'Balika Vadhu' to go off air; cast and crew to wrap up shoot soon?

Here's some bad news for viewers of the longest running daily Hindi fiction show, "Balika Vadhu." The show, which went on air in July 2008, will apparently go off air soon. According to reports, the the last episode of the show would be telecast on July 31, thereby completing eight years of run.

"We have been informed about the decision. The show has run its course and it will make no sense to drag it any further," a source associated with the show told the Times of India.

Apparently, the makers have decided to bring down the curtains owing to the low rating that the show has been garnering after a generation leap was introduced in the storyline. Recently, the show underwent another major change when the show timing was shifted from 8 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The changes in the storyline, the introduction of several new faces and the time slot seem to have affected the show's rating.

The cast and the crew will wind up the shoot by July 22. However, the lead actors Mahhi Vij, Ruslaan Mumtaz and others are unaware of the development. "I have not been informed officially about this. It is unfortunate if 'Balika Vadhu' is coming to an end. I wish the show was promoted well as no one knew that it was airing at an early evening time slot. For me, it's time to move on professionally," Mahhi said.

"This hasn't been announced yet. I was told that we would be informed at least two months before the show shuts. But if it is ending, then it is time to move on to another project," Ruslaan added.

"Balika Vadhu" gained immense acceptance from viewers with its unique concept centred around child marriage and brilliant performances by the cast. Over the past years, the family drama highlighted various social issues, such as adult education, adoption and widow remarriage.