'Saath Nibhaana Saathiya' actor Vishal Singh aka Jigar Modi to quit show?

Vishal Singh, who plays the role of Jigar Modi on "Saath Nibhaana Saathiya," has reportedly quit the show. According to reports, the actor, who has been a part of the show since it went on air six years ago, wants to now concentrate on his film projects.

Vishal is currently awaiting the release of his Bollywood film. "Traffic," which stars Manoj Bajpayee, Jimmy Sheirgill and Divya Dutta in key roles. The actor, who recently walked the ramp in an international fashion show, is also said to be considering an offer to play an important role in a Hollywood TV series. With a busy schedule ahead of him, Vishal apparently had no option but quit the daily soap.

"Vishal's debut film is slated to release soon and now, he wants to take up more films. He also wants to travel to Los Angeles for a few months in order to explore opportunities in the international fashion arena following a positive response to his previous endeavours as a model. He has no choice but to quit the show as his schedule blocks him for good. He has already sent a notice to the production house and is now awaiting their response," a source associated with the show told the Times of India.

The source also mentioned that Vishal's decision to quit the show has nothing to do with the show's impending leap, which would have seen him ageing on the screen. "There is still uncertainty over the leap and no decision has been taken yet. He will have to quit the show whether or not that happens," the source added.

Meanwhile, Vishal's co-star and the lead actress of "Saath Nibhaana Saathiya," Devoleena Bhattacharjee aka Gopi Bahu, has been contemplating quitting the show as well as she is reluctant to play a grandmother after the time leap in the story. Devoleena's reservations about ageing on screen had obstructed the scriptwriters' plan for taking the story ahead. Unable to convince Devoleena, the makers were mulling over the idea of replacing Devoleena with Gia Manek, who initially played the role of Gopi Bahu.

According to recent reports, the makers had decided to get Gia on board even if Devoleena wanted to continue with the show. However, it is not yet known if Gia will play the role of Gopi Bahu or some other character post the leap in the storyline.