The decision to introduce new leads in Jhanak after its 20-year generational leap in June 2025 has not been well-received by the fans. This significant backlash has not only amplified off-air rumors but also brought to light the challenges the show’s revamped narrative is facing. The departure of the original leads, Hiba Nawab and Krushal Ahuja, who played Jhanak and Anirudh, and the introduction of Riya Sharma and Arjit Taneja as the new Jhanak and Rishi, alongside Twinkle Arora as Aditi, was intended to inject fresh energy. However, it has met with mixed reactions, with many fans rejecting the new cast and storyline.
The promotional material for the leap, released on June 3, 2025, introduced Riya Sharma as a bold, reimagined Jhanak and Arjit Taneja as a police officer, with a dramatic encounter setting the tone for their arc. However, the promo failed to resonate with a significant portion of the audience. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with fans calling it a “downgrade” and criticizing the new leads’ acting, screen presence, and chemistry compared to the “unmatched” Hiba and Krushal, who won the Star Parivaar Awards 2024 for best jodi. One user lamented, “Leena only knows to copy her own shows,” pointing to perceived repetitive storytelling, while another demanded, “End this sh*t show,” reflecting frustration with the creative direction.
The rejection of the new leads can be partly attributed to the fans’ deep emotional investment in Hiba and Krushal’s characters. Their pure, heartfelt romance was a cornerstone of Jhanak’s early success. The pre-leap storyline, involving Jhanak’s poisoning and emotional turmoil, had kept viewers hooked. However, the shift to a new generation—loosely adapted from Ishti Kutum—has been criticized as unoriginal and poorly executed. Reports indicate that actors like Zohaib Siddiqui and Erica Fernandes were approached but declined the roles, suggesting hesitation among established stars to join the post-leap cast, which may have further fueled skepticism about the show’s direction.
The show’s TRP struggles, dipping to 1.2 from 1.6 add pressure to the new leads’ reception. Fans on X have expressed that only the original “Runak” (Jhanak-Anirudh) pairing kept the show afloat, and the new narrative, including a forced marriage track between Riya’s Jhanak and Arjit’s Rishi, feels like a rehash of older plots. Despite some viewers welcoming Riya and Arjit, the vocal disapproval and calls for cancellation suggest the leap hasn’t fully landed. The show’s future depends on whether the new cast can win over skeptics or if off-air rumors will materialize.
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