Prachi Hada gives explosive reasons for quitting Teri Meri Doriyaann, accuses the makers

Star Plus' beloved series Teri Meri Doriyaan has been making headlines following the announcements of exits from the show by Jatin Arora (Veer) and Prachi Hada (Keerat). While speaking to India Forums earlier, Jatin revealed his decision to prioritise his health as a reason for leaving the show. Now, in an exclusive conversation, Prachi Hada reveals her decision to depart from the show, shedding light on the disheartening circumstances that led to this difficult choice and disclosing the challenges she had to face.

Was there a particular reason for deciding to leave the ongoing show?

There are many reasons, but the main one is that I don't see any progression in my character, and, mainly, my interest isn't serving its purpose. Basically, at the start, we were told that we three leads would be central to the story. It's been a year since I joined the show, and I haven't witnessed any development in my character. Creatively, I'm unsatisfied. There isn't one specific reason; it's a culmination of discussions with the creative team and producers who haven't utilised my character effectively. 

Despite portraying a tomboy, which is unconventional for television, the character hasn't been utilised much. There's no character arc; initially, she doesn't want to get married, but suddenly, she's pursuing marriage and falling in love with Garry. It's all quite perplexing, and I don't see any logical progression for my character that would resonate with the audience. This is crucial for me, considering my background in films and reputable web shows. If I'm part of a TV series, I need a well-developed character.

In October, I was told there would be a love triangle involving Veer, Keerat, and Garry, but later I learned that Jatin had left the show

- Prachi Hada

Was quitting the show decided beforehand?

For six months, it lingered in my mind as I was absent from episodes, and there was much discussion about hairstyles and costumes, but there wasn't much creative work done on my character. Whenever I brought this up, I never received a satisfactory response from their end. Anyone would be frustrated, and I was too. The scene that really irked me was when Keerat, a National Kabbadi player, was merely sitting while her sister participated in a competition. Currently, I don't see any progress in the relationship between Keerat and Garry. In October, I was told there would be a love triangle involving Veer, Keerat, and Garry, but later I learned that Jatin had left the show.

Let me clarify, I left the show before Jatin. I quit in February, with my last shot being when Angad, upon learning the truth, confronts Veer in front of Keerat to apologise

- Prachi Hada

Let me clarify, I left the show before Jatin. I quit in February, with my last shot being when Angad, upon learning the truth, confronts Veer in front of Keerat to apologise. I had made up my mind and requested to be released, and I finally received confirmation from them. I was fine with it because there was nothing substantial for Keerat to do. It's disheartening, you know, to be called a lead when it's misleading. Especially for Jatin and me, who were told we'd lead the show and it would revolve around us and our love story, but it wasn't the case. I gave them everything - my energy and time - and I believe it's over. The ship had to sail, and it did. 

Did you express your concerns to the team?

I had discussions with the creative team and the producers when I joined the show in April. Initially, they informed me that the show had just started and it would take time for it to get set up. Keerat was supposed to be married by then, but they didn't utilise my character much. If they had nothing for Keerat to do, they could have informed me beforehand. Now, they've explicitly stated that Keerat isn't central to the story and that the focus is on Sahiba and Angad. At that point, I had to make a decision. If it's their story, then I didn't want to continue with the show.

It is a topic of discussion that even after what Keerat went through, she didn't speak a word; she was quiet, looking at how bold her character was. Instead of her, her sister was taking a stand. Creatively, I'm very disheartened, and I feel like somewhere, I didn't make a good decision, but of course, I have learned a lot. Somewhere, I gave a lot of my time to them; I could have moved earlier.

Jatin didn't even know he would be exiting the show or that his storyline would end. It was shocking for us, especially when I was informed about a love triangle in the show, only to find out later that Jatin was leaving. It felt like I had been misled for a year

- Prachi Hada

What is the planned conclusion for Keerat's storyline?

I honestly don't know how Keerat's story will end. I have no clue if they will end her character or replace someone else. But I feel sorry for the fans. I'm deeply apologetic because they were misled into believing there would be a story centred around Keerat and Garry. It's all due to the decisions of the producers and writers. I genuinely wish I had the opportunity to showcase my acting skills there, but I'm also human and have emotions, so I had to move on. I am sincerely sorry for the fans.

Like the fans, we actors are also disappointed. Jatin didn't even know he would be exiting the show or that his storyline would end. It was shocking for us, especially when I was informed about a love triangle in the show, only to find out later that Jatin was leaving. It felt like I had been misled for a year. So, there was a lack of trust and transparency between the producers and me.

If I had known beforehand that this was a sister character or a supporting role, then I would have never taken it. I signed the contract without knowing something like this would happen. Honestly, I have tendered my resignation four times, but it wasn't accepted

- Prachi Hada

Talking more about the show, Keerat disclosed, "If I had known beforehand that this was a sister character or a supporting role, then I would have never taken it. I signed the contract without knowing something like this would happen. Honestly, I have tendered my resignation four times, but it wasn't accepted. Now, they have finally accepted it because they have changed the story. I have no clue why they did this, but I feel very disheartened. If the story is supposed to revolve around Angad and Sahiba, then why were we told we are also the show's leads? I'm not interested in doing supporting roles, especially at this stage in my career when I have been fortunate enough to receive good opportunities."

I vented for almost 2 hours in my vanity and asked them to get me a chunni and kurti as I wouldn't go and show my scars to men wearing that t-shirt

- Prachi Hada

Feeling disheartened by the costumes, Keerat reveals, "I don't want to continue with something where I'm always wearing the same t-shirts. I've been stuck with just two T-shirts, one purple and one yellow. You'll see these same t-shirts in almost every episode. It's such a big show; a lot of money is being invested in other characters, yet they seem unable to figure out more opportunities for Keerat's character. She had such a promising character and touchwood I gave my all to portray that young 16-year-old girl. I didn't even groom my eyebrows or get waxing done. I completely immersed myself in that character, even adopting her body language. Personally, I enjoy makeup; if you look at my Instagram, you'll see a completely different person. So, when it comes to my character, I'm willing to do whatever it takes and give my 100%, but the creative team showed no interest whatsoever. Even with my clothes, I was constantly irritated. I have to say this: they used to give me dresses more suited for a 40-year-old lady, but they insisted I wear them. Despite being quite lean, they made me appear heavier on screen. I raised concerns about this with the creative team, asking why they would do such a thing. I understand I needed to look like a wrestler, but their approach baffled me. They could have given me jackets or dhotis, but they didn't listen despite numerous discussions.

Check out Prachi's reel here:

So, they didn't try any experiments at all. One of the worst instances was when Keerat was supposed to go to Angad and show him her scars. The writers had scripted it so that Keerat would visit Angad's office wearing a Salwar suit, and she would reveal the scars by lifting her dupatta. However, they asked me to wear that same burgundy t-shirt for the scene. I refused outright. Just imagine a girl who has undergone molestation being asked to display her scars by unbuttoning her t-shirt collar. I couldn't comprehend what was wrong with them; it was evident they had little interest in Keerat's character. So, I had to stand up and fight for it. So that day, I vented for almost 2 hours in my vanity and asked them to get me a chunni and kurti as I wouldn't go and show my scars to men wearing that t-shirt. 

They never paid attention to Keerat's appearance. Their entire focus was on Angad and Sahiba. When Angad slapped Sahiba, shifting the spotlight from Veer-Keerat back to them, I realised that because of this, I needed to make the decision I did."