Viraf Patel’s character to be bumped off?

Dubbed from the start as an ambitious project, Naamkarann has not been able to live up to the channel’s expectations. Ratings have been dismal despite the engaging storyline and strong characters. Even names like Barkha Bisht and Sayantani Ghosh, who command a considerable fan following in the industry haven’t been able to get a hold of the audience’s pulse. However, an insider insists the problem lies with leading man Viraf Patel. “His character, Ashish, is shown to be torn between three women and comes across as a weak man, unable to take a stand for himself. The Indian society is patriarchal, and the couch potatoes haven’t been able to accept a weak hero. Viraf has been playing the character convincingly, and the makers are happy with his performance. But the audience is struggling to connect with him and it’s affecting the ratings. The makers are mulling over bumping Ashish off to get the show on track,” reveals the source.

When contacted, Viraf said, “I have had these thoughts myself. As an actor I am just an instrument of storytelling that is in the hands of the makers and the channel. My contribution is upto the point where they feel I have delivered the character to the best of my ability. Bhatt saab (Mahesh Bhatt) has an experience of more than 40 years, so he must have had an idea of what the audience response will be. In this world of clutter, I am glad we have been able to evoke some reaction at least. If I have to exit in the interest of the show, so be it. As of now I have not received any information, so I will wait for the producers to tell me so.”