When Gram Chikitsalay premiered on an OTT, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor knew the feedback would come pouring in—but she wasn’t quite prepared for what followed. The rural comedy marked a new chapter in her career, with audiences warming quickly to her portrayal of the earnest and endearing Dr. Gargi. What began as anticipation soon transformed into an outpouring of love, social media buzz, and an eyebrow-raising comment from an unexpected quarter.
While speaking in an interview, the Guilty actress shared how viewers have embraced her in a role few could have predicted. “People are being able to [picture] me in this role,” she said, still surprised at the shift in perception. The biggest shock, however, came from a casting director who admitted they wouldn’t have even considered her for such a part. “I bumped into a casting director who said, ‘Who cast you for this? I wouldn’t have even thought of you for such a role.’ So, I hope people can see me [in a new light].”
The remark, although unfiltered, underscored the exact transformation Kapoor had hoped for—challenging preconceived notions and carving out space in unexpected genres. What might have been seen as an odd casting choice has proven to be a turning point in how audiences—and the industry—see her.
“The reaction has been good and is getting better every day,” she reflected, grateful for the resonance her performance has sparked. She’s even found herself featured in memes, a modern-day testament to cultural connection. “It’s stayed with me,” she laughed, acknowledging just how far-reaching the response has been.
In stepping into Dr. Gargi’s shoes, Akansha hasn’t just played a new role—she’s expanded her artistic identity, and perhaps, rewritten her casting future.
