July 1, 2026

A Shocking Shakeup In The Mishra Household Meet The New Actor Stepping Into Gullak Season 5

Last Updated: 1 July 2026 | 05:30 PM Fact Checked By: SpotlightersPost Editorial Team Loving the Mishra family through four amazing seasons means they feel like real-life relatives to most of us. We have laughed with them, cried with them, and watched them bicker through it all. That is why the sudden news of a... Read More

Last Updated: 1 July 2026 | 05:30 PM Fact Checked By: SpotlightersPost Editorial Team

Loving the Mishra family through four amazing seasons means they feel like real-life relatives to most of us. We have laughed with them, cried with them, and watched them bicker through it all.

That is why the sudden news of a major casting swap bringing Anant Joshi in Gullak 5 caught fans totally off guard. Changing a favorite character in a series loved for its perfect family bond is a massive gamble. The team now faces the ultimate test: calming down nervous fans while protecting the magic that made us fall in love with the show in the first place.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer (Featured Snippet)

TL;DR:Vaibhav Raj Gupta left the hit show right before season five due to creative differences. Talented actor Anant Joshi has officially stepped into his shoes for Gullak Season 5, bringing a fresh energy to the beloved role. Despite some loud initial backlash online, the core cast has rallied behind him to keep the Mishra family’s signature warmth alive.

The Controversy: Why Was Vaibhav Raj Gupta replaced in the TVF web series?

Unpacking the Creative Differences and Exit Rumours

For four brilliant seasons, Vaibhav Raj Gupta perfectly captured the frustration and charm of the elder Mishra brother, Anand “Annu” Mishra. Viewers were completely stunned when news dropped in late 2025 confirming he would not return.

Official statements cited creative disagreements over the character’s future direction as the primary reason. According to the official Wikipedia database, the shift marks the first major departure of a primary cast member in the hit TVF web series.

However, the internet loves a good mystery. Fans on Reddit immediately began speculating about behind-the-scenes budget constraints and salary disputes. Others pointed out that he might simply be prioritizing bigger Bollywood projects, especially after signing a new film titled Jugaadu alongside Ishaan Khatter.

Harsh Mayar’s Direct Role in the Recasting Process

Replacing such an iconic character was an absolute nightmare for the production team. Surprisingly, Harsh Mayar, who plays the younger brother Aman, actually helped solve the problem. When the casting directors floated a few potential names, Mayar instantly backed his former co-star.

As reported by Hindustan Times, the two actors already shared a solid working relationship from their time together on the film One Two Cha Cha Chaa. Mayar confidently told the makers that if the Vaibhav Raj Gupta replaced decision was mandatory, Anant was the perfect fit. He later praised Anant’s courage, noting how brave it is for any actor to try and leave their own footprint on a massively established show.

Gullak Season 5 | Mishra Parivaar Is Back ❤️ | Sony LIV @SonyLIV @TheViralFever

Introducing the new Annu Bhaiya: How Anant Joshi Prepared

Refusing to Mimic the Original Character’s Mannerisms

Walking onto a set where the cast has spent years building effortless chemistry is incredibly intimidating. Fresh off his acclaimed roles in 12th Fail and Maamla Legal Hai, the new Annu Bhaiya knew exactly how high the stakes were. Instead of playing it safe, he made a bold creative choice to completely avoid doing an impression of his predecessor.

He made it clear that he never tried to copy the original body language. Instead, he relied on the script to guide the character through a new phase of life as he faces the harsh realities of the outside world.

The pressure behind the scenes was intense. When things got emotional on set, Anant even confessed to his on screen brother that he also missed Vaibhav and felt the heavy weight of the transition.

Gullak Season 5 | Mishra Parivaar Is Back ❤️ | Sony LIV @SonyLIV @TheViralFever

Breaking the Ice: The Special Nainital Connection with Jameel Khan

Becoming part of the tight knit Mishra family required some serious off-screen bonding. Anant described his first few days on set as a surreal, out-of-body experience, since he was already a massive fan of the series. To ease the awkwardness, the team held multiple script reading sessions to melt the ice before the cameras rolled.

A very special connection with veteran actor Jameel Khan, who plays the father Santosh Mishra, made everything much easier. Times Now reported that both men share a deep love for Nainital in Uttarakhand. Khan completed his schooling there, while Anant’s family actually hails from the region. Bonding over shared memories of the hill station quickly established a warm, collaborative environment that translated beautifully into their on-screen dynamic.

