Shaleen, Hasan and Krip approached to replace Gunjan; Kishwer, Indresh, Puneet and Shama stop shooting; Madhubala to end on 24 May?

Lotsa happening off screen in Colors’ Madhubala. Producer Abhinav Shukla (Nautanki Telefilms) maintained that lead Gunjan Utreja (Abhay Kapoor) has not quit the show. Gunjan went on to quote in a media interview about his exit but Shukla in a chat with us called it a foxy piece of journalism accusing the reporter of misquoting.

But we have learnt that Gunjan has indeed quit the project and he is under some kind of pressure to not speak to the media and confess about his egress (after the first interview).

When we called Gunjan to learn about the truth, he tried to evade our questions and later said he won’t speak out anything till an official announcement comes either from the channel or the production house.

His tone was shaky while answering our queries and later disconnected the call.

Furthermore, the makers have already started looking for Gunjan’s replacement. We have exclusive information that actors Shaleen Malhotra (Arjun), Hasan Zaidi (Gumrah) and Krip Suri (Savitri, Sadda Haq) have been approached for the same.

“Shaleen denied upright while Hasan and Krip did give look tests. They both are keen to take up the project,” said a source.

While Shaleen agreed that he was approached and declined the offer, Krip and Hasan remained unavailable.

Now is it a good move for the creatives to bring in another hero opposite Vivian Dsena (Raju)? He loves to shoot solo, is what we have heard. Only time will tell.

Focussing on the plot, current crop of actors namely Kishwer Merchantt (Ananya), Indresh Malik (Bittooji), Shama Deshpande (Radha), and Puneet Sachdev (Nikhil) have all stopped shooting for Madhubala, as of now.

We have already written that Deepshika Nagpal (Pam) has moved of the project. So has the rest quit as well?

“The production house has told them that they will get back on the show after a month. Right now they are on a break and the focus will be on Vivian, Drashti Dhami, Tanvi Thakkar and Swati Anand. But chances are slim of them getting back.”

Kishwer, Shama and Puneet remained unavailable. Inder said, “Right now I am on a break but the creatives told me that they will soon call me back.”

Aah…lot of changes. But one more strong buzz we have heard is that Madhubala might end on 24 May (2014). Either Ekta Kapoor or Shakuntalam’s upcoming show on the channel will replace it.

When we quizzed Producer Abhinav he said, “All rubbish. The show is not going off air. Gunjan was meant to stay but he wanted a long break which was not possible. Hence, the channel asked us to look for a replacement. Who will get selected will be decided in the next couple of days.”

A channel spokesperson also maintained that nothing has been decided yet on Madhubala going off air.

We will keep an eye on further developments.