Rahil Azim on Anupamaa: "Rajan Shahi Truly Valued My Craft"

Mumbai: In a career spanning over 25 years, actor Rahil Azim has portrayed numerous characters, but his latest role as Parag Kothari in the hit show Anupamaa has earned him widespread acclaim. The character, a caring yet firm father, has resonated deeply with the audience, and Rahil credits show producer Rajan Shahi for recognizing his talent and entrusting him with the part.

"Having talent is a wonderful thing, but it’s even more crucial to have someone who can truly recognize and understand its worth," Rahil shared. "In my 25 years in this industry, I've played a wide range of characters, but only a handful of people have genuinely respected my craft. Rajan ji is one of them."

When he first received the call for Anupamaa, Rahil was unsure, as he had never worked with Rajan Shahi before. However, he knew of Shahi's reputation as an exceptional producer and director and had always wanted to collaborate with him. A few months into the shoot, Rajan told him, "I always wanted Rahil Azim to play Parag Kothari." At the time, Rahil didn't fully grasp the significance of the comment, but he now understands that Shahi had a unique vision for the character that only he could fulfill.

Rahil singled out one specific scene that left an indelible mark on him: the farewell between his character, Parag Kothari, and his daughter, Prarthana. He explained that while a father-daughter bond can be portrayed in many ways, the emotional depth of this particular scene, as conceived by Rajan Shahi, was extraordinary. "It instantly increased my responsibility as an actor," Rahil said. He admitted to feeling nervous, even after decades in the industry, knowing he had to live up to Shahi's vision.

After the scene was filmed, Rahil received a personal voice note from Rajan, a rare and touching gesture of appreciation. Rajan's message praised his performance, calling it "one of the best" and highlighting the "depth and vulnerability he brought to portray a father’s pain." He added that it's "rare and beautiful to see emotions expressed so powerfully from a male perspective" on television.

This heartfelt praise humbled Rahil and gave him a fresh surge of energy. "When someone as experienced and respected as Rajan ji takes notice of your talent, it's a huge thing," he said. He believes this level of genuine appreciation is uncommon in the television industry, which is a major reason why Anupamaa has remained a top-rated show for five years.

Rahil also praised the seamless collaboration of the show's three directors, noting that it made the actors' jobs much easier. The entire team works in perfect harmony, ensuring a consistent and clear vision.

"I can challenge anyone—whoever watches [the farewell scene] will surely have tears in their eyes," Rahil said. He attributes this not to his individual performance but to the collective effort of the entire team. He expressed deep gratitude to Rajan Shahi and Star Plus for the opportunity and support, emphasizing how fortunate he feels to be a part of such a well-made and respected show.