Ideally, replacing the female lead, Anjali Awasthi (played by Shritama Mitra), could have been a bold move to save *Advocate Anjali Awasthi* from its ratings slump (1.4–1.5 TVR, down from over 2.0). The show’s core revolves around Anjali’s legal battles and emotional journey, making her the central character. Casting a new female lead—potentially a bigger star with wider appeal—might have attracted fresh viewers, reinvigorated the legal drama’s niche format, and countered the dominance of family soaps in the market. While Mitra’s performance has been praised, her character's significance means a recast could generate buzz and curiosity, especially if paired with a refreshed storyline.
The impact of a storyline update could be significant, introducing new plot twists and character developments that might attract a different audience and improve the show's ratings. Instead, reports suggest a generational leap with Tushar Dhembla as a new male lead, coinciding with Ankit Raizada’s exit (whether voluntary or not). This shift risks alienating fans who are loyal to the chemistry between Raizada and Mitra without addressing the show’s core identity, which is tied to Anjali. Introducing a new male lead could dilute the focus, as the show’s title and premise are centered on its female protagonist.
With only two months until the rumored end in August 2025, a change in the female lead earlier by Blues Productions—perhaps mid-2025 when ratings first started to dip—could have allowed more time to build traction. Now, any change feels like too little, too late, as the low ratings have already pushed the show to the brink, and Star Plus seems ready to replace it. However, there remains potential for a high-profile actress to achieve a last-minute save.