The popular TV show Anupamaa recently experienced a significant cast change when actor Ashish Mehrotra exited his role as Toshu. The departure was amicable, with both Mehrotra and the show’s creators parting on good terms. Stepping into the role is Gaurav Sharma, known for his work in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. In a conversation, Sharma opened up about joining the cast of Anupamaa, his thoughts on replacing another actor, and his experiences on set.
Reflecting on how he landed the role, Gaurav Sharma recounted, “The other day, I got a call from Mr. Rajan Shahi and he called me for a meeting. I thought it would be regarding my character of Yuvraj in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. However, it turned out to be a brand new offer to play Toshu in Anupamaa. Within one minute of my meeting with the makers, I was sold and accepted the offer. The show is a massive hit among the fans and I am sure that I’ll get good exposure with the same.”
When asked if he had any reservations about joining the show, Sharma responded confidently, “Not at all. I had other things on my mind and my character in the show checked all the boxes that I was looking for. I like to take up characters that allow me time to balance my work in digital projects. This fits my prerequisites quite nicely and I didn’t have any apprehensions, not even for a moment.”
He added with a laugh, “Also, Toshu has this image of being a spoilt brat and a person who messes up everything. It goes quite well with my on-screen image so far. Thus, it wasn’t a problem catching the pulse of the character.”
Sharma revealed that he had to start shooting immediately after signing the contract, leaving little time to familiarize himself with the character. “When I reached the sets, my co-actors Rupali Ganguly Ma’am and Nidhi Shah were quite cooperative and gave me inputs about how Toshu is shown in the show. Those inputs were very helpful in getting the nerve and tone of the character. Even the directors and crew members were helpful. It is a wonderful team and I’m loving it here on the sets.”
Sharma, who has played numerous roles, mostly negative, in TV shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, discussed whether his bad boy image affects his real life. “Not at all! I’m not an actor who carries the baggage of the reel-life characters to my personal life. The moment the Director says ‘cut’, I am out of that zone. I am only the character between action and cut.”
He added humorously, “If at all, a very heavy scene affects me, I make efforts to unwind as soon as possible by meeting my friends or doing something fun. Baaki saari bhadhaas mey onscreen hi nikal deta hu (laughs). I do so much of drama onscreen, nothing is left for real life (laughs).”
After leaving Anupamaa, Ashish Mehrotra has moved on to new opportunities and is now signed up for Khatron ke Khiladi 14.