Sudhanshu Pandey shuts down rumours with Anupamaa co-star Rupali Ganguly: 'We were bickering'

Sudhanshu Pandey startled viewers in 2024 when he revealed he would be leaving Anupamaa, where he played Vanraj Shah. The fact that the actor left the series also led to rumours that Rupali Ganguly and he were falling out. Pandey clarified his situation in an interview with the Indian Express, discussing his time with Anupamaa, the hype about Vanraj Shah, and his bond with Ganguly.

Sudhanshu Pandey's journey spanning over two decades

The actor began his adventure more than 20 years ago, but his first daily show was Anupamaa. He spoke about his long history of appearing on television, calling it the golden age. Mahesh Bhatt, Anubhav Sinha, and Imtiaz Ali were all on television, and Pandey worked with them. Back then, they would film shows in the same way that they made films. The period was characterised by such opulence. Even though they are filming tonight, there is no pressing deadline for the episode's release the next day. Up until Anupamaa came along, Pandey didn't consider television to be his home.

ALSO READ: Anupamaa: Gaurav Khanna exits the show, opens up about the fallout with Rupali Ganguly 

When asked about his casting in Anupamaa, Pandey revealed that the show just went on to become a cult of a different kind. In his opinion, it was a boon. He said that one needs supernatural intervention to become what Anupamaa became. When filming began for the show four years ago, he had just wrapped up three OTT series. In Kathmandu, he was filming a web series when Rajan Shahi gave him a call. The producer informed him that he would proceed with a pitch if the channel gave him the go-ahead. Shahi can only imagine Pandey as his hero now that he's grey.

Seeking guidance before accepting the role in Anupamaa

The producer also offered the actor a one-liner, which the actor found endearing. They started filming Anupamaa after he offered him a narration upon his return. Because it was a daily program and a big commitment, Pandey thought it over and asked his astrologer maybe four or five times. Everything that followed was an epiphany, even if he had some anxiety beforehand.

Also discussed by Pandey were his feelings about Anupamaa and the process by which he elevated Vanraj to iconic status and he got his chance on the show. Being in that setting and with those folks was fun for him and the show taught him a lot. Moving on, though, means missing everything. This must be done in your mind as well, because looking back is not an option when one is moving forward and it could cause mental anguish. The time spent filming the performance was fantastic and he fell head over heels for the protagonist. Pandey used to worry that he turned the character into someone so terrifying that everyone despised him. Here is where Pandey as an actor really shone: channelling their pent-up wrath onto Vanraj. That his departure from the program caused such emotional distress is a testament to how legendary a character he was able to create in Vanraj.

Announcing his departure to fans

The reason he announced his exit on social media was because he felt responsible towards his audience. Pandey had to break the news to those who were curious about Vanraj's whereabouts that he would not be appearing on the show. The actor wished it wouldn't be shocking or sad for them when it happened. He made sure to inform them face-to-face so they wouldn't find out about it through any other means.

Despite the abundance of stories circulating, Pandey asserted that his perspective, which addressed rumours about his relationship with Ganguly, was entirely accurate. Never put your faith in a story because it has nothing to do with reality. These whole four years have been absolutely amazing. Starring in Anupamaa is something he will treasure forever. Everything with the Ganguly equation is fine and not long ago, they were having a conversation. They were arguing about something when she messaged him on Instagram. Everything is alright, then.

In other news, Pandey supposedly appears in The Traitors, Karan Johar's show based on the same name from the US.

ALSO READ: Anupamaa: Sudhanshu Pandey reveals if Rupali Ganguly has any role in his exit from the show