Ankita Lokhande was confirmed as the leading lady when Pavitra Rishta 2.0 was announced earlier this year. However, everyone was wondering as to who will play the iconic lead role of Manav, earlier essayed by late Sushant Singh Rajput. After SSR left the show to pursue his Bollywood aspirations, Hiten Tejwani replaced him in the role of older Manav. That is why many believed that the makers will approach him for the sequel as well.
However, it seems Balaji Telefilms was looking for a younger, dashing actor to play the male lead. The name of Shaheer Sheikh for the role of Manav had been doing rounds for some time. But now the casting director of Pavitra Rishta 2.0 has finally confirmed that the Mahabharta fame actor is indeed going to play the role of Manav which earlier made Sushant a household made during the first season of the show.
Apart from Ankita Lokhande, who will continue to play the character of Archana in the second season, Usha Nadkarni who earlier essayed the iconic Aai in Pavitra Rishta will once again reprise her role. However, unlike the first season, Pavitra Rishta 2.0 will be a complete digital affair and will not air on Zee TV or any other channel.
Also Read
According to the casting director, Adityoa Suranna, it will be a big challenge for everyone as the benchmark has already been set. Talking to Hindustan Times, Suranna said that both Ankita and Ushaji have already been accepted in their respective roles by the audience. But he believes that the role of Manav will be a big challenge for Shaheer Sheikh as well as for the directors.
Sushant Singh Rajput as Manav was iconic and received immense love. So when Shaheer Sheikh will grace the screen in the same role, fans of Pavitra Rishta are bound to compare him with Sushant Singh Rajput.
Over the years, Shaheer Sheikh has portrayed many different and difficult roles from Arjun in Mahabharta to Dev in Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi 3 successfully and the makers are confident that he will also win the hearts of the viewers with his portrayal of Manav in Pavitra Rishta 2.0.