When Popular Actors Quit A Show, Must Fans Make Their Exit So Difficult?

We all have our favourite celebs and actors, who command our absolute attention and love. Their every move, every new work, and every social media post is celebrated by their devoted fans. Celebrities too enjoy the love that fans shower them with, but sometimes the craziness gets out of hand and transcends into problematic behaviour. Celebrities are sometimes put on such a high pedestal that fans forget that they are humans too with a life of their own and autonomy to take their life decisions. The outrage that follows when a star upsets their followers is not just intimidating, it makes us question the very concept of fandom.

Recently, Fans of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, who were eagerly waiting for actor Disha Vakani's (Dayaben) comeback, were shocked when news began doing rounds that she might have quit the show. In the most recent episode, the character of Sundar Veera claimed that his sister will come back soon and then clarified that she is temporarily unable to return. The fans did not like the move, and the showrunners had to make another character Jethalal offer Sundar an ultimatum, requesting that he bring Daya back within two months. Fans said that the showrunners were playing with the viewers' emotions and urged them to bring Vakani back as soon as possible.

Asit Kumar Modi, the producer of the show, said that auditions for the legendary role of Dayaben are going on and that fans have been 'literally abusing' them over Daya's absence. It's an individual's decision to leave or be a part of a project, but should they carry on performing a role against their own wishes, just to appease their fans?

Disha Vakani quits Tarak Mehta Ka Oooltah Chashmah: Why it's hard for popular actors to leave?

This isn't the first time fans have outraged over the exit of an actor from a show. Remember when Mihir was bumped off the popular television soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi? Such was the response from the viewers that the showrunners had to resurrect the character from the dead. More than a decade later, when Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon's lead actor Barun Sobti decided to leave the show it had to be pulled off air, because the fans couldn't see any other actor in Sobti's shoes.

K-Pop fan community too is notorious worlwide for its obsession with its idols. A fan once tried to kidnap famous K-Pop band member Exo by posing as a band member. In K-pop, these fans are called Sasaeng fans. They often stalk their favorites, find their contact numbers keep calling them, find their homes and post their private pictures. Many fans see celebrities and actors as objects in the public domain with no personal liberty and agency.

Fans often forget that artists, actors and influencers are humans too. They have every right to take a career decision that might displease their followers, if that is what they feel is right. By forcing celebs and actors to work on projects against their will fans violate their consent and leave them regretting their stardom. While fans love Vakani and her portrayal of Dayaben, will she be able to say same if she is strong-armed into playing it against her will or has to face backlash for quitting show?

Toxic behaviour leaves actors and celebs feeling resentful towards not only their work and popularity but also their followers. No ardent fan would want that, would they?

Views expressed are the author's own.