tab Nakuul Mehta and Surbhi Chandna in Ishqbaaaz (2016)

One of Indian television’s most beloved actors, Surbhi Chandna has finally confirmed she will be quitting the show that made her a household name.

The actress, who stars in Ishqbaaaz, a daily soap that airs in the UAE on Star Plus, shared the news on November 20 through a series of videos posted on social media, putting to rest weeks of speculation that she was on her way out. Following Chandna’s announcement, in a show of solidarity, fans of Ishqbaaaz have demanded the show be taken off air in retaliation.

Even as #NoSurbhiNoIshqbaaaz trended on Twitter, fans populated social media timelines with messages to call out the producers 4 Lions Films — spearheaded by Gul Khan — who inadvertently played a part in Chandna quitting the series where she plays Annika Trivedi, paired opposite Nakuul Mehta’s Shivaay Singh Oberoi.

Chandna quit the show after the makers announced they will be introducing a generation leap into the storyline, with Annika and Shivaay’s on-screen son taking the story forward. It is being alleged that Mehta will return to play the son, with TV stars Drashti Dhami and Sanaya Irani is talks to play the new love interest.

Both the female leads command an equal fan following with Dhami winning awards as the lead in Geet — Sabse Hui Parayi and Madhubala — Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, while Irani shot to fame in Khan’s Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon!

However, despite their collective fame, many are refusing to accept another lead in the show, which gained popularity over the goofy chemistry between its two lead stars, fondly called ‘Shivika’ by their fans. “Thank you for everyone who is supporting our fight for justice #NoSurbhiNoIshqbaaaz We won’t let it die down until you guys listen to our please @StarPlus @gulenaghmakhan,” tweeted Shivika FC.

“RT if you all will stop watching Ishqbaaaz after @SurbhiChandna will leave the show,” wrote Muskan Rathi.

“Annika is not mere a fictional character now. She’s an important part of our lives like FAMILY. Brilliantly Portrayed by @SurbhiChandna Don’t snatch our family member from us,” tweeted Club Surbhi.

Amidst calls to boycott the TV show, Chandna has said she is ready for a new adventure in her video messages. “I am totally ready to embark a new journey by bidding goodbye to an extremely special journey of Ishqbaaaz. Signing off as Annika with gratitude and affection. I promise to be back with a bang and entertain you all in a new avatar very soon,” she said.