By Anil Merani: The decision by Star Plus and Cockrow Entertainment to replace Bhavika Sharma and introduce a generational leap in Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin has faced significant challenges. The leap, a narrative device that fast-forwards the story by a considerable period, was a bold creative move. However, it has contributed to the show’s recent struggles with declining TRP ratings. The reintroduction of Bhavika Sharma as Savi was a strategic choice aimed at recapturing the audience’s loyalty, given her popularity in the role. Unfortunately, this attempt appears to have fallen short, with ratings reportedly dropping below 1—a significant decline from the show’s earlier highs of 2.8. This downturn suggests that core audiences may have disengaged due to frequent cast and storyline changes, including the departure of actors like Vaibhavi Hankare and Sanam Johar.
The channel’s decision to issue a warning notice to the makers, threatening cancellation by July 2025 if ratings do not improve, reflects a logical response to the show’s precarious position, particularly as it has slipped out of the top 20 most-watched shows. The potential cancellation of Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, which has been a flagship drama for Star Plus since its premiere in 2020, could have significant implications for the network’s viewership and revenue. This notice underscores the urgent need to stabilize viewership.
The new lead, Vaibhavi Hankare, needed more time to build an audience. It’s crucial to acknowledge that viewers need time to adjust to changes. The abrupt replacement of Hankare after just three months following the leap likely disrupted the audience’s connection with the new storyline and characters. Retaining Hankare for a more extended period while gradually integrating Bhavika Sharma’s return could have allowed for a smoother transition and potentially mitigated the sharp drop in viewership. However, the makers’ decision to revert to Sharma suggests a lack of confidence in the new cast’s ability to recover ratings quickly, possibly driven by pressure to maintain the show’s competitive standing.
This situation highlights a broader challenge in Indian television: striking a balance between creative risks, such as leaps and cast changes, and audience expectations for continuity. The show’s current suspense-thriller arc, featuring Savi and Neil (Param Singh) investigating the deaths of Rajat and Tejaswini, has shown some promise in engaging viewers. However, it is crucial to maintain narrative stability to reassure the audience. Moving forward, the makers should focus on stabilizing the storyline, leveraging the chemistry between Sharma and Singh, and avoiding further drastic changes to rebuild trust with the core audience.