Anupamaa continues to hold its place as one of the most-watched shows on Indian television. Starring Rupali Ganguly, Adrija Roy, and Shivam Khajuria in lead roles, the show recently welcomed actor Manish Goel to the cast. His entry has introduced a fresh twist to the ongoing storyline.
Manish Goel, who plays the character Raghav, has quickly become an integral part of the show’s current track. In a candid conversation with Siddharth Kannan, the actor opened up about his journey back to television after three years. Interestingly, this isn’t his first time sharing screen space with Rupali Ganguly. The two have a long history, dating back to the late ’90s.
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Manish recalled that his first meeting with Rupali happened in 1997-98. They were both part of a project directed by Rupali’s father, the late Anil Ganguly. It was during this time that Manish faced a moment he never forgot. He fumbled a dialogue on set and felt disheartened. Rupali, however, comforted him, and her kind gesture stayed with him over the years.
The actor also reminisced about working with Rupali in earlier shows like Bhabhi and Zara Nachke Dikha. When asked about his recent experience reuniting with her on Anupamaa, Manish shared an amusing incident from the mock shoot. He was in character as Raghav, covered in fake blood, when the show’s producer Rajan Shahi introduced him to Rupali. She immediately recognized him. Manish laughed as he recalled telling her not to hug him because of his rugged appearance and the fake blood.
Speaking about the on-set environment, Manish addressed the long-standing rumors surrounding the show. There have been whispers about negative energy on the sets and claims of Rupali or Rajan Shahi being difficult to work with. Manish, however, made it clear that he prefers to trust his personal experiences over gossip. He revealed that he has known Rajan Shahi since his directing days and has worked with him before.
Manish said he met Rupali on his first day of shooting for Anupamaa and felt that she hadn’t changed a bit since their first interaction. He spoke fondly of how warm and friendly the set atmosphere was. According to him, everyone enjoys working together and shares good conversations. Since both he and Rupali are parents, their chats often revolve around their children and family life.
He added that they also bond over food. Manish shared that Rupali often encourages him to gain weight, while he jokingly tells her she should shed a little. It’s this kind of lighthearted banter, he explained, that keeps the mood pleasant on set.
The actor further expressed that filming with Rupali for over 25 days had been nothing short of delightful. Manish seemed genuinely grateful for the opportunity to work on Anupamaa, a show that continues to capture hearts with its relatable storytelling and strong performances.
As for his character, Raghav has already added a new dynamic to the plot, and viewers seem eager to see where his story will lead.
