Exclusive: Sanam Johar to Exit Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin Amid Major Plot Shifts

Sanam Johar Bids Farewell to GHKKPM
Sanam Johar, who debuted as the charismatic yet complex character Ruturaj in Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin (GHKKPM), is set to exit the popular Star Plus drama. This development follows the show’s recent narrative overhaul, marked by Bhavika Sharma’s return as Savi and the departure of co-star Vaibhavi Hankare (Tejaswini) . Sources confirm that Ruturaj’s track will conclude as the storyline pivots toward Savi’s renewed journey, leaving fans both shocked and intrigued about the future of the series .

Why Is Sanam Johar Leaving?
The decision to write off Ruturaj aligns with the show’s strategic shift to refocus on its core characters. After a dramatic car accident storyline that claimed the lives of Savi’s husband Rajat (Hitesh Bharadwaj) and Ruturaj’s love interest Tejaswini, the narrative now centers on Savi and Neil (Param Singh) unraveling the mystery behind their spouses’ deaths . A source close to the production revealed, “With Savi’s return, Ruturaj’s arc no longer fits the evolving plot. The makers aim to streamline the drama around Savi’s emotional journey” .

Sanam’s exit also coincides with declining TRP ratings, which prompted the creators to reintroduce Bhavika Sharma’s fan-favorite character. Earlier this year, the show faced criticism for its experimental Season 3 track, leading to a drop in viewership . While Ruturaj’s transformation into a villain initially intrigued audiences, the abrupt conclusion of his storyline reflects the challenges of balancing fresh arcs with the show’s legacy .

Sanam Journey as Ruturaj
Sanam Johar joined GHKKPM in February 2025, marking his fiction television debut. His portrayal of Ruturaj, a rockstar with shades of gray, earned praise for its depth and intensity. The character’s chemistry with Tejaswini (Vaibhavi Hankare) became a highlight, with fans dubbing them “#RutTej” . However, Ruturaj’s arc took a darker turn as he evolved into an antagonist, clashing with Dr. Neil Pradhan (Param Singh) over Tejaswini’s affections .

Reflecting on his exit, Sanam expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Ruturaj pushed me to explore new facets of acting. Portraying a villain was exhilarating, and I’ll cherish the lessons from this journey” . He also shared an emotional Instagram tribute to Vaibhavi Hankare, writing, “Teja, you’ve been amazing. The growth in my performances is also because of you” .

Fan Reactions and Future Prospects
The news of Sanam’s departure has sparked mixed reactions. While some fans lament the loss of Ruturaj’s edgy persona, others applaud the show’s return to its roots with Savi’s resurgence . Social media buzz suggests anticipation for Savi and Neil’s potential romance, a pairing teased in recent episodes .

As for Sanam, his exit opens doors to new opportunities. Industry insiders speculate he may explore web series or reality TV, leveraging his GHKKPM fame . Meanwhile, GHKKPM continues to innovate, with Bhavika Sharma’s Savi now portrayed as an IPS officer tackling crime and personal demons .

Conclusion
Sanam Johar’s exit from Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin underscores the dynamic nature of long-running TV dramas, where character arcs often bend to shifting audience preferences. While Ruturaj’s departure marks the end of an era, the show’s reinvention promises fresh twists for loyal viewers. As Sanam bids adieu, fans eagerly await his next venture, even as GHKKPM charts a new course with Savi at the helm.

Sources: Times of India | India Forums | Bollywood Hungama