After expressing his anguish over the poor treatment meted out to his character Astika in Nagarjuna - Ek Yoddha, Nikitin Dheer quit the show 10 days ago. However, the actor and producer Yash Patnaik seem to have resolved the issue. While Nikitin remained unavailable for comment, a source associated with the show tells us, “Nikitin quit the show as the makers didn't utilise his dates alloted for the shoot. All his issues have been addressed and he would re-enter post the Mahabharat track in September. After his last day of the shoot (which was August 13), he shaved his beard and changed his hairstyle. He will sport a stubble now.“ 

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Dheer returns to Nagarjuna - Ek Yoddha three weeks after he walked out in a huff and blamed production house for “ murdering” his character, Astika
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; August 23, 2016)

Nikitin Dheer yesterday shot for a promo of his comeback on Nagarjuna - Ek Yoddha, three weeks after he stormed out of the mythological fantasy show. He left the show, saying he felt cheated as the makers reduced him to “just another character” overnight and did not allow him to take up other offers although he was barely shooting for a few days every month. Now, he’s back after a meeting meeting with the production house.

Producer Yash Patnaik admits, “Yes, Nikitin is back on the show. I was upset with him after reading what he had reportedly said. Later, he came to my office and said he did not intend to hurt me. He claimed he was unaware how the TV industry functions. But, he said he felt at home with the production house and did not want this [decision to quit] to affect his equation with me.” Adds Patnaik, “His father, Pankaj Dheer, and uncle, Satluj Dheer, are old friends of mine. I have been in the industry for over two decades and understand an actor’s mindset. We sat down, talked things out and decided to take him back — as long as he is keen to work and does not carry a baggage. We have invested heavily in his character, Astika. It was and shall remain a key character in Nagarjuna.” Nikitin chose not to comment and maintained an "all is well that ends well” stance.

Incidentally, his wife, Kratika Sengar, will also return to Kasam Tere Pyar Ki. After a time leap, she had quit the drama as her character was killed. Though producer Ekta Kapoor cast Shivani Tomar as the protagonist Tanuja, the dipping TRPs made her bring Kratika back on the show.