By Anil Merani: The audience response to Param Singh’s character, Dr Neil Pradhan, romancing Savi in Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein (GHKPM) hinges on the show’s ability to navigate fan loyalty, narrative shifts, and emotional investment. Neil, a cheerful gynaecologist, initially captivated viewers with his fresh, non-stereotypical persona alongside Tejaswini, who grappled with her past love for Ruturaj. However, a recent storyline revamp in April 2025 saw Tejaswini’s exit and Savi’s return as a single mother, pairing her with Neil. This shift, driven by declining TRPs and fan discontent with the prior arc, raises questions about whether audiences will embrace this new romance, the potential for mental disconnect, and the ease of shifting viewer loyalty.
Will Audiences Warm Up to Neil’s New Romance? Several factors shape the likelihood of audiences accepting Neil’s arc with Savi. Savi’s return, played by Bhavika Sharma, is a significant advantage, as her established fanbase from her popular Savi-Rajat pairing could anchor the new storyline. Neil’s sincere and optimistic character, praised for breaking TV stereotypes, also has the potential to charm viewers, with Param Singh expressing confidence in his appeal. The revamped plot, introducing Savi’s single-mother journey and Ruturaj as an antagonist, aims to recapture interest with fresh drama. However, challenges loom large. Fans remain deeply attached to Savi-Rajat, with vocal #SaviRajat supporters resisting Neil’s role as Savi’s new love interest. The earlier Neil-Tejaswini-Ruturaj arc faced criticism for lacking emotional depth, and repetitive love triangles have fatigued viewers, risking scepticism about the new pairing. This is not the first time GHKPM has undergone a significant narrative shift. In January 2025, a leap introduced Neil’s arc, which was poorly received by the audience. This history of frequent leaps has fueled audience frustration, making it harder to accept new developments.
Will It Cause Mental Disjoint? The potential for a mental disconnect is a valid concern, as the shift from Savi-Rajat to Neil-Savi may feel abrupt. The Savi-Rajat chemistry was a fan favourite, and its sudden end sparked backlash, with Param acknowledging viewers’ valid attachment to past arcs. Neil’s transition from a devoted husband to Tejaswini to romancing Savi could seem inconsistent without a gradual narrative bridge, alienating viewers invested in his earlier dynamic. GHKPM’s history of frequent leaps—such as the poorly received January 2025 leap introducing Neil’s arc—has fueled audience frustration, making it harder to accept new developments. Fans may struggle to reconcile Neil’s new role with their entrenched perceptions, especially if the romance feels rushed or lacks emotional resonance.
Is Shifting Audience Loyalty Easy? Redirecting audience loyalty is a formidable challenge due to the emotional bonds fans form with characters like Savi and Rajat. Indian TV viewers often view beloved pairings as reflections of personal values, making transitions to new dynamics difficult. Social media, particularly Twitter, amplifies this resistance, with fans criticizing the new arc as “unconvincing.” Past leaps in GHKPM temporarily boosted engagement but faltered without sustained storytelling quality. To shift perceptions, the show must craft a compelling, gradual romance that respects fans’ past loyalties while showcasing Neil’s unique traits.
Conclusion The success of Neil romancing Savi hinges on leveraging Savi’s popularity, highlighting Neil’s charm, and delivering nuanced storytelling. While Savi’s return offers hope, the intense #SaviRajat fandom and recent narrative missteps pose risks of mental disjoint. Shifting loyalty requires time, emotional depth, and a departure from repetitive tropes. With careful execution, GHKPM could win over its passionate audience, but the coming weeks will be pivotal.