'Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain' Producer Rubbishes Rumours, Says Saumya Tandon Is Not Being Replaced

Rumours are doing rounds that actor Saumya Tandon, who plays the role Anita bhabhi in popular Hindi sitcom 'Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain', was apparently quitting the show, and will be replaced by actor Shefali Jariwala. However, producer Binaifer Kohli has rubbished these claims as rumours, confirming in an interview that Tandon is not going anywhere, and would well continue on the show. 

Kohli told TOI, "I don’t know where these rumours are coming from. I have not spoken to Shefali Jariwala or anyone. Saumya Tandon is currently shooting for the show. As of now she is very much a part of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain and will be shooting with us. Saumya is a good artist, I love her, she is very professional. If I had my way I would have never let her go."

Tandon is apparently in a 14-day quarantine period since her hairdresser tested positive for COVID-19.

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Rumours of Saumya Tandon Being Replaced

Tandon's absence from shoot had prompted the rumours of her exit. Kohli said, "We tested everyone last month, and all reports came negative. She started feeling feverish a couple of days later, and so did not come on set. Even Saumya's schedule was such that she hasn't shot in the last few days."

Tandon had previously expressed concerns over the shoot schedules in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with respect to crew members falling sick. She had also spoken of pay cuts, saying, "It's not just me, it has happened with everybody... the entire TV industry has to go through some cuts seeing the economy... All the production houses have informed their artists that going forward in future they will have to cooperate."

Keeping these things in mind, it was thus speculated that Jariwala would replace her as Anita bhabhi. Jariwala is popularly known as the 'Kaanta Laga Girl', a title that takes on from her 2002 video song Kaanta Laga. She has also appeared as a contestant on Bigg Boss 13, aside from making a few film appearances.

Also Read: Bollywood Celebrities Who Recently Tested Positive For COVID-19

About The Show

The Hindi sitcom, that went on air in 2015, is a modern adaptation of the 1994 classic Shriman Shrimati. Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain follows the story of two neighbouring couples - the Tiwaris and Mishras - where the husbands, played by Rohitash Gaud and Aasif Sheikh respectively, try to unsuccessfully woo each other's wives, often with comical results. Saumya Tandon, who plays Anita Mishra, has been with the show from the very beginning.

Tanvi Akhauri is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.