After Vaibhav Raj Gupta’s exit, the show’s loyal base sat on the edge of their seats, wondering who could fill the void. Joshi admitted the pressure was less about mastering the role and more about meeting a fan‑built myth.
When the teaser dropped, the comments swirled into a storm of criticism. “I felt the backlash hit hard, like a cold wind on a summer day,” Joshi told NDTV, revealing the nerves that crept in just watching the first reactions.
But once the season aired, the tide flipped. Messages flooded his Instagram—"I want to apologise to you first"—and the affectionate tone of the comments made the earlier doubts feel like a distant echo.
Joshi’s bond with Helly Shah, his co‑star in both Gullak and Chumbak, added another layer to the story. He says their on‑screen chemistry turned into a real friendship, saying they “just get each other without words.”
In a side note, Joshi reflects on how OTT titles like Paatal Lok and Mirzapur have altered the landscape for character actors. “The audience now sees us as more than a sidekick; we’re integral to the narrative,” he points out.
Now that the love has settled, Joshi is ready to ride the wave. “No more doubts—just the joy of carrying Anu Bhaiya’s legacy forward,” he smiles, hinting at more seasons to come.