It’s not a new thing for a television actor to quit a successful show. Amar Upadhyay, who is currently one of the contestants on Bigg Boss season 5, quit Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi when the show was at its peak. Heartthrob Rajeev Khandelwal bid adieu to Kahiin To Hoga. Other names in the list include Shilpa Anand of Dill Mill Gayye, Mishal Raheja of Laagi Tujhse Lagan, and many others. But fans were shaken when the buzz that Sushant Singh Rajput aka Manav was quitting Balaji’s Pavitra Rishta started doing the rounds. After a lot of hullabaloo, it was finally confirmed by Tellychakkar that the much loved Manav faced the camera for the last time with Archana aka Ankita Lokhande on October 23. “Yes, I have quit the show,” said Sushant with a heavy voice. “I had a three-year contract with Balaji which ended this year. I didn’t want to renew it as I plan to do something more exciting and challenging in life,’ added the actor. So, excitement beckons Sushant. However, there was news of him flying abroad to pursue a course in film making. “I am interested in film making. But I am not going anywhere at this point of time. Currently, I am just on a break and chilling at home. Furthermore, I am reading books on acting and film making, watching three movies a day, learning martial arts and different dance forms. I am basically exploring myself,” said Sushant. Sushant is out, and long time Balaji loyalist Hiten Tejwani has replaced him. Will he manage to gain popularity like Sushant and sustain the rising TRPs of Pavitra Rishta? “I can’t really comment at this point of time. This is not the first time an actor has quit any show. It has happened earlier and viewers have accepted change. I believe more than actors, success of a show depends on its screenplay and storyline,” opines Sushant. Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande aka Archana are not only partners in Pavitra Rishta but also in real life. If rumour mills are to be believed then Ankita along with Sushant also contemplated throwing in the towel. But Sushant has a different story to tell. “Ankita is very much an independent woman. She can take her own decisions. Yes, I do suggest and advise her on certain issues as we are a couple. But she never wanted to quit Pavitra Rishta and I don’t think she should quit at all. She is doing great and so is the show,” smiles the heartthrob. TV buffs have loved and adored the chemistry between Sushant and Ankita. Sushant, with his acting prowess and good looks, has emerged as one of the most famous and successful TV actors in recent times. His exit from Pavitra Rishta has filled the hearts of millions with sadness. And Sushant is aware if it. “I know my fans will miss me. Pavitra Rishta is really close to my heart. I have learnt and enjoyed a lot during the show. I will miss it dearly. But life moves on and I want to experiment and explore as an actor. I promise that I shall be back soon to entertain everyone,” ends Sushant with a beaming smile. And that will help him keep his rishta with his fans alive.