Kanchi was a bully’Sandiip Sikcand says

'Ek Ladki Anjaani Si' (Sony), has a new lead protagonist. The seemingly demure Kanchi Kaul (Anu) has been booted out of her debut show due to her alleged highhanded behaviour. Sai Deodhar takes her place and has already started shooting for the show. Sai's track will appear from November 8.

Clarifying on why such an extreme step was taken, Sony's creative director Sandiip Sikcand says, "This matter was the first thing that was brought to my notice when I joined the channel in August. But I ignored it then thinking it's the usual case of a star throwing tantrums and it will pass. But three months later, she has only continued to make hell for the production house, Shreya Creations."

"Kanchi's behaviour on the sets was nothing short of being a bully. She kept creating hassles on one issue or another demanding an exorbitant raise and threatening non-availability of dates if her demands were not met. Despite getting a raise, she showed no signs of co-operating. I am dead against any actor twisting the arm of the channel or the production house," says Sandiip firmly. The channel's legal team has intimated Kanchi that she is no longer part of the show.

Why was Sai chosen? "She is a great actress and fitted the role of Ananya to the T. I have yet to meet her husband Shakti Anand who plays Nikhil in the show. He is known for his good behaviour and down to earth attitude. Also, the Sai-Shakti chemistry will be one to watch out for!" quips Sandiip. The couple have earlier been seen together in 'Saara Aakash' (Star Plus) where, when working together, they fell in love and decided to tie the knot.

There are rumours that Kanchi had other offers and was keen to move on, ensuring that she be thrown out. But she remained unavailable for comment.