MUMBAI: Anupamaa has emerged as one of the most successful television dramas of recent times, with Rupali Ganguly and Gaurav Khanna’s on-screen chemistry playing a key role in its massive popularity. Interestingly, in a candid conversation with Screen, producer Rajan Shahi revealed that many had initially advised him against casting Gaurav Khanna, labeling the actor as “jinxed.”
Rajan recalled that while searching for the right face to play Anuj, he couldn’t find anyone who fit the part. It was during a trip to New York, while dropping off his daughter, that he stumbled upon Gaurav’s profile. Having remembered Gaurav reaching out to him several times in the past, Rajan felt he was the perfect choice for the role.
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He shared, “A lot of people, including celebrities, warned me that Gaurav’s shows had not worked and that he was jinxed. I absolutely dislike when such things are said. I had heard similar things about myself at the beginning of my career, and it makes me furious. Success or failure depends on timing, synergy, and destiny—no single person can be held responsible.”
Interestingly, Rajan revealed that he never auditioned Gaurav. Instead, he called him directly for a look test, after which he was signed on for a three-year contract. However, Rajan was clear from the start that Gaurav’s journey in the show would depend entirely on how the storyline of his character shaped up.
Praising Gaurav’s dedication, Rajan added, “There was immense faith in the character of Anuj. By the time Gaurav entered, Rupali had already taken Anupamaa to soaring heights. But Gaurav came in with a hunger to prove himself—he hadn’t done a daily soap in 6–7 years, and he gave the role everything he had.”
This decision not only silenced critics but also turned out to be one of the best casting choices for the show, as Gaurav Khanna’s portrayal of Anuj won the hearts of millions.
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