When Shaheer Sheikh walked inside Pavitra Rishta: It’s Never Too Late, he anticipated the comparisons that would ensue. The late Sushant Singh Rajput was launched on the Ekta Kapoor programme in 2009, with the love tale of Manav and Archana instantly endearing him to the audience. This, along with the first season’s resounding success, meant that Sheikh was carrying a great deal of weight.
He confesses that the show’s legacy made him apprehensive about directing the sequel. “At first, I was a little scared since it’s such a large job. All of the characters on the programme have been well-received, and I am the only newcomer. So, at first, I was unsure about [joining the project]. But then I decided to at least try it out and see how the audience reacts.”
The creators of the ZEE5 offering, which sees Ankita Lokhande reprise her famous role of Archana, aim to give it a new spin while keeping the tale situated in the same world. “The character [of Manav] is the same, as is the way he dresses. The producers thought I possessed the sincerity and purity that Manav requires. Mentally and emotionally, I had to [be loyal to the role]. I tried to keep it as authentic as possible by not hamming it up or imitating anyone.”
When asked if he was one of the millions who watched Pavitra Rishta religiously when it first aired, the actor claims that his hectic schedule prevented him from doing so. “At the time, I was working on a daily soap. Pavitra Rishta aired for almost five years, and I had seen a few episodes. I recall the show well, particularly the love tale between Manav and Archana.”
