New Delhi: Amid the news of Shehzada Dhami and Pratiksha Honmukhe's dismissal from the long-standing TV show 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai', the other members of the cast have opened up about what actually happened on the sets of the show. Actress Shruti Ulfat recently told Pinkvilla that their removal serves as a lesson to other actors on set. Now another cast member has shared insights regarding Shehzada and Pratiksha.
In a conversation with Indianexpress.com, Shivam Khajuria, who plays the role of Rohit Poddar, said that Shehzada and Pratiksha would frequently spend time together, causing delays during shooting. Reflecting on their termination, he expressed his astonishment, saying, "I did a mock shoot with Garvita a few days back, so I got a hint that something is happening. But I was shocked when it happened yesterday."
Shivam outlined instances of Shehzada's purported misconduct and Pratiksha's struggles with her character, noting incidents such as demanding to be addressed as 'Sir' and issues with her performance consistency.
He told Indianexpress.com, “When I was on the sets, Pratiksha was new and it was her debut so I would always tell her to focus on the craft. But I think she got diverted and lost her way. It is very unfortunate. There were some behavior issues with Shehzada, there was an incident where he demanded everyone to call him ‘Sir’. As Pratiksha was new, during my time, a lot of takes were needed from her during the shoot. But that could not be the case. Director’s Kut Production encourages professionalism. When I got selected for the part also, Rajan sir told me, ‘I can manage anything, but I cannot manage unprofessionalism.’”
He also said that both didn’t mend their ways despite being given numerous opportunities to rectify their behaviour. “They were given many chances. Yesterday, in the meeting also, Rajan sir said that he hoped that things would change, the atmosphere would get better, and everything would be back to how it should be. However, that didn’t happen. Then what can a producer do, when the show is like his baby? In the meeting too, Rajan Shahi said ‘iss show se mere ghar ki roti aati hai’ (I get my bread and butter from this show), I can’t have any leniency towards the show,” he said.
Shivam also shared the actors’ reaction when they were informed about the decision to sack them. “Yesterday, both Shehzada and Pratiksha were present in the meeting, and when Shehzada heard he was terminated, he just left the meeting. Pratiksha was teary-eyed. Everyone felt bad for her. She could have been a bit smarter and thought of her career and not been manipulated,” he told Indianexpress.com.
Shehzada, who portrayed Armaan's character, has been replaced by Rohit Purohit, while Pratiksha's role of Roohi has been assumed by Garvita Sadhwani. Both replacements have commenced shooting immediately following the departure of Shehzada and Pratiksha.