MUMBAI — Producer Rajan Shahi, the man behind the highly successful TV show Anupamaa, has revealed a surprising behind-the-scenes story about the casting of one of its most beloved characters. In an interview with Screen, Shahi shared that he faced significant pushback from people in the industry when he decided to cast Gaurav Khanna as the male lead, Anuj Kapadia.
According to Shahi, many, including several celebrities, warned him that Khanna’s previous shows hadn’t been successful and that he was “jinxed.” This criticism, however, only fueled Shahi’s determination. “I hate when someone says that,” he recalled. “I have heard these things about me in the beginning, so it makes me furious. Everything has its own synergy and fate; one person cannot be responsible for determining that.”
Shahi recounted how he was searching for a suitable actor for the role of Anuj when he came across Gaurav Khanna’s profile while on a trip to New York. He remembered how Khanna had been consistently reaching out to him over the years, and in that moment, Shahi felt that he was the perfect fit.
The producer explained that he never even made Khanna audition for the role. Instead, he called him for a look test and was so confident in his decision that he signed a three-year contract with him on the spot. Shahi did, however, clarify to the actor that the length of his stay on the show would depend on the character’s storyline.
“There was a lot of confidence in Anuj’s character,” Shahi said. He credited Gaurav’s hunger to prove himself, noting that the actor hadn’t been a lead in a serial for 6-7 years. This passion, combined with the already-established success of Rupali Ganguly’s titular character, led to the phenomenal on-screen chemistry that audiences adored.
Gaurav Khanna’s portrayal of Anuj Kapadia became a massive hit, and his character played a pivotal role in the show’s success. Since his departure from Anupamaa, Khanna has continued his television journey, winning the reality show Celebrity MasterChef and is currently a contestant on Bigg Boss 19.
The show Anupamaa, which premiered in 2020, has consistently topped the TRP charts, chronicling the journey of a devoted homemaker who reclaims her identity and finds love and respect after years of being taken for granted.