News of Shaheer Sheikh stepping into the shoes of late Sushant Singh Rajput to play the role of Manav has finally been confirmed. Role of Manav Deshmukh, which was “immortalised” by Rajput in TV show Pavitra Rishta will be taken over by Sheikh in Pavitra Rishta 2. The actor recently took to his social media account and shared his feelings on taking over the role.
“When I was first approached for Pavitra Rishta 2, I was taken aback. Who in their right frame of mind, would dare to play a character immortalised by Sushant Singh Rajput. I too was reluctant,” read Shaheer’s caption as a tribute to actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who died in June last year.
“Then I thought, knowing Sushant he was one to take every challenge head on. And so I decided that while it is scary to step into his shoes and live up to audience expectations… it is scarier to not even try. And so I did what I felt he would do, if he was in my position. I took the challenge. When the team told me they wanted someone who was earnest so that we could all tell a story that was a fitting homage to Sushant’s legacy… I decided to give it my all and leave the rest to the audiences and to The All Mighty,” he added.
Shaheer also dedicated a message to late actor Sushant Singh Rajput he wrote “Working with a team that loved and respected him immensely only adds to the genuine intent in all our hearts. Sushant, you will always be Manav. Nothing can change that and no one can replace that. I may not be as good, and I may not do justice to it like you did, but I promise to give it my all.”
In Pavitra Rishta 2, Shaheer Sheikh will be seen alongside actress Ankita Lokhande, who was also Sushant’s co-star in Pavitra Rishta.