Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi’s popular daily soap Anupamaa, gears up for a 15-year time leap. Actor Manish Naggdev, last seen in Udann, has been confirmed to step into the role of Paritosh Shah (Toshu), replacing Gaurav Sharma after the leap. Manish has started shooting for the show and shares some great anecdotes with us.
Talking about his decision on joining the popular show Manish says, “This was the perfect time to join ‘Anupamaa,’ especially since it’s the No. 1 show in India. My character Toshu is a very famous and important member of the family, and stepping into such a well-loved role is both challenging and exciting. I’m aware this is the third time Toshu is being replaced, so I need to position myself thoughtfully to do justice to the character.” Speaking about the legendary producer Rajan Shahi, Manish says,”I absolutely admire Rajan sir. You could say I’m a fan of his work and vision. He is not only an incredible producer but also a deeply spiritual and hardworking person. What I love most about him is that he’s involved in every aspect of ‘Anupamaa,’ from the smallest details to the biggest creative decisions. This is my second time working with him after ‘Bidaai,’ and I couldn’t be happier. The environment he’s created on set is so positive that I don’t feel like going home after pack-up.”
Manish shares that he is just loving the sets of Anupamaa. He adds, “The vibe on set is fantastic. From the second day, we all started having lunch together, which helped me settle in quickly. Everyone welcomed me with open arms. It’s like a family here. I’m learning so much from my co-stars, especially about work ethics and professionalism. They inspire me every day, after working here for so many years I still have the flair for learning new things.”
Rupali Ganguly has become a huge icon after Anupamaa came on air, no doubt her popularity and fame has increased and it’s only growing. Manish who is playing Anupamaa’s favourite Toshu on screen says, “Rupali ji truly deserves every bit of the success she’s achieved. She is incredibly hardworking and inspiring, and I admire her work ethics. She’s been very supportive, often helping me find the right tone for my dialogues, which I really appreciate.”
Manish also shares his thoughts on the latest leap. He adds, “I think the leap is a brilliant move. The audience is definitely going to love the new cast and the fresh content. Rajan sir and the creative team have crafted something really relatable and engaging, and I’m excited to see how the audience responds. I spend a lot of time understanding Toshu’s arc before making it feel natural and effortless on screen. Once I have a strong grasp of his journey, I just go with the flow and immerse myself in the role.”
Manish has been getting some great positive feedback since the time the news has been out of his casting. He says,”It’s been amazing! Ever since the news broke, people around me have been going crazy knowing that I’m playing Toshu in ‘Anupamaa.’ It’s definitely brought a lot of excitement and attention into my life. And I really hope this character makes a great positive impact in my career. I am here to give my full potential and power to make this work for the show.”
