To many, Pavitra Rishta is almost inconceivable without the late Sushant Singh Rajput. The 2009 show had brought the actor out of oblivion and into our living rooms, thus sowing the seeds of what was to be a splendid career. So, it is understandable when his former partner-actor Ankita Lokhande — who reprises the role of Archana in the upcoming Pavitra Rishta: It’s Never Too Late — says that returning to the set was an emotional affair. “When I listened to the title song, Aasman mein jab tak sitare rahenge, it pinched me hard. There are a lot of memories [attached to] the song. I got goosebumps and started crying because I have lived the character of Archana for 12 years,” begins Lokhande.

In the ZEE5 offering, Shaheer Sheikh has the tall order of playing Manav, a role immortalised by Rajput. Lokhande has faith in her co-star’s abilities as she states that he was her first choice for the leading man. “I wanted Shaheer to play the role. I have seen his work; he has the [required] innocence in his eyes. He can convey a lot without uttering a word.”

It goes without saying that reliving Archana and Manav’s journey is not the same without Rajput by her side. “For me, nobody can replace Sushant on the show because he created Manav. Hiten [Tejwani] stepped in later and gave his [own interpretation] to the role. Similarly, Shaheer has created his own [rendition]. People have seen Sushant and me [as the original pair], but we are actors who create chemistry with our co-stars.”

The news of Pavitra Rishta’s revival drew polarising responses. Where some fans cheered it on, many were angry that Rajput’s iconic role would be essayed by someone else. Soon, #BoycottPavitraRishta2 started trending on social media.

Lokhande tries to understand their intent behind the action as she says, “Everyone has [strong] emotions attached to Sushant, and is a true fan. It’s their thought process, and I am no one to comment on it. They are in so much pain. But they have to understand that the show is also my baby, and I am not taking advantage of anybody. I am recreating something that was beautiful. The show’s legacy should go on.”