MUMBAI: Television producer Rajan Shahi’s instinctive belief in talent over popularity played a pivotal role in shaping the success of Anupamaa, one of Indian television’s most-watched shows. In a recent interview, actor Gaurav Khanna—who portrayed the beloved character Anuj Kapadia—opened up about how Rajan Shahi stood by him despite pressure from several quarters to cast a more prominent name from the industry.
Gaurav revealed that when he was being considered for the role opposite Rupali Ganguly, many questioned the decision. “Many people told him, ‘Why are you taking him? Take someone else; there are bigger, better names. Your show is so big,’” Gaurav shared, recalling the skepticism around his casting. However, Rajan Shahi remained resolute, trusting his gut and Gaurav’s potential.
That trust would soon pay off, with Gaurav’s performance winning both critical acclaim and fan adoration. Gaurav, who recently clinched victory in Celebrity MasterChef, attributed a large part of his success to Rajan Shahi’s backing. “I wanted to prove it to Rajan sir, because he had faith in me,” he said, acknowledging the producer’s unwavering support.
Beyond casting, Shahi empowered Gaurav to take full ownership of his character’s look and feel. From midnight calls about character development to allowing Gaurav to use his own wardrobe and accessories, Shahi’s collaborative style encouraged creative freedom. “Rajan Sir told his team to let me do what I felt was right for the character,” Gaurav said, adding that it made him work harder and give his “200%” to the show.
Even after Gaurav’s unexpected departure from Anupamaa, the mutual respect between the actor and producer remained evident. Gaurav dismissed rumors of a fallout with co-star Rupali Ganguly, emphasizing that he would never let personal issues affect his commitment to such a significant role. At the heart of this story lies a producer who chose conviction over convention—and in doing so, changed the trajectory of a character, an actor, and a show.
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