Shaheer Sheikh says he was reluctant to replace Sushant Singh Rajput in Pavitra Rishta 2 in a tribute: "I promise to give it my all"

Shaheer Sheikh is replacing late actor Sushant Singh Rajput in the new season of his popular show Pavitra Rishta. Bringing back the Manav and Archana story, Pavitra Rishta 2 recently kicked off shoot in Mumbai with Ankita Lokhande reprising her role and Shaheer playing Manav, a role that made Sushant a household name.

The actor shared a few pictures from the sets dressed in character and penned a touching tribute to the late Sushant Singh Rajput and said that he will always Manav. Shaheer who is incredibly popular with the audience himself said that when he was offered Pavitra Rishta 2 he was both taken aback and reluctant to be stepping into Suhsant’s shoes.

He says living up to expectations set but the deceased actor was scary to even try, but he decided to take it up later as a challenge like something Sushant would have done.

“When I was first approached for PR2, 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,” Shaheer began his note.

Talking about signing Pavitra Rishta 2, he continued, “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 & live upto 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.”

“Working with a team that loved & respected him immensely only adds to the genuine intent in all our hearts.
Sushant, you will always be Manav. Nothing can change that & 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,” Shaheer further added.

Sushant forayed into Bollywood after the original Pavitra Rishta season was a huge hit. It was the show where he also began dating Ankita Lokhande. Recently, fans heavily criticized the makers of the show for replacing Sushant with Shaheer and even trended on Twitter for it.