Audience Reception of Anant Joshi in Gullak 5

Harsh Mayar’s Instagram Plea and Emotional Fan Backlash

The moment the season five teaser dropped, the internet exploded with debate. Loyal viewers did not hold back their disappointment, claiming the series would lose its core identity without the original older brother. Fans flooded Reddit and social media, struggling to accept a new face wearing that familiar checked shirt.

Sensing the harsh backlash surrounding Anant Joshi in Gullak 5, Harsh Mayar stepped in with an emotional video plea on Instagram. He completely validated the fans’ attachment to the original cast but practically begged them to watch the new episodes with an open heart before rushing to judgment.

The streaming platform’s release strategy didn’t help matters. Dropping only two episodes upfront and saving the rest for weekly Friday releases seriously frustrated fans who just wanted to binge watch the season.

Jameel Khan on Screen Time and the Changing Dynamics of the SonyLIV family drama

As fans closely watched every second of the trailers, rumors started spreading that the new actor’s scenes were cut short on purpose to help viewers get used to the change.

Jameel Khan quickly shut down this speculation. He firmly clarified that actors simply perform the scenes written for them, leaving all editing and pacing decisions entirely to the creators of the SonyLIV family drama. Khan offered a beautiful perspective on the casting shift.

He compared the situation to a family welcoming a second child, explaining that loving the new addition does not mean you stop loving the one who left. This deeply supportive attitude from the veteran cast members has slowly helped fans warm up to the newest resident of their favorite television household.

Gullak Season 5 | Mishra Parivaar Is Back ❤️ | Sony LIV @SonyLIV @TheViralFever

most Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Vaibhav Raj Gupta leave Gullak Season 5?

He exited due to reported creative differences over his character’s storyline. Fans also heavily suspect that budget issues or a desire to focus on big Bollywood films played a major part in his decision.

2. Who is playing the new Annu Bhaiya in Gullak Season 5?

Talented actor Anant V Joshi has taken over the role. You might recognize him from his standout performances in the hit film 12th Fail and the legal comedy Maamla Legal Hai.

3. What did Harsh Mayar say about Anant Joshi replacing Vaibhav Raj Gupta?

He publicly backed his new co-star, praising his bravery for stepping into such a demanding role. He also posted a video asking angry fans to keep an open mind and watch the show before judging the recast.

4. Have Harsh Mayar and Anant Joshi worked together before Gullak?

Yes, they previously shared the screen in a film titled One Two Cha Cha Chaa. Because they already had a great working relationship, Harsh actually recommended Anant for the role.

5. Did Anant Joshi try to copy Vaibhav Raj Gupta’s acting as Annu Bhaiya?

Not at all. Anant made a very conscious choice to avoid mimicking the original actor’s mannerisms. He wanted to bring his own natural rhythm to the role while trusting the strong writing to maintain the character’s essence.

6. How did fans react to the new Annu Bhaiya in Gullak 5?

The initial online reaction was brutal, with many viewers feeling the show was ruined. However, as the season progressed, many admitted that the performance of Anant Joshi in Gullak 5 was strong and the writing remained excellent.

7. What is the real reason behind the Vaibhav Raj Gupta replacement controversy?

Officially, it was purely a creative disagreement regarding the character’s future. Behind the scenes, many online fans are convinced that the real reason he left was because they couldn’t agree on money.

8. How did Jameel Khan react to working with Anant Joshi in Gullak?

He was incredibly welcoming and supportive from day one. The two actually broke the ice by bonding over their shared love for Nainital, swapping nostalgic stories during their breaks on set.

9. When is the release date of Gullak Season 5 on SonyLIV?

The highly anticipated fifth season officially premiered on the streaming platform on 5 June 2026.

10. Has Anant Joshi reduced screen time in Gullak Season 5?

Following rumors of reduced screen time based on the teaser, Jameel Khan clarified that actors have zero control over the edit. He emphasized that the cast simply performs whatever scenes the writers provide.

Final Verdict: Will the Series Retain Its Soul?

Swapping out a main character in a favorite show is always a huge risk, especially when the series is all about the little details of family life. It makes total sense that longtime fans will really miss the original older brother. But if you refuse to watch the new season, you will miss out on the amazing stories the creators are still telling.

Thanks to Anant V Joshi’s respectful performance and the rock-solid chemistry of the surviving cast, the transition of Anant Joshi in Gullak 5 works surprisingly well. The Mishra family remains just as chaotic, relatable, and beautifully heartwarming as ever.

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Image Credits & Disclaimer: Image Credits: Promotional stills, social media posts, and series screenshots are the property of SonyLIV and TVF. Used under Fair Use for editorial review and informational purposes. Disclaimer: Behind-the-scenes details and official statements are based on verified news reports. SpotlightersPost is not affiliated with the individuals or organizations mentioned.

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