TOI Avinash Wadhawan quits Balika Vadhu, Akshay Anand replaces him

After Anup Soni ,Smita Bansal and Satyajit Sharma, Avinash Wadhawan is the latest to quit TV show, 'Balika Vadhu'. The actor, who plays Sidharth Shukla's father, has been replaced by Akshay Anand.


Avinash didn't want to be a part of the time leap, which was in the planning. However, there is also a buzz that the leap might not happen as of now. Avinash says, "The leap is inevitable. Basically, I don't want to play a grandfather. I had also committed to a Punjabi film and am required to travel outdoors. I'm thankful that the production house and the channel allowed me to quit." He tells us it's not the age, but the character that prompts him to take up a show. He adds, "I've played a father in Sapna Babul Ka... Bidaai as well. My priority is to play strong and powerful characters. I would love to play younger roles, but TV doesn't allow that, although men my age are still heroes on the big screen."

Akshay, on his part, says, "I don't have any qualms about aging on screen as the viewers relate more to the character than the actor. Also, I accepted the offer because there's an interesting twist in the character's track."