Last Updated:
The actor shared how the intense fan reaction to his exit left him stunned, with not just viewers, but even celebrities calling up the office of Balaji Telefilms in disbelief.
Amar Upadhyay, who became a household name for his portrayal of Mihir Virani in the iconic soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, recently opened up about a surreal and somewhat eerie experience after his character’s death on the show. The actor shared how the intense fan reaction to his exit left him stunned, with not just viewers, but even celebrities calling up the office of Balaji Telefilms in disbelief. However, one particular incident stood out, leaving him with a lasting memory of the show’s impact on its fans.
Amar recalled the strange moment during an interview with Entertainment Live. He said, “In the morning, the doorbell rang, and when I opened it, there were 15-20 women standing at the gate dressed in white sarees. They looked at me in disbelief. When I asked them why they were dressed like that, they simply replied, ‘Kuch nahi (nothing).’ Then my mother, who had overheard, prodded them further, and they finally said, ‘Since Mihir died, we thought…’”
Amar’s mother, who had been equally perplexed by the scene, wasn’t amused. She quickly scolded the women, visibly upset, saying, “Are you mad? He has died in the show! What are you doing? Run away now. He is my son!”
The character’s death marked a turning point for both the show and Amar’s career. After his exit in 2001, Amar found it difficult to handle the backlash from fans. The intensity of their reactions convinced him to make a return, though his time back was brief. In 2002, following a generational leap in the storyline, he left again to try his luck in Bollywood, making way for Inder Kumar to step into the role of Mihir. Later, Ronit Roy took over the role, continuing until the series’ conclusion.
Post his television career, Amar ventured into Bollywood with a few films such as LOC Kargil, It’s My Life and Kaagaz. While he couldn’t quite replicate the fame he had found on television, Amar made several appearances in other TV shows over the years, including Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand, Saathiya – Pyar Ka Naya Ehsaas and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, among others.
More recently, Amar appeared in a small role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which starred Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu.