Shaheer Sheikh On Replacing Sushant Singh Rajput As Manav In Pavitra Rishta 2: 'SSR Will Always Be...'

Shaheer Sheikh penned a long note after Sushant Singh Rajput's fans expressed their displeasure over the actor replacing him as Manav in 'Pavitra Rishta 2'.

(Source- Instagram)

Mumbai: Popular TV actor Shaheer Sheikh is all set to step into late Sushant Singh Rajput’s shoes for the new season of Ekta Kapoor’s ‘Pavitra Rishta’. He will be seen romancing Ankita Lokhande in the much-awaited mini-series, which will beam on ALTBalaji. While TV buffs are quite excited for ‘Pavitra Rishta 2’, SSR’s fans have expressed their displeasure over on social media. 

The fans trended #BoycottPavitraRishta2 after Shaheer and Ankita were announced as the leads of the upcoming show. They said that they are not ready to accept any other actor as Manav, the character originally played by Sushant. 

PICS: Pavitra Rishta 2 Shoot Begins: Ankita Lokhande Back As Archana; Shaheer Sheikh Steps In Late Sushant Singh Rajput’s Shoes As Manav

Shaheer Sheikh has shared a long note on Instagram to reveal why he took up the tole and decided to replace Sushant in ‘Pavitra Rishta 2’. The ‘Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke’ actor said that he was ‘taken aback’ when Ekta approached him for the show. 

“When I was first approached for PR2, I was taken aback. Who in their right frame of mind, would dare to play a character immortalised by Sushant Singh Rajput.. I too was reluctant. Then I thought, knowing Sushant he was one to take every challenge head on. And so I decided that while it is scary to step into his shoes & live upto audience expectations… it is scarier to NOT even try. And so I did what I felt he would do, if he was in my position. I took the challenge," Shaheer wrote.

"When the team told me they wanted someone who was earnest so that we could all tell a story that was a fitting homage to Sushant’s legacy… I decided to give it my all and leave the rest to the audiences and to The All Mighty. Working with a team that loved & respected him immensely only adds to the genuine intent in all our hearts. Sushant, you will always be Manav.  Nothing can change that & no one can replace that. I may not be as good, and I may not do justice to it like you did, but I promise to give it my ALL," the 'Navya' actor added. 

Shaheer shared photos from the sets of 'Pavitra Rishta 2' wherein he can be seen posing with his co-stars.

(Swipe to see the pictures)

On the professional front, Shaheer is currently seen as Dev in ‘Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi 3’. The romantic saga co-starring Erica Fernandes has returned with a third season on Sony TV on July 12. Sheikh is juggling between the shoots of the two shows. 

Stay tuned for more updates!