An episodal quit-pro-quo

In movies, there can be several characters but there cannot be any change in the actor playing a particular role. If an actor/actress chooses to quit the film during the making, either the project is shelved or a new artiste is cast and the shooting resumes. But all this comes at a huge cost. On the other hand, when it comes to the television, this is a relatively flexible issue. There can be several mitigating factors like dissatisfaction, revolt and seeking better opportunities while bidding adieu to a role an actor has attained fame for. Recently, Ranjani Raghavan who played Puttagowri in Puttagowri Maduve for years quit the role for a reason, and even Kiran Raj from Kinnari quit. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.

In one of the longest running television serials in Kannada — Puttagowri Maduve, Ranjani played the protagonist’s role. Her recent decision to quit the show has left everyone shocked. She had been doing movies simultaneously while being a part of the serial. 

The actress says that she decided to quit the serial following a new character being introduced. “I did not want to share screen space with the new character, and lose importance,” says Ranjani.

The actress who made her Sandalwood debut in Rajahamsa, has Sufi, and Takkar films in her kitty now. Following her decision to quit the serial, she now wants to concentrate on films.

While this is the case with Ranjani, popular actor Kiran Raj who previously played the lead role in Kinnari went missing in action from the serial after he was accused of abuse by a woman. However, the actor later clarified that he decided to quit the serial as he was busy with multiple projects in Hindi and Kannada. “It was I who quit the show as it was becoming difficult to manage my work, and also I was not happy with the remuneration for the Kannada serial,” he had said.

“There have been many in the past who have quit shows in the middle. Unlike movies, it never poses a problem unless artists do it without notice. This is why makers prefer to have work ready in advance. Mostly, people quit when they get better opportunities. Now, the television industry has become smarter, and more liberal with actors who want to take up bigger roles in movies. Many are working simultaneously, in serials and movies due to this,” Naveen, a director wraps up.