Gaurav Khanna, aka Anuj of Anupamaa, responds to 'It's a comma, not a full stop' comment on his exit

Gaurav Khanna, who captured the hearts of audiences with his portrayal of Anuj Kapadia on the hit TV show Anupamaa, recently opened up about the rumours surrounding his brief departure from the show.

In an exclusive chat with India Forums, Gaurav shed light on the emotional and professional challenges behind his decision to take a break, while also reassuring fans that this isn't the end of Anuj's journey. Following the 15-year time leap in Anupamaa last October, several key characters exited, leaving Anuj's future uncertain. After a two-month hiatus from filming, Gaurav has now shared his perspective on what lies ahead for his character.

So initially, sir and I decided that a month should be good. But then that month got dragged into another month. Later, sir told me that the story is now moving in some other direction

- Gaurav Khanna

Anuj has become a beloved character, with fans across the country. How challenging was it for you to make the decision to step away from the show?

Actually, I think it's a comma, not a full stop. Because when this leap happened, sir told me that he had some story in mind, and he wanted Anuj to be away from the story for some time. So initially, sir and I decided that a month should be good. But then that month got dragged into another month. Later, sir told me that the story is now moving in some other direction. In television, everything changes every week, and with today's television scenario, things are changing behind the camera as well.

So Rajan sir told me that Gaurav, there's no point in waiting now. He acknowledged that he had previously asked me to wait, but now he suggested that I should not let go of the potential and the immense love people have for both Anuj and me as an actor.

Like, when I joined the show, I was told it was a three-month cameo. The first call I got from the then creative team mentioned it would last three months

- Gaurav Khanna

Yes, I agreed to stay, but because my loyalties were with the show, DKP, and Rajan sir because he's the one who got me on board initially. Like, when I joined the show, I was told it was a three-month cameo. The first call I got from the then creative team mentioned it would last three months. Then, there were a lot of apprehensions behind the camera, at the channel, and among decision-makers. Many people were not sure about me for the role.

But it was Rajan sir's conviction that kept me going. He has mentioned in many interviews that he wanted Gaurav for the role of Anuj Kapadia, and for that, I am extremely thankful to him. He believed in me when others had doubts, and for that, my gratitude towards him is immense. Many people who initially doubted my casting are now praising the performance, and I know these are the same individuals who had rejected me back then.

I will not jump onto anything that comes my way because I know that, right now, I can at least decide which direction I want to work in

- Gaurav Khanna

You mentioned it's a "comma, not a full stop." If you get other commitments and Anuj's return is demanded, how will you manage it?

The thing is, I also have to, you know, go back to work. I'm a workaholic, and it's like I'm addicted to work, and you have kept me away from it for two months. As an actor, I also feel. I know that anything good takes time. I will not jump onto anything that comes my way because I know that, right now, I can at least decide which direction I want to work in.

Rajan sir was very sweet and kind to tell me that I have broken the box. He said that all the characters in TV in the last 20-25 years who have become famous are either female characters, characters who are on posters, or those who are the titular characters. Very few male characters have received this kind of acclaim and love from their viewers.

But he only told me, Gaurav, that the best part is that those characters were there in the show from day one. They were on the poster, like if not on the poster, they were in every episode.

On the other hand, Anuj came into Anupamaa in the 357th episode. Now, 90% of shows don't last that long. In today's television, it's rare for a show to last 357 episodes. So here, a character enters a woman-driven show with a woman-centric story. A guy enters the 357th episode and becomes what he becomes. With all due credit to my fans, the God, and Rajan sir for giving me this chance— I'm very thankful.

Rajan sir was very sweet and kind to tell me that I have broken the box

- Gaurav Khanna

How has the fan reaction been to the news of your exit?

I believe Anuj has fans all around the globe. It's not just in India. This is something I've come to understand in the past three years. While the news may not have reached many places yet, perhaps people are just waking up to it now. But for all those who have heard about it, of course, they feel bad because Anuj is one of the most cherished characters. They love this character with all their heart.

I get fan mail and video calls from people ranging from 4-year-olds to 90-year-olds. This is something unheard. I can only feel grateful, and I'm happy that I've been able to be part of this journey. My upbringing and education have been such that these things don't get to my head. If someone else had been in my place, I can only understand and wish them well. We've seen such cases in the past, both within our own show and in others. We've witnessed these situations before, and we know how fame can be fleeting. I always believe that your craft and honesty last longer than fame.

And to be honest, what am I doing? I'm the last person to do PR. I'm the last person who spends time in the media. If I work, I surface; if I don't, people might think I've disappeared.

I'm the last person to do PR. I'm the last person who spends time in the media

- Gaurav Khanna

For those unaware, before the leap, Anuj's fate was left hanging in suspense, leaving viewers questioning whether he survived or succumbed to his injuries. Prior to the leap, Anuj had left to attend to some work amidst his wedding preparations. However, he fell victim to a plot by his brother Ankush, who spiked his drink and pushed him off a cliff. In a surprising twist, a mysterious figure was shown saving Anuj's life, mirroring a similar scenario where an unknown person rescued Adhya in another scene.