Exclusive - Anupamaa's Aashish Mehrotra aka Toshu on his bond with Rupali Ganguly: I see her as one beautiful Arian partner I have in my life, we used to do full on fun and gossip

Aashish Mehrotra, known for his role as Toshu in "Anupamaa," recently announced his departure from the show on May 9 through a heartfelt message on social media. In his lengthy note, he reflected on his four-year journey with the series. Following this announcement, ETimes TV got in touch with Aashish, where he discussed the close bond he developed with his co-stars on the show. He also talked about the emotional experience of parting ways with his character Toshu and addressed speculations surrounding his involvement in "Khatron Ke Khiladi 14." He also spoke about his bond with on-screen mom Rupali with whom he shared a love-hate relationship in the show. (Photo: Instagram)

Overall I had so much to do in the show. I never had to follow a straight line. It was always a zig zag line which I had to follow. So that was really very challenging and at the same time it was fun, exciting to do. It was thrilling to be Toshu. I’m glad that people have loved whatever I’ve delivered and I will be delivering the same in future in something else maybe. (Photo: Instagram)

Yes, I’ve made family for life. I’ve always first connected with Sudhanshu sir because he was playing my father in the show. He has been very very close to me. Then it came to Rupali ma’am. Rupali ma’am and me I still call her ma’am but I don’t share any emotion of ma’am with her. I call her ma’am out of love and respect. I see her as one beautiful Arian partner I have in my life. We used to do full on masti, fun, gossip. I listen to whatever she has to say to me and then I give her my suggestions, thankfully she also listens to me. So I enjoy the bond with her. (Photo: Instagram)

Baa on the other hand is very special to me. I’ve explored a new horizon in my life ke Ek old lady se Mujhe itna pyaar hogaya hai… Meri life mein. She has actually become my family. She knows my mother and my family. With Gaurav bhai we have discussed so much about career and life. I messaged him today saying we have discussed so much actors ke beech ke insecurities joh hoti hai Na Usko hatakar we have had so much of fun banters. We have had beautiful scenes to talk about, some great scenes of great actors and then contemplating it. Last but not the least my co-actress Nidhi. She is a beautiful costar and I have enjoyed my four years with her. (Photo: Instagram)

Toshu will always stay with me. If I honestly share it with you yesterday it was all fun on the sets and it didn’t really struck me at that very moment because I was like whatever is there is there and I’ve decided. The makers are thankfully blessing me to move ahead in my life and they are in a good note with me. In the morning, I woke up and I was in tears suddenly. I was like what is happening why am I crying? Then I actually asked myself. Thodi der lagta hai na samajhne mein kya horaha hai? then I just started writing a journal. I wrote something about my character, Rajan sir, then I messaged Baa, Rupali ma’am, Gaurav, Nidhi, whoever is close to me, Ketki (the creative of the show), she actually got me to the show. This happened in the morning. I took the whole day to myself. (Photo: Instagram)

I have nothing to say, ye toh pure gossip hai. I don’t have any idea about it. Maine kuch sign nahi kiya hai Abhi tak. Even I was reading it and thinking when did this happen? Why I don’t know about this? (Laughs). Maine kuch bhi sign nahi kiya. (Photo: Instagram)

I am just planning to do good work and for me the medium doesn’t matter. I want to just deliver the best that I’ve in me and I think television, OTT, films ye sab bahane hain. Isko usse alag karo, usse alag karo. I just feel if you know to deliver good work then the platform doesn’t matter and wherever you do it, you will get praised. (Photo: Instagram)