New Delhi: Gaurav Khanna, who played the adored Anuj Kapadia, is quitting the popular television show ‘Anupamaa’ after Sudhanshu Pandey, who played Vanraj Shah, left. Recently, the Rupali Ganguly-led show made a 15-year time jump, which caused many important characters to leave. After leaving fans wondering what would happen to Gaurav's character, the actor has finally announced that his time with the program is over, at least for the time being.
Gaurav explained his choice to quit in an interview with Etimes, stating that discussions on a possible comeback had taken place. He said, “Rajan sir (producer Rajan Shahi) had discussed the possibility of a grand re-entry for the character, and we waited two months for it to materialise. However, the storyline had to progress, and waiting no longer made sense. He, too, felt it was time for me to explore something bigger. So, for now, Anuj’s chapter is closed, but I see it as a comma, not a full stop. If the story demands and my schedule allows, I’d be happy to return."
Although Gaurav's character of Anuj was initially intended to be a brief cameo, it swiftly evolved into a three-year part that would define his career. “Anuj was originally planned as a three-month cameo, but it became a defining part of my career, lasting over three years. That kind of love is rare, and I can’t thank my fans enough for it," the actor said.
Gaurav Khanna Reacts to Fallout With Rupali Ganguly
The actor also responded to reports that he and Rupali Ganguly, the lead actress in ‘Anupamaa’, were at odds. Quick to deny the rumours, Gaurav shared, “I don’t engage in retaliatory interviews or respond to rumours. What matters is the work we’ve created together. I’ve always focused on my craft, and what happens beyond the ‘action’ and ‘cut’ is secondary."