As Parth Samthaan’s disinterest on the set becomes evident following a reported resignation from the show, producer Ekta Kapoor searching for new Anurag Basu
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 20, 2020)

Ever since Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay returned after a four-month hiatus brought on by the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown, the soap has been in the news. After around two weeks of shoot, Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag Basu, tested Coronavirus positive and the unit was forced into another shorter break. The actor joined the team from August 4, but soon rumours were rife that he had told producer Ekta that he wanted to opt out.

According to a source close to the development, Parth resigned the same weekend he returned. “His health is his priority right now. Also, he has a Bollywood film coming up and wants to concentrate on that,” says the source, adding that Ekta has been trying to persuade him to stay on, given the TRPs he has been raking in for her. “Recently, she even roped in a third person known to both to help her convince Parth to continue with the show. But he is not keen.”

The source informs that the actor’s lack of interest is evident on the set too. “In the last week alone, he didn’t turn up on two days, Saturday and Monday, and on Tuesday, he shot for just two hours. He isn’t even interacting with the unit much and keeps to himself,” the source shares.

Meanwhile, according to the source, Ekta has approached Zain Imam, Vijayendra Kumeria and Barun Sobti. Talks are also on with Vishal Aditya Singh, Harshad Chopda and Aashim Gulati to replace him. Zain played Yuvraj Luthra in Tashan-E-Ishq, Neil Khanna in Naamkarann and Kabir Mittal in Ek Bhram... Sarvagun Sampanna. Vijayendra became a household name as Suraj Rajvanshi in Udaan and Dev Parikh in Naagin: Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel. Barun has done TV shows like Dill Mill Gayye, Baat Hamari Pakki Hai and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? and a couple of films, Main Aur Mr Riight and Tu Hai Mera Sunday. Vishal was the second runner-up on Nach Baliye 9 and was in Bigg Boss last year. Harshad is best remembered as Cadet Ali Baig in Left Right Left, Anurag Ganguly in Tere Liye and Aditya Hooda in Bepannah while Aashim played Rehaan Khanna in Dil Sambhal Jaa Zara and the titular role in Karn Sangini.

The source concludes, saying, “Parth has found a huge following and Anurag is an iconic character. Ekta is clear that if he doesn’t stay and she can’t find a worthy replacement, she will end the show.”

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 25, 2020)

Television show Naagin 4 is all set for a revamp soon after the Coronavirus lockdown ends. In fact, the actors of the supernatural show have already been informed about the development. Apparently, most of the current cast will be out, including Nia Sharma and Rashami Desai, and a new set of actors will enter the show.

A source said, “Shoots have been stalled for over two months now and every TV show has been affected. Discussions on Naagin 4 have been going on between the production house and the channel for a while now.”

Meanwhile, there is also buzz that Naagin 4 may be wrapped up and a new season will commence. Talking about this, the source said, “This, too, was a part of the discussion between the production house and the channel, and this was even conveyed to a few actors. However, as of now, they are likely to continue with the current season and different actors. Lead actor Vijayendra Kumeria might continue on the show, but even that depends on the new storyline.”