Ever since Karan Mehra, who played the role of Naitik on "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai," quit the show, gossip mills have been abuzz regarding who will replace Karan or if the actor will return on the daily soap. Recently, rumours had it that Vishal Singh of "Dekh Bhai Dekh" and "Parvarrish Season 2" will step into the shoes of Karan.
However, it turns out that the report was false and that the makers have not even approached Vishal for the role. Rajan Shahi, the producer of the show, refuted the rumour of casting Vishal, claiming that he has not yet started auditioning for Naitik's character. He said that Naitik's re-entry had been scheduled for September as the storyline is currently revolving around the younger generation.
"I very well know the source of these rumours, but truth is, I have not met or spoken to Vishal even on phone. Nor have I done a look test with him. I am not casting anyone at the moment. Naitik's re-entry is scheduled for September. Now, we are focusing on the younger generation's story, which has been attracting positive reviews [sic]," Shahi told Mid-Day.
Talking about reports of Karan re-entering the show, the producer said: "Since he left, people have been asking why I did not stop him and what went wrong between us. Karan expressed a desire to do something more in life — concentrate on his health and go on a holiday; I couldn't deny that to him. I respect him because he is one actor who has never given anyone the opportunity to complain. It was an extremely difficult decision, both for him and me."
The rumour of Karan making a comeback on the show started doing the rounds when it was said that Hina Khan aka Akshara, who is cast alongside the main actor, had expressed her reservations about romancing a new guy on screen. She apparently also refused to play Naitik's widow, leaving no option for the makers but to bring Karan back on the show. Karan had then denied the news of him returning to the show.
