Rajan Shahi reveals he was warned while casting Gaurav Khanna for Anupamaa: 'People told me he was jinxed'

Gaurav Khanna Rajan Shahi

Anupamaa, a television drama, has become one of the most popular shows in recent memory. Rupali Ganguly and Gaurav Khanna's chemistry on the show contributed significantly to its success. However, in an interview with Screen, the show's producer, Rajan Shahi, said that he was warned against casting Gaurav since many believed he was "jinxed".

Rajan Shahi talks about casting Anuj

Rajan revealed that when it came to casting Anuj, he investigated the industry but couldn't find a good face. One day, while travelling with his daughter to drop her off in New York, he stumbled across Gaurav's page and remembered how Gaurav had contacted him over the years. That is when he realised Gaurav was ideal for the role.

Rajan revealed, "A lot of people, including some celebrities, told me that Gaurav's shows didn't work; he is jinxed. And I hate when someone says that. 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."

He also stated that he never auditioned Gaurav for the role and merely phoned him for a look test. Following that, he signed a three-year deal with him, but made it obvious that there was no assurance of how long he would be on the show, as it would be determined by the character's performance.

He concluded, "There was a lot of confidence in Anuj's character. By the time Gaurav joined, Rupali had taken Anupamaa to greater heights. But Gaurav had that hunger to prove himself; he hadn't done a serial for 6-7 years, so he gave the show his best."

All about the show Anupamaa

Anupamaa, which premiered in 2020, is one of Indian television's most successful shows. The story follows Anupamaa Shah, a devoted homemaker who sacrifices her goals and aspirations for her family. Rupali Ganguly plays the lead. Despite being taken for granted, she eventually learns to assert herself, restore her identity, and pursue her interests.

Anupamaa has constantly led the TRP ratings, confirming its position as one of the most successful dramas in recent years.

After leaving Anupamaa, Gaurav competed in the Farah Khan-hosted show Celebrity MasterChef and won, defeating Tejasswi Prakash, Nikki Tamboli, Faisal Sheikh, and Rajiv Adatia. He is currently a participant on Salman Khan's Bigg Boss 19.