Sudhanshu Pandey shuts down rift rumours with Rupali Ganguly: "I was just chatting with Rupali.."

Sudhanshu Pandey, widely recognized for his role as Vanraj in Star Plus' popular show Anupamaa, has decided to part ways with the series after four years of portraying the complex character. In an exclusive conversation with India Forums, Sudhanshu reflects on his journey with the show, the factors that led to his departure, and the emotional farewells shared with his co-stars. He opens up about the creative challenges he faced, his personal growth through the role and addresses rumors of a fallout with producer Rajan Shahi, providing clarity on the situation. Despite moving on, Sudhanshu fondly recalls the strong bonds he formed with the cast and crew and shares his plans to stay connected with his Anupamaa family.

You've been a significant part of Anupamaa for four years, which is a long time. What led you to make the decision to exit?

Aapke sawal mein hi aapka jawab hain. You mentioned four years. So, these four years that, I dedicated with such dedication and passion to one character. As they say in English, every good thing comes to an end. For me, it was such a fantastic thing. The show has been a blessing, and the love and admiration we received have been overwhelming. There's nothing else that can ever be second to it. But four years playing one character is already a huge task for any actor. It comes with immense responsibility because when the show is always on top, there's an added responsibility on you as an actor to give your 100%, or more than 100%, to ensure that what is written and given to you is presented in the best possible way to maintain the entertainment value.

After four years, I felt I had already crossed several milestones with this character. Aur mera pehla daily show tha, so I felt like I had already explored everything I could with this character. And I think it was about time because an actor's growth happens with the characters they play. You grow with every new character, and I felt that I had grown a lot with this character, learned a lot, and understood a lot. 

I was just chatting with Rupali on Instagram yesterday. So, it's all just stories, and I think we should sit back, enjoy them, and let them pass by

- Sudhanshu Pandey

When you're playing a character—especially one like Vanraj—it wasn't an author-backed role for me. It was like an open field, giving me the freedom to explore. I played around with it; I tried every stunt. I made it unpredictable, made it funny and made it evoke emotions like hate and anger. I put in my best effort over the course of four years.

But as an actor, I felt like I didn't have much left to offer with this role anymore, so I began contemplating that perhaps it was time to move on. There were several discussions and thoughts over time, and finally, it reached a point where I felt it was the right time to make the decision.

So, it wasn't a sudden decision?

No, you make a decision only once, but the thought process and contemplation behind it are lengthy. Manthan bohot lamba chalta hai, you think for a long time, and then you wonder. It was definitely a very well-contemplated decision, but obviously, at a certain point, you have to say, "Okay, now this is it."

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As an actor, I felt like I didn't have much left to offer with this role anymore, so I began contemplating that perhaps it was time to move on.

- Sudhanshu Pandey

Media reports suggest that you and Rajan Shahi share a good friendship that has lasted for a long time. Did it ever cross your mind that your exit might make things difficult for him?

In fact, I would say Rajan is a fantastic producer and a creative person. He's been a director as well, so he's creatively so strong that I don't think he'll ever have a difficult time creating or rebuilding anything. An actor comes, an actor goes, but a producer has to stay because it's his show, it's his baby. And all I would say is that he's been instrumental in keeping the show at number one for four years, so I don't think there will be any difficulty for him. I'm sure they will handle the show smoothly and maintain it at the position it's currently in.

Despite that, we saw headlines suggesting there was a fallout between you and Rajan Shahi. Is there any truth to those rumours?

When you say rumours, when you say khabar, toh wo khabar hi hoti hai, wo rumour hi hota hai. Aur rumour ko rumour hi rehne dena chahiye. Usko sachchayi mein badalne ki koshish nahi karne chahiye, mujhe aisa lagta hai, because wo sirf cheezon ko uljhata hai, uska koi fayada hai nahi.

When you say rumours, when you say khabar, toh wo khabar hi hoti hai, wo rumor hi hota hai. Aur rumour ko rumour hi rehne dena chahiye

- Sudhanshu Pandey

When you made the decision to leave the show, who was the first person in your family you told, and what was their reaction?

We had occasional discussions about it, and one day, I called my wife to tell her, but she didn't pick up the phone. So, I told my younger son, and he just said, "Okay, okay, I'll tell Mumma." That was it. It was just a piece of information for them. They were busy with their own things, so it wasn't a long conversation.

