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Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak's ‘Annu' steps into darker territory in Mandala Murders

Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak's ‘Annu' steps into darker territory in Mandala Murders

Time of India2 days ago
Vaibhav Raj Gupta is showing audiences that he's far more than Gullak's affable Annu. In Netflix's gripping crime thriller Mandala Murders, he takes on a starkly contrasting role as a suspended cop caught in a maze of serial murders and haunting pasts. His powerful performance is being lauded for breaking type and revealing a darker, more intense facet of his talent. If you don't know who he is, we have got you covered.
Who is Vaibhav Raj Gupta? Gullak actor now in Mandala Murders
Vaibhav Raj Gupta, born on January 19, 1991, in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, began his career in theatre before moving into film and television. He gained widespread acclaim for his role as Anand 'Annu' Mishra in the popular web series Gullak (2019–2024), where his relatable performance resonated with audiences throughout its run. Before his breakout role, he featured in projects like Noor (2017) and Good Bad Girl (2022), steadily establishing himself as a performer committed to strong storytelling and nuanced characters.
Vaibhav Raj Gupta in Mandala Murders
In Netflix's thriller Mandala Murders, Vaibhav steps into a much darker role as Vikram Singh, a suspended police officer haunted by his past. He joins forces with CBI officer Rea Thomas (played by Vaani Kapoor) to investigate a string of ritualistic killings in the fictional town of Charandaspur, Uttar Pradesh.
His powerful performance in the series has drawn praise from critics, who have commended his ability to shed the affable image of 'Annu' and embrace a more intense, emotionally layered character, highlighting his remarkable versatility as an actor.
Vaibhav Raj Gupta talks about the success of Gullak
As per The New Indian Express, reflecting on the moment he knew the show was a success, Vaibhav Raj Gupta recounted how deeply moved he was by the reactions of his family especially his parents, grandmother, and aunt after watching the first season. Seeing the happiness in their eyes made him feel confident that the show had truly connected with its audience.
He credited the show's success to its thoughtful writing and well-developed characters, noting that even the best actors can't salvage a poorly written script. Vaibhav also praised the dedication of the entire team, from directors and writers to actors and crew and admitted that Gullak holds a special place in his heart as his favourite project to date.
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