Sorab Bedi, who originally played the male lead in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, launched in March, has been replaced. Actor Jay Soni has now stepped into the role of Kartik. The switch happened overnight — Sorab shot his last scene around 2:30 pm, and Jay began shooting the same evening.
Still trying to process the abrupt development, Sorab says, “I had a gut feeling something was going on, especially given the blast scene I was shooting. I started asking the production team if I was being replaced, but they kept assuring me everything was fine. I’m not the kind of person who would stop showing up for shoots even if they had taken that decision. All I expected was some transparency, but they kept me in the dark.”
The official confirmation of his replacement came only after he wrapped his scene on Sunday afternoon. “After I finished the shot at 2.30 pm, they told me I wouldn’t be required anymore. Kal se nahi aana hai — that’s what they said. There was no prior notice, no formal communication. The way I was removed was highly unethical. I began shooting for the show on February 28, and now, after everything, they haven’t even cleared my dues of around ₹5 lakh,” he claims.
Trying to understand the reason behind the decision, Sorab contacted the casting director. “I was told my performance was weak and that I was being influenced by others on set. If performance was truly an issue, how did I last on the show for two months? I admit I lacked camera knowledge in the beginning, but I worked hard and improved. Once, someone from the team even mentioned my social media followers weren’t increasing. I suspect that might be a reason, since the actor replacing me has a stronger online presence.”