Recently, Pratyusha Banerjee quit Balika Vadhu, a show that made her a household name. Although the news shocked many, it isn’t the first time that the lead actor of a popular show stepped down at a time when the show’s TRPs and his or her own fame was at its peak.

Pratyusha says it was hectic schedules that led to her decision, but rumours claim she’s eyeing films.

Years ago, actor Amar Upadhyay quit Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi when it was at its peak. The reason he said, was that he didn’t want to play a dad as the show took a leap. Interestingly, instead of taking up another show, he tried his luck in Bollywood. He couldn’t prove his mettle in movies and his subsequent return to the small screen was also lacklustre.

There are many more such cases. When Barun Sobti quit Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, the show went off air while he jumped on to the Bollywood bandwagon. Giaa Manek left Saath Nibhaana Saathiya after being the popular Gopi bahu for over two years to be part of the dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on another channel. Sushant Singh Rajput too left Pavitra Rishta for films.

Many a times, audiences who invest their time, energy and emotions in a show, feel cheated due to such abrupt changes. But in many cases, they couldn’t care less. All too often, the actors who come as replacements try to reflect the mannerisms of their predecessors in an attempt to fit into their shoes, but gradually incorporate their own idiosyncrasies.

It wouldn’t be wrong to term actor Hiten Tejwani as a ‘replacement expert’. A while ago, he replaced Rajput to play the role of Manav in Pavitra Rishta. Tejwani feels that if he fits the bill and the audience accepts him, his job as an actor is done. After all, like they say, the show must go on.