Overview

• In a Sept. 9 interview, Shahi said several industry figures told him Khanna’s past shows “didn’t work” and labeled the actor “jinxed.”
• Shahi rejected the label as unfair, saying success depends on timing and synergy rather than a single person’s track record.
• He described an informal casting: script narration at the Serbia airport, a look test before shooting, and discussions for a three-year contract.
• Shahi praised Khanna’s hunger after a 6–7 year gap from serials and credited him with helping make Anuj Kapadia a fan favorite alongside Rupali Ganguly’s established lead.
• Khanna played Anuj from September 2021 to December 2024, later won Celebrity MasterChef, and is currently on Bigg Boss 19, reported as one of the top‑paid contestants.