Shaheer Sheikh had turned down Pavitra Rishta 2 initially says his first thought was 'Mujhe accept hi nahi karenge log'

Shaheer Sheikh’s decision to fill the shoes of Sushant Singh Rajput in the upcoming sequel of his hit show Pavitra Rishta has met with a lot of raised eyebrows. The actor’s first look as Manav, the character that made Sushant a household name, was recently released and fans had a lot of mixed feelings. The actor who recently penned a heartfelt tribute to Sushant while sharing his look from Pavitra Rishta 2 has now revealed that he had initially refused the offer to be a part of the show.

The Pavitra Rishta 2 actor as we know ultimately took up the show, but says that the offer was a big dilemma which he sat with a fortnight before he could give the makers his answer. Shaheer says he has previously faced such a situation when he was offered Arjun’s role in the new Mahabharat where he feel the burden of expectation that came with the role.

Talking to Spotboye, Shaheer spoke about Pavitra Rishta 2 and said, “A lot of people told me that are you sure you want to do this character? Because it was a legendary character of such a hit show played by Sushant Singh Rajput. People will have very high expectations from you. I was anyway not very sure if I should take up the show and after hearing all such things, I started feeling even more nervous. In fact, the first thought I had was, 'Mujhe accept hi nahi karenge log'.”

Approached with the show by his casting director from Daastan-E-Mohabbat Salim Anarkali, Shaheer recalls his first answer to his was a clear no. “I know that person for a very long time and I clearly told him no for Pavitra Rishta 2. The first reason was my show Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi 3 had been delayed due to the pandemic and it was about to start around the same time and second reason as I already told you that I was not sure if I would be able to do it. But after a few weeks, he again called me and said that makers are insisting on your name as they feel you will be fit for it. So why don't you at least try? He was consistent that I should do it.”

Shaheer ultimately took up the role as a challenge something he thought Sushant Singh Rajput would have done. The actor in his note on social media wrote how the late actor will always be Manav but said that he would give his all to the character.