MUMBAI: Seems like 'walk-ins' (guest appearance) are infectious, after Star Plus and Sony its Zee's turn to do so. But this time on, the intentions are more pronounced and the 'walk-in' is likely to be extended to 'stay in'.

In a bid to butteress the viewership of an afternoon soap, Piya ka ghar- telecast Monday through Thursday at 2 pm, Zee has decided to bring in a character from its sucessful prime time shows Astitva-'s Dr Simran.

Played by Niki Aneja-Walia, the character of Dr Simran is quite popular with both the class and the mass viewers. Touted as an intelligent show, Astitva has created quite a stir and is popular with the critics as well.

The charater Dr Simran will be joining the Piya Ka Ghar cast- on 19 January 2003.

Speaking to indiantelevision.com a Zee spokesperson informed that Walia's character Dr Simran will not be a one-off guest appearance but rather a recurring role.

Produced by Sheel Kumar, the weekly soap stars Narayani Shastri, Alok Nath, Sulbha Arya, Prachee Shah among others. PKG dwells on the oft trodden territory of two families from a village, who have a long friendship between them. The problems arise when the next generation grows up.

According to the spokesperson, Rimjhim (Narayani Shastri) is diagnosed with womb cancer, the disease is in the advanced stages and her chances of survival are slim. On recommendation of her friend, Dr Anurag, Rimjhim approaches Dr Simran, the world famous gynecologist. They go to to Dr Simran for a consultation.