See I think many did not want to see him opposite SJ because of his role in Saubhagyavati. People could not get that image of him out of their heads and that happens a lot to actors in TV. People have this set image of them in their heads based on the role they play or the character they portray. To me that just says how awesome an actor he is. If he was able to convince people to hate him because of that nasty little character!
Personally, I always had immense faith in Gul's casting talent + I've seen this guy's talent in Kasauti so I had no issues. I am just glad how he is proving everyone wrong and making people fall in love with Aahil! SO proud.