And when your Anupamaa family found out about your decision, how was your last day on set?

Chipak ke rohe the jaane se pehle. Yeah, everybody was. Especially Pakhi, Dimpy, Baa, Gaurav Sharma, Toshu, you know, these people. And Bapuji is also very emotionally attached to me. We've spent four years together like a family, so it's natural for them to feel a bit emotional. But we decided that we'd continue meeting up, going out for dinners, and keeping up the fun we used to have on set. Haan, toh wo, bahut hasi mazak chalta rahe hain. I always keep the atmosphere very light when I'm working, whether cracking jokes or humouring somebody. So, everybody used to be in splits most of the time. It was a lot of fun working. Sometimes, others would get scolded because of my jokes. I would do something that made them laugh or lose focus, so they would end up getting scolded. And since the director couldn't really scold me, they wouldn't say anything to me, but their frustration would be taken out on the others. (Laughs)

Talking about the lead pair, sir, it's often heard not just on this show but on many other shows as well that there are issues between the lead pair. We've seen you at Rupali Ma'am's birthday parties and have witnessed some fun moments behind the scenes. But then again, headlines were made about your equation. There have even been questions about Rupali ma'am's equation with other co-stars. You've worked with her extensively—what do you have to say about this?

I think these so-called stories, where they start from, I have no idea. But they do get made, and I've always believed that when a story is made, it should remain a story. It shouldn't be turned into real life. A story is always fictional, and it should stay that way. Connecting it to real life doesn't make sense to me because, ultimately, you have to understand that it's just a story. Stories will continue to circulate, people will keep guessing, they'll form opinions, and use their imagination, but it has nothing to do with reality. I was just chatting with Rupali on Instagram yesterday. So, it's all just stories, and I think we should sit back, enjoy them, and let them pass by.

Rupali Ma'am posted something about Sadhguru Ji on Instagram, and it was linked as a taunt after you exited Anupamaa. What's your take on that? Do you read these news headlines that are made?

If that was a taunt, then why were we chatting yesterday? No, I don't read those headlines. Whatever I get to know is through social media, but I don't pay much attention to them. Like you mentioned stories earlier, I feel these are also stories. How much of it is true or false, I never really bother with it. Because stories have very little to do with reality. People say there's no fire without a spark, but sometimes, in these situations, a fire can start without a spark. And if you don't fan it too much, it dies down quickly.

When you're playing a character—especially one like Vanraj—it wasn't an author-backed role for me. It was like an open field, giving me the freedom to explore. I played around with it; I tried every stunt. I made it unpredictable, made it funny and made it evoke emotions like hate and anger

- Sudhanshu Pandey

After your exit, there was a rumour that you were going to participate in a reality show. Did you receive an offer from Bigg Boss?

Yes, I have received offers from Bigg Boss many times. Not just this year, but I've been approached by Bigg Boss earlier as well. However, I've spent many years in this industry and have done a lot of work. I have a huge body of work behind me, and I've earned a lot of goodwill and respect through my conduct in the industry. I don't think any actor of my stature would ever be able to get into that space. 

I feel that space is not meant for me because there are a lot of people you don't know, and everybody is shoved into one space. Then, people have the liberty to speak to you the way they want, and there are fights and negative energies. I believe only in positivity, positive energy, creating peace, and spreading love. So, I don't think any of these things that I'm mentioning to you have an entry in that space. It's better that I leave.

But just to confirm, is there another reality show in the works?

I wouldn't be able to speak on that much. However, there might be something happening on that front. If that happens, I will definitely let you know. I want to make sure that it has reached a certain point where I can speak about it. As of now, I would say God is very kind, and I'm busy doing good things.

As of now, I would say God is very kind, and I'm busy doing good things

- Sudhanshu Pandey

If you had to sum up this journey of Anupamaa, how would you describe it?

It has been a blessing. There is no life without ups and downs. If your life becomes only happy, you will start getting worried because you can't always be happy. You need to experience sadness; you need to experience downs to be able to value the ups and the happiness. So, I think ups and downs are a very important part of life. Overall, as I said, I would sum it up as a blessing.