MUMBAI: Television actor Sudhanshu Pandey, best known for his portrayal of Vanraj Shah in the hit series Anupamaa, recently opened up about the emotional and psychological struggles he faced while stepping into the complex role.
In a heartfelt revelation, the actor shared that during his time on the show, he was navigating a particularly dark period in his personal life—an experience that deeply impacted both his performance and his well-being.
Speaking candidly, Sudhanshu said, “It was a difficult phase of my life. I had touched spaces emotionally that made it hard for me to return to normalcy on a daily basis—it takes time.”
He went on to compare his experience to that of some Hollywood actors, referencing how performers like Dustin Nguyen have had to undergo rehabilitation after immersing themselves too deeply into intense roles.
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“As an actor, you have to be willing to take that risk,” he continued. “But it’s also important to know where to draw the line. Thankfully, I consider myself quite balanced—I know how far I can go into a character and still find my way back.”
However, even with that sense of self-awareness, Sudhanshu admitted that playing Vanraj took a significant toll on him. “It affected me. It’s completely normal, and it happened to me on Anupamaa. I went through a dark phase—it hit me hard. I had to take medication for physical pain and exhaustion because I had dived so deep into the character.”
He concluded by emphasising his unwavering commitment to his craft: “Whether it's television or OTT, I give a role my absolute 100 percent. I don’t differentiate—I become the character.”
While fans admired Sudhanshu for his powerful and nuanced portrayal of Vanraj, this revelation offers a deeper glimpse into the emotional burden he carried off-screen.
His honesty underscores the emotional intensity and dedication required of actors, particularly when portraying such layered and conflicted characters.
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