It was a risky decision to leave Balika Vadhu: Shashank Vyas

Says TV actor Shashank Vyas about his exit from his debut TV show; adds that he is not in a hurry to sign anything new

Recently, when TV actor Shashank Vyas announced his decision to quit his debut serial after five years of being part of the show, the news shocked many.

Shashank Vyas as Jagya in a still from Balika Vadhu.

The actor, who became a household name through the show, says, “It was a difficult decision. It was a risky decision too. I am emotionally attached to the show, and whatever I am today is because of my character’s popularity,” he says, adding that it took him over two months to finally make up his mind to leave it.

Explaining what finally pushed him to call it quits, Shashank says that he didn’t find his work “challenging” anymore. “I am glad that people know me for my acting skills, which I was able to showcase, as my character did everything possible — he was positive, negative and even grey.

But there was no challenge left. Five years on a single show is enough I feel. There was no pressure to perform, and I thrive on that pressure. I missed that,” says the 28-year-old, who is glad that his decision to leave the show was cordially accepted by the production house and the channel.

However, he admits that some of his friends advised him to not take this risk, as it was a well-paid job. “They were worried for me, as there aren’t too many good roles available right now. But one has to take a chance,” he adds.

Currently, Shashank is shooting for his last couple of episodes. He says that he isn’t in a hurry to sign anything new. “I want to travel, focus on my fitness, and meet some people before I sign anything new. I didn’t have the time to do anything else in the past five years, as shooting for a daily soap takes a lot out of you. Sure you are paid well, but there has to be more to life,” says Shashank.