Dheeraj Dhoopar bids adieu to Kundali Bhagya, Shakti Arora to play the new male lead

This is probably one of the biggest exits from any TV show in recent times. Dheeraj Dhoopar has decided to quit Kundali Bhagya, a daily soap he joined five years ago to play the male lead, Karan Luthra. Apparently, the actor wishes to explore new avenues and the parting with the makers has been mutual. So, who is the new hero?

Given that the responsibility is huge, as the show is popular and Dheeraj has become a household name as Karan, the production house wanted a face that would forge a connection with the audience almost immediately. They have roped in Shakti Arora, who is better known as Milan Vaghela in Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi, to play the new male lead. Now, whether he will play Karan Luthra or a new character remains to be seen.

Informs a source associated with Kundali Bhagya, “Yes, Dheeraj has decided to move on. It was a fruitful association and a good one as long as it lasted. We wish him good luck in his future endeavours. We are glad to have Shakti on board with us to play the new hero. We are working on the storyline to accommodate the change.”

Shakti was last seen in Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka, which ended in 2019. The actor is returning to the small screen almost after three years.

A change is expected for Dheeraj both on the personal and professional fronts. He is all set to embrace fatherhood. He tied the knot with actress Vinny Arora in 2016 and the couple is expecting their first child in August.

Talking about the big development, Dheeraj in an exclusive chat with BT had said, “The fact that I am going to become a father soon needs me to prioritise things in my life. Once my priorities are in place, I feel it will be an easy task to take on the new role. Vinny is a wonderful girl and very mature. She handles everything to the T. I am confident that she will handle everything perfectly, including raising the baby and taking care of me and the house. Vinny is my lucky charm. I am where I am today because of her unconditional support.”