Naina Singh, who played Rhea's character in Kumkum Bhagya is no longer a part of the show. She has decided to discontinue with it as the actress feels her character is not going anywhere.
We got in touch with her and spoke about her decision. Excerpts from the conversation:
Your exit from KumKum Bhagya has come as a shock to everyone...
I didn't disclose it to anyone as I thought let the production people announce it. But then somehow the news came out and then I had to confirm it.
When was your last day on the set?
It was the end of February. According to my discontinuation letter, the last day was supposed to be in January but they wanted me to extend for one more month, so it ended in February.
So, no TV for you now?
It's not like I don't want to do TV or just want to concentrate on films. I am open to everything- TV, Web, Film whatever comes my way. In fact, I have already signed a web show. If the lockdown would have not happened, I would have completed the shoot till now but now, I don't know when it will get shot.
Who are you going to miss the most?
My journey was superb. The one thing I am going to miss the most is being on the set and spending time with people who literally became my family. It is heartbreaking honestly, but then I have to take a decision for my own good. But I am going to miss them all. Especially the crew members- right from my makeup dada, hair Didi, the director. We can still meet actors but meeting the crew becomes difficult.
Who was the first one to know that you are leaving the show?
The first one and the only one was Ashlesha Sawant (Meera) whom I informed about my decision. I met her on the set only but now we are very close to each other. When I told her I am planning to quit, she got extremely sad. In fact, since then she is constantly telling me not to leave. She messaged me again today. The bond which they have shown between us onscreen is exactly the same off screen as well.
How was your last day?
I didn't tell a lot of people. I know if I informed everyone, they would have tried to stop me and manipulate me. They had hints but when I stopped going on the sets after February they came to know that I had quit.
You played Shabir Ahluwalia's daughter on the show. How was your chemistry with him off screen?
I am really going to miss him. In fact, I am avoiding talking about this as I am feeling emotional. He is so good and the unconditional love he gave to me is unforgettable. My heart cries thinking about it that I won't be shooting with these people anymore.
What are your plans now as lockdown is coming to an end?
I was getting a lot of offers but I didn't take them due to my prior commitment to the show. But now the condition is also not stable so I have to see what comes my way first and I will pick that. This is not the time to be very choosy about work.
Are they replacing your character?
They are going to continue my character (Rhea) as it's Abhi's (Shabir Ahluwalia) daughter and really important for the story. Of course, I will be replaced but I don't know who will do that.
Any one in the industry you think is apt for the character?
On this I just want to dedicate one song that is Kaise main kisi ko dedu 10/10. Mere jaisa kahan koi 10/10. Honestly, I can't imagine anybody else playing Rhea. I have made and built that character. I have put so much hard work to it that I don't want somebody else to come and copy me. When I was leaving the show I thought they would kill me or something like that but then Chloe informed me we have to do a replacement and I was like NO!!! More than me, my hair didi and other co-actors keep telling me that how will we accept her. I think look tests are on and they keep telling me aap hi aajao, so accha lagta hai.
What if they don't find another Rhea and they ask you to come back?
My reason for leaving was only that because I wasn't happy the way chamy racter was shaping up. It was too much hatred for no reason. They should establish Rhea as a whole new character and get some variations than just make me do one thing in a loop. I am not saying I don't want to play a negative character but I don't want to play only that.
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