It is no more a hidden fact that Balaji Telefilms’ Pavitra Rishta, the longest running daily on Zee TV, has to now look for a replacement for Archana aka Ankita Lokhande.
For the uninitiated, playing Archana in the drama helped Ankita turn a household name and claim fame as well. She was associated with the show right from day one and had even agreed over the generation leap which witnessed the exit of the then Manav, Sushant Singh Rajput. He was replaced by Hiten Tejwani.
Ever since the exit of Sushant, who happens to be Ankita’s boyfriend; the lady had been hinting over quitting the show. Things got more weightage when Sushant took to Bollywood and gave a smashing hit with debut film Kai Po Che. Owing to Ankita’s constant bickering, the makers finally gave her some months’ off and her character was shown going in comma.
However, now that it is clear about the lady not returning back, Balaji has started on its hunt for new Archana. Last buzz stated that Shilpa Saklani, a favorite with the camp, has been offered the role. And now it is to hear that after considering several names, producer Ekta Kapoor has finally decided to rope in actress Gautami Kapoor, actor Ram Kapoor's wife, for the role.
As per a source, "Ankita doesn't want to age any further on screen. Ever since, we have been looking out for someone who can replace her in the show. Gautami will now play Archana."
It is notable that Gautami had also replaced actress Smriti Irani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Thi, after the latter reportedly had a fallout with producer Ekta Kapoor. This is the second time she will replace an actress in a show.
For the uninitiated, playing Archana in the drama helped Ankita turn a household name and claim fame as well. She was associated with the show right from day one and had even agreed over the generation leap which witnessed the exit of the then Manav, Sushant Singh Rajput. He was replaced by Hiten Tejwani.
Ever since the exit of Sushant, who happens to be Ankita’s boyfriend; the lady had been hinting over quitting the show. Things got more weightage when Sushant took to Bollywood and gave a smashing hit with debut film Kai Po Che. Owing to Ankita’s constant bickering, the makers finally gave her some months’ off and her character was shown going in comma.
However, now that it is clear about the lady not returning back, Balaji has started on its hunt for new Archana. Last buzz stated that Shilpa Saklani, a favorite with the camp, has been offered the role. And now it is to hear that after considering several names, producer Ekta Kapoor has finally decided to rope in actress Gautami Kapoor, actor Ram Kapoor's wife, for the role.
As per a source, "Ankita doesn't want to age any further on screen. Ever since, we have been looking out for someone who can replace her in the show. Gautami will now play Archana."
It is notable that Gautami had also replaced actress Smriti Irani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Thi, after the latter reportedly had a fallout with producer Ekta Kapoor. This is the second time she will replace an actress in a show.