We have already heard of Viraf Phiroz being offered the role of the male lead on Kaali – Ek Punar Avatar on Star Plus. However what made the channel and production house make this move? Kaali – Ek Punar Avatar which has replaced the highly successful Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? on Star Plus currently has a TRP of just 0.7, which has consequently brought down the GRP of the channel. If the grapevine is to be believed, in an attempt to salvage the show Viraf Phiroz has been roped in to play the male lead on the show.

The handsome and talented actor is to make his debut in the second or third week of January; the channel is planning to make his entry as interesting as possible. The 8pm slot is after all peak prime time and is very competitive. The channel is therefore keeping no stone unturned to give this show a new lease of life through Viraf's entry.

The actor was previously under a contract by YRF for two and a half years which allowed him to work in TV shows only under their banner. After the news of the expiry of his YRF contract was out; channels and production houses tried to rope him in. Zee TV had offered him a role whereas he was considered by Colors as a parallel lead to Vivian Dsena in Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon.

Our source adds that a former news snippet about Life OK and Star Plus fighting over starring Viraf has truth in it as he is after all a highly coveted actor. Both the channels which are under the umbrella of the Star Parivar, were interested in casting him. Finally the actor chose to be with Star Plus.

Viraf may not have ultimately replaced Barun Sobti on Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? but interestingly he has bagged a meaty role on the same time slot on the same channel. Let's see if his entry will bring about a whiff of fresh air to the show. For more interesting updates on this show please keep visiting this space.

Reporter and Author: Pallavi Bhattacharya