is defeated. After all we make shows to entertain the audiences. To keep them glued the writers choose better stories, this is the need of the hour. I have been killed only once…however I would love my show to complete 100 episodes.
Gautam Hegde, the director of Saath Nibhana Saathiya, adds, “If the story demands that we kill someone then we need to do so. But in the case of Rashi, her character is being killed because she wants to quit and settle down in life. She is a young girl and if she plans to settle down then why not? We can definitely incorporated changes. Also, when there are no other options, the writers and channel guys try to begin another tale.”

Director Arvind Babal, who also conceptualised Saraswatichandra, says, “I would not know why the lead in Saraswatichandra is being killed or replaced. However, this usually happens owing to the need of the story. We cannot show anything irrelevant though. Every storyline needs to be ended intriguingly. Even if new faces are introduced one needs to keep all the strings in check so that we do not go haywire… nothing should be done abruptly.”