Haven't replaced Sidhu on 'Kapil Sharma Show': Archana Puran Singh

Sidhu was ousted from the comedy show following his remarks on the Pulwama attacks

Bollywood veteran Archana Puran Singh has shot for two episodes of The Kapil Sharma Show, but has denied being a "permanent" replacement for cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu. The latter was recently ousted from the show after the comments he passed in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

The producers of the show put up a social media post on Sunday, welcoming the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actor on set, amidst a buzz that she has replaced Sidhu.

We welcome Archana Puran Singh on #TheKapilSharmaShow, next Sunday! @apshaha @KapilSharmaK9 @kikusharda @Krushna_KAS @bharti_lalli @sumona24 @RochelleMRao @trulyedward @haanjichandan @Banijayasia pic.twitter.com/NWFDxp9VcT

— sonytv (@SonyTV) February 17, 2019

The post comes after the news of Sidhu's exit from the show emerged. Talking to IANS, Archana clarified, "No, I haven't replaced him. I have not received any official information from anyone to be a permanent part of the show. I shot two episodes for The Kapil Sharma Show before the Pulwama attack. He (Navjot Singh Sidhu) was busy somewhere due to which the channel approached me for shooting two episodes, and I did it."

A complaint filed against ex-cricket star after he brought a stuffed bird without fulfilling requirement. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

Will she accept an offer to step into Sidhu's shoes officially? Archana, known for her natural sense of humour, said it would be wrong to consider this as an "opportunity". She added, "The context of the whole issue is so serious that for me to consider it as an opportunity would be wrong. I can only consider this request to join the show only once it is made to me. I can't pre-empt the request."

Former cricketer was trying to highlight cultural affinity Indian Punjab shares with Pakistan. SCREENGRAB/FILE

Sidhu was sacked from the comedy show following his remarks that "nations cannot be held responsible for the dastardly acts of terrorists" and that the dialogue with Islamabad should continue. His views drew a lot of criticism.

However, a source close to the makers of The Kapil Sharma Show said that while were other reasons behind Sidhu's departure as well, his opinion regarding the Pulwama attack was "surely one of them".

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