Gaurav Khanna Admits To Disagreements With Rupali Ganguly On Anupamaa's Set: ‘I Wouldn’t Call Her Friend’
Actor Gaurav Khanna, best known for his portrayal of Anuj Kapadia in the popular TV drama 'Anupamaa', recently addressed long-standing rumours about tensions with his co-star Rupali Ganguly. In a candid conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Gaurav set the record straight about his off-screen relationship with Rupali, admitting they’ve had creative disagreements on set — but nothing beyond professional exchanges.
Gaurav Khanna says Rupali Ganguly is not a friend
For months, fans speculated that Gaurav’s exit from 'Anupamaa' was due to personal issues with Rupali, who plays the titular role. But the actor dismissed the notion that any one person could prompt someone to quit a successful show.
"A person who’s achieved so much popularity and love from a show wouldn’t walk away just because of someone else," he said. Gaurav went on to praise Rupali as a co-actor, calling her “a wonderful human being” and “one of his favourites” to work with.
That said, he clarified that they aren’t close off-screen. “Main Rupali ko friend nahi bolunga. Rupali is a wonderful human being from whom I've learnt a lot,” Gaurav admitted. “Friend kya hota hai ki main kabhi bhi phone kardu… I’m not on those terms with anyone, be it Rupali or even Sudhanshu.”
He even spoke warmly about co-star Sudhanshu Pandey, calling him “very spiritual” and praising his singing talent.
Gaurav Khanna on disagreements with Rupali
Touching on reports of on-set friction, Gaurav acknowledged that there were disagreements, particularly about how certain scenes should be enacted — but said they were always rooted in creative passion.
"Altercations hote the scenes ko leke because everyone comes with their own idea,” he explained. “I respect that — because she, being a senior actor, carries the show on her shoulders. She's the face on the poster; she is Anupamaa.”
He further added, “If I insist that scenes be done according to me, that would be wrong — and I’ve never done that.”
About Anupamaa and Gaurav Khanna
Produced by Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi, 'Anupamaa' has continued to dominate TRP charts and viewer attention. Led by Rupali Ganguly, the show has also seen the introduction of second-generation leads played by Adrija Roy and Shivam Khajuria.
Meanwhile, Gaurav Khanna has been keeping busy with other projects. He recently appeared on 'Celebrity MasterChef', competing against Tejasswi Prakash, Nikki Tamboli, Faisal Shaikh, and Rajiv Adatia.
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