Anupamaa producer Rajan Shahi reveals he was told to not cast Gaurav Khanna: 'Shows didn't work, he is JINXED'

Currently grabbing attention inside the Bigg Boss 19 house, Gaurav Khanna’s television journey has come full circle. As one of the most high-profile contestants this season, his presence is sparking debates—both inside the house and among fans. But before reality TV brought him back into the limelight, it was his role as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa that reshaped his career after a long gap from daily soaps.

Interestingly, Gaurav’s casting in Anupamaa was not a popular choice at the time. In a recent conversation with Screen, the show’s producer Rajan Shahi revealed that several people in the industry, including celebrities, had advised him against choosing Gaurav. Many believed the actor’s previous shows hadn’t worked and even called him “jinxed.”

The producer, however, refused to be swayed. ''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 said.

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.

- Rajan Shahi

The producer added that there was strong creative confidence in the character of Anuj. He said, ''here 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.”

His portrayal of Anuj Kapadia quickly resonated with viewers. However, following a 15-year time leap in late 2024, his character was written off. Gaurav later referred to the exit as a pause, not a permanent goodbye.

Now, with Bigg Boss 19 unfolding in real time, Gaurav is once again in the public eye, this time navigating the unpredictability of reality television. His journey shows that second innings often require not just talent, but the courage to take chances when most people say no.