Hiten Tejwan to replace Sushant Singh Rajput in 'Pavitra Rishta '

Ever since there’s buzz of Sushant Singh Rajput quitting ZEE TV’s popular show Pavitra Rishta, there’s been much speculation about the actor who would replace him as Manav Deshmukh in the show. And among the prominent names being tossed about included that of actor Hiten Tejwani. In an exclusive chat with DNA, the actor now confirms that he will indeed be stepping in Sushant’s shoes. Hiten — who first shot to fame as Karan Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi — is expected to begin the shoot from tomorrow itself.

About accepting the role as a replacement of Sushant, Hiten says, “I think the term replacement has all to do with an actor’s thought process. Of course, it is never easy to step into the shoes of an already well-loved and established character. But then what good is a role if it is not challenging? I agree that with the show and the characters being so popular, people always tend to associate a character with an actor, so as I said earlier, it’s not easy, but I am hell bent on giving it my best shot!”

Point out that the show’s USP has been the chemistry between the lead protagonists Archana and Manav played by Ankita Lokhande and Sushant, who are dating each other in real life. So will he be able to build that kind of chemistry at this stage in the show? “When a pair of actors is an off-screen couple, there is no match in the way that translates into their onscreen chemistry. So, there is no question about recreating that. But, I am sure that when the characters have an amazing chemistry throughout the story, a different brand of chemistry is bound to be created. Since I have not yet started shooting, I am not in a position to comment on what kind of chemistry I will share with Ankita. But let me get into Manav's skin and understand him better and I will know,” he adds.

The actor has also recently opened a restaurant in the suburbs. Explaining why, he says, “Any actor, be it TV or film, always comes with a shelf life. To have a longer presence, you need to keep trying newer things and constantly reinvent yourself as an actor and not all are in a position to do that. I whole-heartedly salute those who can, but then most aren't so lucky. It’s for this very reason that I feel an actor should have something to fall back on and I also have ventured into restaurant business.”

As for doing a show with wife actor Gauri he adds, “At the moment, I cannot say anything on doing a show with Gauri, as she is still on a break and busy playing mommy to our twins. But I am sure if the right project and roles come along, we will seriously consider it.”