Did you know Karan Mehra was NOT the 1st CHOICE for Naitik's role in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai'?

Top-rated 'Star Plus' show 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' went on-air in January 2009 with Hina Khan & Karan Mehra in lead roles. The characters of 'Akshara' and 'Naitik' as well as the show went on to be rage among the viewers. Now even after completing more than 9 years & with a new lead pair - 'Naira' (Shivangi Johsi) & Kartik (Mohsin Khan), the show is still among the top shows. But 'Yeh Rishta...' fans still miss Hina & Karan in the show. Recently during an interview, show's producer Rajan Shahi revealed that Karan Mehra was not the first choice for the character of 'Naitik' and a popular TV actor was first signed opposite Hina. Karan with Hina in 'Yeh Rishta...' (Photo: Web) Rajan Shahi revealed that TV actor Karan Tacker, seen in shows like 'Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai' among others, was all set to play Naitik's character in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' but Karan replaced him at the last moment. 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' actor Karan Mehra & baby boy Kavish TWINNING in white & its TOO CUTE! Speaking about the same, he told an entertainment portal that, “Karan (Tacker) had signed the contract with us. We were a day away from the shoot of the promo when the lad said that he has cold feet about the project. On confronting Karan, he said that he was quite excited to be a part of the show initially but was later skeptical. We are in good terms and I respect the fact that Karan shared what the genuine reason for dropping the offer.” Karan Tacker (Photo: Instagram) Rajan Shahi further told Tellychakkar that, “Karan refused to be a part of the show a day and a half prior to shooting the promo. I needed to hunt for a new face on immediate basis. I accidentally met Karan Mehra, a real life replica of my fictitious character Naitik.” Hmm...Karan Tacker's loss became Karan Mehra's gain as he became a household name after the long-running 'Star Plus' show. After playing the role for a long time, Karan Mehra quit the show in 2016 & went on to do shows like 'Bigg Boss 10', 'Kahtmal-E-Ishq' among others. What do you think about Karan Tacker being the first choice as 'Naitik'? Do tell us in the comment section below!