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Payal Sarkar replaces Madhura Naik in Shakuntala. The 9 pm lovey-dovey drama on Star One featured Madhura Naik as Gauri. Rachana Dubey tells more...

The actress who made news after being linked with Ali Merchant, has been replaced in Shakuntala. The 9 pm lovey-dovey drama on Star One featured Madhura Naik as Gauri. But according to sources, Naik’s behaviour on the sets was extremely unprofessional and she had to be replaced.

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Ira Suryavanshi, creative head, Sagar Arts, confirms the rumour but adds, “We didn’t throw her out. Madhura informed us that she was quitting via an email. She said she had terminated her contract without prior intimation.”

Suryavanshi is glad she found a replacement so quickly. Payal Sarkar who hit big time with Love Story, was last seen in Waqt Bataayega Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya.

Issues addressed
Naik had apparently been asking for a paycheck fatter than what was quoted in her contract. Suryavanshi continues, “She was also shooting for Kayamath and had asked for four days off.”

Shakuntala is being shot in Ahmedabad while Kayamath’s schedules are in Mumbai. Suryavanshi says that the actress didn’t turn up after four days.. Naik insisted that she wouldn’t unless her fee was increased.

Reportedly, the actress wasn’t keen on outdoor shoots that involved stunts like horse-riding and sword-fighting.
As it turns out, Sagar Arts, which produces the period drama, has decided to take legal action against Naik: “Her termination of the contract letter has already been passed on to our lawyers. If Madhura thinks it’s easy to walk out on us, she’s in for a surprise.” Naik remained unavailable for comment.