TV
Gaurav Khanna, who won hearts with his portrayal of Anuj Kapadia in the hit TV show Anupamaa, has finally addressed the swirling rumours surrounding his exit and whether fans can expect to see him back on screen alongside Rupali Ganguly.
In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Gaurav clarified that his departure had nothing to do with personal conflicts, specifically rubbishing the speculation of a fallout with co-star Rupali Ganguly.
“Anuj Kapadia, for me, is a comma; there’s no full stop. Rajan Sir hasn’t killed the character. It’s just that there’s no space in the story for him. But it is Indian Television. Anyone can be alive and there are many examples,” Gaurav stated, offering a glimmer of hope to fans still holding on to his iconic character.
Also Read: Anupamaa fame Rupali Ganguly's stepdaughter Esha Verma makes fresh allegations against her
On His Bond with Anuj and the Possibility of a Comeback
The actor also expressed his emotional attachment to the role and didn’t rule out a return in the future.
“Why not! It is one of my most cherished characters but I think every story has a texture,” he said, leaving the door slightly open for a possible comeback.
Fans of Anupamaa have continued to flood social media with clips, edits, and comments demanding Anuj’s return ever since the character was written out following the show's 15-year time leap in October 2024.
Gaurav’s portrayal of the calm, composed, and loving Anuj Kapadia brought a refreshing dynamic to the show, especially with his on-screen chemistry with Rupali Ganguly's titular character.
Rumours and Clarifications
Following his exit, there were strong rumours that Gaurav left due to friction with Rupali Ganguly. These speculations intensified as other former cast members like Paras Kalnawat, Madalsa Sharma, and Nidhi Shah also hinted at tensions on set, reportedly involving Rupali. However, Gaurav took the high road, saying that no personal issues influenced his decision.
“Neither me nor anyone else playing Anuj would walk away from such an important role over personal issues,” he clarified.
He also reflected on how he had something to prove when producer Rajan Shahi cast him in the role, despite suggestions from others to cast a bigger name.
“Many people told Rajan Sir not to hire me. I wanted to prove that he made the right choice,” he added.
Also Read: Anupamaa characters quitting show for reasons not just Rupali Ganguly
Beyond Anupamaa: A New Chapter and a Cooking Triumph
Post his exit from the show, Gaurav stepped into the kitchen arena and took part in Celebrity MasterChef. Initially underestimated, he steadily impressed the judges and eventually went on to win the competition, adding another feather to his cap.
