Meet Shafaq Naaz, Asha Negi's replacement in Pavitra Rishta

For Shafaq Naaz, the call came like a bolt from the blue. “We would like you to come for a part in Pavitra Rishta,” said the voice on the line. The 19 year-old could not believe her ears. “I had always wanted to work with Balaji and with Ekta mam,” she says. Shafaq had earlier enacted roles in Rajan Shahi’s Star Plus hit show Bidaai as Guni and in Spin A Tale’s Zee TV show Sanskaar Laxmi. At the meeting, she was told she would be playing the character of Purvi, Ankita Lokhande’s adopted daughter. Little did she know that she was replacing Asha Negi, who had earlier been introduced to the media as the girl who would be playing Purvi. Asha, who was busy with the hectic schedule of Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, had been convinced to back out and make way for Shafaq. “I am on cloud nine,” says Shafaq. “My role is very nice. I am getting to work with the likes of Ankita Lokhande who is a very good person and professional and also on a hit show like Pavitra Rishta. Everyone wants to be in it. I am very grateful for this opportunity.” According to Shafaq, she had earlier played the role of an adopted daughter Randhal in Sanskaar Laxmi too. “It looks like I am becoming an adopted daughter specialist,” she says laughing. Shafaq will be seen on air from this Monday, 12 December. Be that as it may, fans of Pavitra Rishta are sure looking forward to your character developing along with your mother’s. And the story moving forward too.