Manish and Anuj in yet another imbroglio

Anuj Saxena

Manish and Anuj in yet another imbroglio

The cold war between the two actors heats up as Anuj bags a role that was originally offered to Manish

Reena Thapar Kapoor

Actors Manish Goel and Anuj Saxena, who became friends during Saara Aakash, later fell out due to professional differences. Their animosity reached such a level that even Manish's wife Poonam Narula who was working with Anuj in Kkusum became part of their cold war.

The fact that the Goels and Saxena can't get along is old news. However, later both men decided to just keep away from each other. But now it looks like the duo has clashed again.

Manish Goel (of Bhabhi fame) says that Sony Sab's new show Rishton Ki Dor was originally offered to him. Manish says, "I had stopped shooting for Bhabhi, an afternoon show on Star Plus. So Sony Sab offered me another afternoon show. But I thought it would be unethical to put one show in the lurch in order to do another. So I asked for some time to think… and the next thing I read is that Anuj had stepped in and taken over the show."

But Manish has no regrets. He says, "I don't blame anyone for the loss. It was my own decision. As a matter of fact, after Nach Baliye, I'm being selective about my work. I wish I could have done Rishton Ki Dor but unfortunately things did not work out. It's okay. My loss is someone else's gain."

Incidentally, Rishton Ki Dor isn't the only show Manish has turned down. He also declined Rajshri's Pyar Ke Do Naam Ek Radha Ek Shyaam and Ravi Chopra's Virasat. He explains, "I don't fret over my no-work scenario. I'm getting loads of offers, but I'm weighing all the pros and cons before committing myself to any. I turned down some shows either due to the money factor or the footage."

When asked if he feels bitter about losing a big role to his adversary Anuj, Manish replies, "Losing or bagging a show is all about destiny. I've nothing against Anuj. I don't know why, but we keep crossing each others' paths all the time," he smiles